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2 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comAUBURN HIGH TIGERS

Tigers have bright outlook with 34 seniors returningBY JASON GALLOWAY

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Some of the big names havemoved on, most notably line-backer Reuben Foster andquarterback Cameron Echols-Luper.But a number of potential

Division-I players — includingRashaan Evans, Blaise Taylor,Antreal Allen, Darian Yancy,Mike Turner and Selwyn andDelwyn Torbert — are part of along list of 34 seniors back foranother shot at a deep playoffrun.“I really like this group,” Au-

burn High head coach TimCarter said. “They’re a goodgroup of kids. They work ex-tremely hard. They had a lot todo with our success last year.“We’ve had a great offseason.

They’ve displayed great lead-ership. From a head coach,that means we haven’t had alot of problems. They took careof business in the classroom.They’ve stayed out of trouble,and they’ve just been good cit-izens, so that’s something thatexcites me.”On the field, the Tigers could

be just as good.All the aforementioned col-

lege prospects are returningstarters in either the second-ary or along the defensive line,something that should allowfour new starters at linebackerthe time to grow as the seasonprogresses.Maintaining a defense that

held six opponents to 10 pointsor less last year is an attainablegoal for a team coming off aClass 6A quarterfinal appear-ance.“I feel like as long as we ex-

ecute and do what we’re sup-posed to do, our defenseshould be one of our strongpoints this year,” said Taylor,a starter at cornerback andwide receiver. “(We) should beable to hold teams to about thesame numbers as we did lastyear, if not better.”

Offensively, Auburn High re-turns an experienced offensiveline along with senior tight endKyle Sikes.Although sophomore quar-

terback Bradley Northcutt andother skill position players stillhave much to prove, Cartersaid the Tigers have five or sixrunning backs who could earnreps, and Northcutt’s potentiallooked promising in his timeon the field as a freshman.When Northcutt had to re-

place Echols-Luper during last

year’s season opener at Valleyand briefly during the team’ssecond-round playoff victoryat McGill-Toolen, the offensebarely missed a beat.“We have a lot of confidence

in (Bradley), especially me,”Taylor said. “I saw flashes ofhis potential and his greatnesslast year. He came in the Valleygame and threw a deep post tome that was right on the mon-ey. It was a great throw, and hekindof got thrown into theheatof the battle and didn’t know

he was going to play at all.”Carter added, “I was most

proud of him in the McGill-Toolen game. Bradley camein and on two consecutivedrives we got first downs andon the second drive we actu-ally scored. He led us down thefield. And that was a pressuresituation. That was a packedhouse in the second roundagainst a very good footballteam.”If some of Auburn High’s

younger players develop

throughout the season, the Ti-gers — ranked fourth enteringthe season — will be as good abet as any tomake a deep play-off run.

At A Glance» Head coach: Tim Carter, 8thyear (67-17), 12th overall (85-41)» Assistant coaches: Jason Da-vis, Mike Glisson,Willie Hutchin-son,Anthony Jeter, Rob McKin-nell, Ja-mie Rice,AveryWarner,Les Sanders» 2012 record: 11-2 (6-1 region);lost, 8-7, to Opelika in 6A quarter-finals» Offense: Spread» Defense: 4-3» Returning offense starters(5):WR Blaise Taylor (Sr., 5-8,160 ); TE Kyle Sikes (Sr., 5-11,190); OLJohn David Hart (Sr., 6-1,

250); OLDaltonWall (Sr., 5-10,200); OLTristan Corbin (Sr., 5-11,230)» Returning defensive starters(7): CBTaylor; DE Rashaan Evans(Sr., 6-2, 215); CB Antreal Allen(Sr., 5-9, 150); S Selwyn Torbert(Sr., 6-1, 185); S Delwyn Torbert(Sr., 6-1, 185); DL Darian Yancy(Sr., 6-3, 210); DLMike Turner(Sr., 5-11, 240)» Other contributors: LB HunterRoland (Jr., 6-0, 220);WR TreyJones (Sr., 5-10, 170); RB CordellBat-tle (Jr.); TE Griffin Riggs (Jr.);DB Daron Hooks (Jr.); RB JamesAskew (Sr.); WR Tyus O’Neal

El (Sr.); QB Bradley Northcutt(So.); WR Daniel Moore (Sr.);RB Jadarius Drummonds (Sr.);RB Jacob Hardy (Jr.); LB RandyHooks (Jr.); Tyus Flakes (So.); DLWesley Hutson (Sr.); LB ShelbyGulledge (Jr.); LB Ben Coleman(Jr.); OL Christian Reyes (Sr.);OL Bailey Morris (Sr.); DLJesusAlvarez (Sr.); DL Bubba Soren-son (Jr.); OL KennyWillis (Sr.);OLJake Vickers (Sr.); DLTravisVickerstaff (Sr.)» Key losses: OLWill Boler, TEMaltiece O’Neal El, LB HarrisonRiggs, LB Reuben Foster, LBParker Heideman, LB AustinWil-

liams, DB Zay Lockhart, QB/DBCameron Echols-Luper, RBCameron Reese, RB Gevon Jones,WR DeMikyle Holmes

2013 Schedule»Aug. 30 vs.Valley» Sept. 6 vs. Jeff Davis *» Sept. 13 at Smiths Station *» Sept. 19 at Sidney Lanier *» Sept. 27 vs. Gadsden City» Oct. 4 at Carver-Montgomery *» Oct. 11 vs. Central *» Oct. 18 vs. Lee-Montgomery *» Oct. 25 at Opelika *» Nov. 1 at East Limestone*Class 6A-Region 3 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Tigers» Colors: Blue and white» Stadium: Duck Samford(8,310)» Location: Intersection ofGlenn Avenue and East Univer-sity Drive» Admission: $7» Parking: $2 behind stadium,free across East University andGlenn» Radio: WINGS (94.3 FM),ESPN (106.5 FM) andWANI(1400 AM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2012

AuburnsophomorequarterbackBradleyNorthcutt willstart undercenter forthe Tigersthis season.Northcuttsaw somesignificantplaying timelast year as abackup.

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“I feel like as long as weexecute and do what we’resupposed to do, our defenseshould be one of our strongpoints this year. (We) shouldbe able to hold teams to aboutthe same numbers as we didlast year, if not better.”

Blaise Taylor,Auburn High cornerback, wide receiver

BY JASON [email protected]

Seven-win seasons aren’t easy tocome by in high school football.When a team comes off a three-

year stretch where it wins 30,though — as Central had goinginto last season — it can changeperception quite dramatically.Even in a region as tough as

Class 6A-Region 3, a Red Devilsteam returning 18 starters won’tbe satisfied with another first-round playoff exit.“I’d saywedidOK (last year), but

I know it could have been better,”safety Christian Campbell said.“We lost in the first round of theplayoffs, and that hurt a lot of se-niors and a lot of juniors. It wasn’tall that we could do. We couldhave done better, I know that.“I’m expecting a way better sea-

son.”Central got some unexpected

news in the summer when in-cumbent starting quarterback Ja-mal Howard decided to forgo hissenior football season to focus hisattention on baseball, the sporthe’s signed on to play at the Uni-versity of Alabama.That leaves junior Ethan Baber

as the likely starter under center.He started two games last yearand will have plenty of optionsaround him offensively to makehis life easier.

The most talented of the bunchcould be junior running back/receiver Traveon Samuel, a 5-foot-9, 180-pounder who alreadyhas offers from a host of majorprograms. Head coach Wood-row Lowe said he expects to haveplenty of other weapons aroundSamuel at the skill positions.“(Samuel) has been very pro-

ductive in our system, and I lookfor him to continue to do whathe’s always done,” Lowe said.“People know we’ve got TraveonSamuel. They knew last year andthey knew the year before that,too. We’ve got other guys that aregoing to step up. They alreadyknow it.“During the offseason, especial-

ly at this level, you’ve got guys thatyou’re looking to come through.You tell them at the end of the

season. I’ve seen a lot of individ-ual development. I’ve seen somebetter things on defense, I’ve seensome better things on offense,and even on the special teams I’veseen some better things.”The schedule will make an im-

provement in win-loss recordrather difficult. The Red Devilsreceived the 15th-most votes inthe ASWA preseason poll and arestill ranked behind No. 4 Auburn,No. 5 Opelika and No. 10 Carver-Montgomery in Class 6A-Region3.Even so, Central came seconds

away fromdefeating theTigers lastseason—whichwouldhavemadethe Red Devils region championsinstead of a No. 4 seed — andLowe believes his team has put inthe work to be ahead of where itwas at this point last year.“I think right now, the biggest

strength I have is them being to-gether as a team,” Lowe said. “Ithink right nowwe’re ahead of theteamwe had last year by being to-gether. I’ve seen some situationshere over the last six or sevenmonths that I know these guyscan come together to get it done.“We tell them,‘This is your team.

We’re going to coach you hard.We’re going to be consistent withwhat we expect and demand. Youjust got to give it all back at the ap-propriate time.’”

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 3CENTRAL RED DEVILS

OPEN

SUNDAYS!

Experienced RedDevils ‘expecting’ better seasonAt A Glance» Head coach:WoodrowLowe, 4th year (27-9), 8thoverall (46-31)» Assistant coaches:Joel Babb,Matt Bell, BryceCiancio, Adrian Lyles, RobMorales, Ray Vickers, KeithWicker, Brandon Avery,Scotty King, Zack Berklin» 2012 record: 7-4 (5-2region), lost, 43-13, to SpainPark in 6A first round» Offense:Multiple» Defense: Multiple» Returning offensivestarters (7): OLVarlioWilson (Sr., 5-11, 305);WR/RB Traveon Samuel (Jr.,5-9, 180); RB Kenny Thomas(Jr., 5-10, 211); WR/RB RyanHumphrey (Sr., 5-10, 190);WR/RB Khaled Berk-lin (Sr.,6-0, 205); LT Chance Collins(Sr., 6-2, 230); TE/OLJuronJones (Sr., 5-10, 225)» Returning defensivestarters (11): DLQuannJohnson (Jr., 6-2, 255); OLBKendrick Hillion (Sr., 5-11,205); DLJordan Strong(Sr., 6-2, 230); FS ChristianCampbell (Sr., 6-2, 180); DLCamarcusWilliams (Jr., 6-2,250); DL/OLBWalter Pritch-ett (So., 6-1, 205); DB JohnBroussard (So., 6-1, 175); DB

Jo Jo Ray (Sr., 5-11, 185); DBChris Jones (Sr., 5-11, 180);DB Josh Morgan (Sr., 5-9,175); DLJeruel Hunter (Jr.,6-0, 235)» Returning special teamsstarters (2): K CameronHerring (Jr., 5-11, 175); LSLevi Boleware (Jr., 5-8, 175)» Key losses: DLJeremiahPayne, DLDerrick King, LBAkil Perry, ILB Cedric Cham-bers, DL Shaq Nickerson, DLJason Smith, OLMarkeithBennett, OL Cameron Fra-ser, LB DeAngelo Morales,RB/WR Deon Hall, P/KOChance Chandler, OLBSayveon Ford, DB JimmonWatkins

2013 Schedule»Aug. 29 vs. Russell County» Sept. 5 at Carver-Montgomery *» Sept. 13 vs. Opelika *»Sept.20 vs.Lee-Montgomery *» Sept. 27 at East Coweta(Ga.)» Oct. 4 vs. Jeff Davis *» Oct. 11 at Auburn *» Oct. 17 at Sidney Lanier *» Oct. 25 vs. SmithsStation *» Nov. 1 at Stanhope Elmore*Class 6A-Region 3 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Red Devils» Colors: Red and black» Stadium: Garrett-Harrison(8,500)» Location: Summerville Road &U.S. Hyw 80 in Phenix City» Admission: $7» Parking: $3 at stadium» Radio: Magic (98.3 FM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m. (CST)» Last playoff appearance: 2012

4 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comOPELIKA BULLDOGS

Bulldogs longing for 2nd shot at state titleAt A Glance» Head coach: Brian Black-mon, 5th year (28-16)» Assistant coaches: BusterDaniel, Alex Dowdell, AdamMassey, Bryan Moore, MikeMurray, Lamar Prescott, ErikSpeakman, Brandon Johnson,Ben Landers, Jimmy Johnson,Kenny Prescott, JonathanChandler» 2012 record: 10-5 (5-2region); lost, 31-0, to Hoover in6A state championship» Offense: Spread» Defense: 4-2-5» Returning offensivestarters (4): QBMatthewChristian (Jr., 6-2, 185); OLDrew Kyser (Jr., 6-4, 290); OLAshton Merritt (Sr., 6-3, 285);WR Marquise Fulton (Sr., 6-3,205)» Returning defensivestarters (6): DTJerred Gentry(Jr., 6-3, 300); LB MarquiseWright (Sr., 6-1, 230); LBRoy Yancey (Jr., 6-1, 195); SSMalcolm Buggs (Sr., 5-11, 200);CB Stephen Roberts (Sr., 6-0,175); CB AldreecousWilson (Sr.,5-11, 170)» Other contributors: TE KyleFourtenbarry (So., 6-4, 205);WR Ladarious Gopher (Sr., 5-10,170); RB Reggie Hall (Sr., 6-2,195); RB Jarquavious Crawford(Sr., 5-10, 185); DT Chase Baker(Sr., 6-2, 290); DE QuandeskiWhitlow (Jr., 6-4, 220); FS Car-trell Washington (Sr., 6-1, 170)» Key losses: RB Calvin Bry-ant, DLMartin Scott

2013 Schedule» Aug. 30 vs. Benjamin Russell» Sept. 6 at Lee-Montgomery *» Sept. 13 at Central *» Sept. 20 vs. Carver-Montgomery *» Sept. 27 at Valley» Oct. 4 vs. Sidney Lanier *» Oct. 11 vs. Smiths Station *» Oct. 18 at Jeff Davis *» Oct. 25 vs.Auburn *» Oct. 31 vs. Hoover*Class 6A-Region 3 games


Opelika got a taste of beingone of the state’s dominantClass 6A programs during lastyear’s playoffs.After a third-place finish in

Region 3, the Bulldogs sur-prised everyone with fourstraight postseason wins and aspot in the state championshipgame at Jordan-Hare Stadium.With many key players back

entering 2013, the expecta-tions surrounding the program—andwithin it— have amuchdifferent feel.“Now we can no longer say

that we’ve never been there,”Opelika head coach BrianBlackmon said. “Now it’s notjust about being there. It’sabout finishing that. We’ve gotan unfinished task at hand,and our kids are dying to get anopportunity to do it again.”Back for the Bulldogs are the

core pieces — including four-

star Alabama commitmentStephen Roberts at cornerback— of a secondary that shouldbe able to match up with justabout any in the state.Junior quarterback Matthew

Christian now has 15 starts un-der center, and wide receiverMarquise Fulton — a Divi-sion-I prospect who caughtthe game-winning touchdownagainst Auburn High in lastyear’s quarterfinals — also re-turns.Despite the positive outlook

for a team ranked No. 5 in thestate heading into the season,Opelika’s title chances took ahit when three-star AuburnUniversity commitment JakellMitchell tore his ACL in lateJune.It was the worst player the

Bulldogs could lose. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder playedtight end, H-back, runningback, wildcat back, defensiveend and had a part on every

special teams unit last season.“You can’t replace him,”

Blackmon said. “I think you’vegot to get all those roles that heplayedandtry tofill themwithabunch of different people. He’snot only a dynamic player, buthe’s also such a dynamic per-sonality that everything he didpermeated through our team,so we’ve got to try to hang ontothat part of what he does and

bring that to the table and thentry to get guys to fill those roleson the field for us, too.”Opelika also won’t be sneak-

ing up on anyone this year —quite the opposite, actually.“I believe that before the

(2012) playoffs, we were theteam that was trying to beat ev-erybody, andnow thatwemadethe run that we did, everybodywants to beat Opelika,” Mitch-ell said. “Everybody wants tobeat us now.”But Opelika remains confi-

dent that it has enough talent—andnow the experience—towin the South again and makeit back to the state title game.This time around, the Bull-

dogs don’t plan on stoppingthere.“Since we made it last year

and we didn’t quite finish, ourgoal this year is to finish,” Rob-erts said. “I have great confi-dence. If we make it this year, Iknow we’re going to take it.”

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Bulldogs» Colors: Red and black» Stadium: Bulldog Stadium(8,000)» Location:½mile north of Hwy431/29 intersection, past theschool on the left» Admission: $7» Parking: Free» Radio:WKKR (97.7 FM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2012

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Opelika quarterback Matthew Christian, pictured here during preseason practice, helped lead the Bulldogs to their first-ever state championshipgame last year.

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OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 5PREP BLITZ 2013

6 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comSMITHS STATION PANTHERS

Plenty of experience returns for hungry PanthersAt A Glance» Head coach:Mark Rose, 6th year(24-28), 16th overall (122-44)» Assistant coaches: Clinton Britton,Roy Brown, Randy Daniels, Rusty Da-vis, Johnny Faulk, Cody Fluornoy, JaredHarrelson,Adam Johnson, Jeff Carrero,Cencade Pennington, Tommy Sanders» 2012 record: 5-5 (3-4 region)» Offense: Multiple» Defense: 4-3» Returning offensive starters (8):RB Devante Marshall (Sr., 5-9, 175)/J.J.Dancy (Sr., 5-9, 175); WR JohnnyWoods (Sr., 6-2, 202); WR LedarianHeath (Sr., 6-4. 190); QB Jerrell Gilm-ore (Sr., 6-0, 185); OTJustinWimberly(Sr., 5-11, 310); TE LeviWhite (Sr., 5-11,185); C John Kittrell (Sr., 6-0, 280); OGDevan Miller (Sr., 5-10, 240)» Returning defensive starters (8):CBMarshall, LBWoods, SS Heath, LBAnfernee Moffett (Sr., 5-11, 220); LBAmonte Caban (Jr., 6-2, 215); CB TreyHarris (6-0, 165); OLB Marcus Maddox(6-1, 185); FS Nigel Lawrence (6-0,170)» Other contributors: LT LadariusWilson (Jr., 6-0, 280); RG DujuanSimmons (Jr., 5-9, 260); WR/SS TreTrimble (Jr., 6-0, 180);WR JaylenJones (Sr., 5-11, 160); WB/CB KennyWimberly (Jr., 5-9, 180); TE ColemanRose (Jr., 6-0, 190); K Harrison Jones(So., 5-9, 155); DE Clay Edmonds (Jr.,6-1, 205); DE Julian Monds (Sr., 6-0,185); DE Vada King (So., 6-1, 210); DELeviWhite (Sr., 5-11, 190); CB RenoldWilliams (So., 5-9, 160); CB K.J. John-son (So., 5-11, 170)» Key losses: DE Doniaven Kilpatrick,DE Chris Perusck, LB Tim Hester, OLZach Sidman

2013 Schedule»Aug. 30 vs. Enterprise» Sept. 6 vs. Sidney Lanier *» Sept. 13 vs.Auburn *» Sept. 20 at Jeff Davis *» Sept. 27 vs. Beauregard» Oct. 3 at Lee-Montgomery *» Oct. 11 at Opelika *» Oct. 18 vs. Carver-Montgomery *» Oct. 25 at Central *» Nov. 1 at Valley*Class 6A-Region 3 games


Mark Rose knows how difficult it willbe to make the playoffs in Class 6A-Re-gion 3 this season, evenwith his SmithsStation team returning 16 starters fromlast season and seven players who areentering their third year atop the depthchart.Once the Panthers are in, though,there’s no telling what could happen.“If you can compete with theseteams, one through four, whoevermakes it from this region has a chance,and Opelika proved that last year,” thehead coach said. “Always, our goal isto win the state championship. If youmake the playoffs, you’ve got a chanceat that. Our No. 1 goal is to make theplayoffs. We do that, then we’ve gota chance to do what we’re here for tostart with, and that’s play for a statechampionship.”Rose — who led Smiths Station tothe postseason in 2010 — said histeam last year was the best he’s had inhis five years at the school. After put-ting up fights against rival Central andeventual-state-runner-up Opelika, thePanthers still fell one win shy of thepostseason.This season looks even more promis-ing, with most of the team’s best ath-letes returning.

There were only seven seniors whoplayed for Smiths Station last season,and Rose said the increase in teamspeed this year was noticeable duringthe Panthers’ spring game. Among thereturners are speedster running backsDevante Marshall and J.J. Dancy, whorun 4.37 and 4.47 40-yard dash times.“We’ve got a lot of experience,” saidwide receiver/linebacker JohnnyWoods, a three-year starter on bothsides of the ball. “We’ve got everybodycoming back from last year that start-ed, so we’re looking forward to it.“We’re very hungry. It starts in theoffseason, working hard and liftingweights. Then going out there andcompeting, playing hard.”The Panthers also have the luxury of athree-year starter atquarterback. Jerrell

Gilmore threw just two interceptionsin 10 games last season and passed formore than 1,000 yards, no small feat inan offense that rarely throws the ball.Rose may be able to open up the of-fense this season with Gilmore undercenter.“Jerrell’s a smart football player,” Rosesaid. “It’s big because he knows whatit takes to win, and he’s a really smartfootball player. He’s improved himselfphysically. He runs better. He’s muchstronger, and so I’m looking for a bigyear from him.”Rose also said he continues to see animproving work ethic among his play-ers. Many have been traveling to extracamps in the offseason, and Rose eventook eight with him to Samford’s campearlier this summer.He also knows that hard work nowneeds to be compounded with an abil-ity to win close games against some ofthe region’s toughest competition.“They’re extremely hungry, andthey’ve worked as hard as I could everask of them,” Rose said. “It’s not com-ing from me anymore. They do it be-cause they want to win and they knowhow to work.“To me, we haven’t done anything. Itstarts Aug. 30 against Enterprise, andwe’ve got to finish games and finish re-gion games and get in the playoffs.”

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Panthers» Colors: Black and silver» Stadium: Panther Stadium» Location: Lee Road 298, one blockwest of Lee Road 298-Lee Road 430junction» Admission: $7» Parking: Free» Radio:WMXA (96.7 FM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m. (CST)» Last playoff appearance: 2010

Smiths Stationquarterback JerrellGilmore threw justtwo interceptionsin 10 games last

season as a juniorand passed for

more than 1,000yards.

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BY [email protected]

It was Marshon Harper’s dreamto return to his alma mater as acoach, but even he never expect-ed to be the man in charge.

Harper, the first-year coach atValley High, simply wanted tohelp in whatever spot was open.For 15 years, he’s been at his oldschool, toiling as an assistantcoach. Now, the former Ramsquarterback who led the pro-gram to consecutive semifinalsappearances in the early 1990s— losing to Auburn receiverscoach Dameyune Craig’s BlountHigh team as a senior — is taskedwith bringing the program backto glory.

“It was a dream of mine to al-ways come back and help outand coach at my old high school,”Harper said, “but never in a mil-lion years did I think I’d be thehead coach. I’m just taking in the

moment and working hard.”Harper has the things you’d ex-

pect to find on a first-year coach’swish list. There is the ample expe-rience he’s already built at Valley,and Harper praised his assistantcoaching staff for helping himmake a smooth transition.

But, perhaps most important,Harper has a wealth of experi-

ence on his roster. Valley has 19seniors this fall, many of whomare returning starters. The Ramsreturn four regular receivers,three starting offensive linemenand more than half its defense.

Harper, who will also be theteam’s defensive coordinator andsafeties coach, said his playershave a strong leadership role inhis program.

“It’s going to help us out a lot,”Harper said. “The kids havebought into it.Theyknowwhatweexpect from them.They come outand work hard every day. They’vebeen doing an excellent job in theleadership aspect. When a youngkid makes a mistake, they get onthem and hold them account-able. It helps a lot.”

After a first-round playoff exitlast fall, Valley hopes to buildoff that postseason experience.Harper said he’s set “realisticgoals” for his team.

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 7VALLEY RAMS

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Harper ready to lead Rams back to gloryAt A Glance» Head coach:MarshonHarper, 1st season (0-0)» Assistant coaches: AdamHunter, George Grimes, Domi-nique Jackson, Jonas House,Ryan Smith, Stevie Coker,MarioWalker, RyanWinston» 2012 record: 5-6 (5-2 Re-gion); lost to Vigor, 29-14, infirst round of the 5A playoffs» Offense: Multiple» Defense: 3-4» Returning offensivestarters (7):WR CedricChambers (Sr., 5-8, 170); WRFrankie Hutchinson (Sr., 5-7,160);WR Davion Bailey (Sr.,5-5, 165); RB Deon Johnson(Sr., 5-8, 170); OL BryanMcMackin (Sr., 5-11, 200); CLogan Ragsdale (6-1, 220);OL Logan Cotney (Sr., 5-10,210)» Returning defensive

starters (6): DE Ty Martin;LB Japi Robinson (Sr., 5-9,230), DE Jeremiah Darden(Jr., 5-10, 200); CB TerronBarker (Jr., 5-11, 155); SMatraviousWilliams (Jr., 5-9,165), S Broski Peterson» Other contributors: SCam McCray; OLB AmortezMoody; DE Rye Shiver; DEHudson Shoemaker

2013 Schedule» Aug. 30 at Auburn» Sept. 6 at Rehobeth *» Sept. 13 vs. Carroll *» Sept. 20 at BenjaminRussell *» Sept. 27 vs. Opelika» Oct. 4 vs. Eufaula *» Oct. 11 at BTW *» Oct. 18 at Russell County *» Oct. 25 vs. Marbury *» Nov. 1 vs. Smiths Station*Class 5A-Region 2 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Rams» Colors: Orange and blue» Stadium: Rams Stadium(5,000)» Location: Exit 77 off I-85, turnright on Fob James Drive, right atfirst light, right onto SportsplexRoad» Admission: $7» Parking: Free» Radio: 100.9 FM» Home kickoff: 7 p.m. (CT)» Last playoff appearance: 2012

BY JUSTIN [email protected]

Last season, the Tallas-see Tigers came up a footshort of the third round ofthe Class 4A playoffs.Facing off against Dora

in the second round andtrailing, 41-40, in over-time, first-year headcoach Mike Battles calledfor his Tigers to go for apotential game-winning2-point conversion rath-er than kicking an extrapoint to extend overtime.The Tigers handed it

off. The Dora defenseclosed in. When the dustsettled, the Tallassee run-ner was ruled just short ofthe goal line, ending theTigers’ season.“If you’re a Dora fan,

they stopped us,” Battlessaid. “If you’re a Tallasseefan, we got in. It was that

close. That’s the game offootball.”The loss didn’t keep

Tallassee down for long.Battles says his team wasdisappointed for about aweek before they startedlooking ahead to 2013— Tallassee’s secondyear in Class 4A-Region 2and with Battles as head

coach.Rather than being bit-

ter, the Tigers are usinglast season as motivationand a reminder of whatthey are capable of with alot of work and little luck.“Every team says, ‘We’re

trying to win a statechampionship,’” Battlessaid. “There’s not butabout 10 of them that’sgoing to have a chance. Ithinkour kidsunderstandthat, last year, you know,we were one of those 10.Had the ball bounced an-other way, we might havebeen in that third, fourthround.“Our kids used the mo-

tivation of: ‘We can. It’snot just a dream. We re-ally might could if every-thing goes right.’”Everything just may

go right for the Tigers in

2013, as they return a sol-id core of key players onthe defensive side of theball, hoping to improve intheir second year in Bat-tles’ 3-4defensive schemeafter a tough transitionfrom the 4-3 last season.

The Tigers will facechallenges on offense,however, replacing theirquarterback and entireoffensive line, as well asASWA All-State player Di-jon Paschal, who signedwith Arkansas State in the

spring.“I think we’ll play more

sound defense,” Battlessaid. “Our secondaryplayers are veterans, ourlinebackers are veterans,and we’ve got some gooddefensive linemen. “

8 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comTALLASSEE TIGERS & BTW GOLDEN EAGLES

BTW Golden EaglesAt A Glance» Head coach:MauriceHeard, 3rd year (3-17)» Assistant coaches:Leon Day, Xavier Smith,Terrance Bogan, TracyStacy, Jerome Temple,Lionel Armstead, RobertJohnson» 2012 record: 2-8 (1-6region)» Offense:Multiple» Defense: 4-3» Returning offensivestarters (6): RB KelvinKey (Sr., 5-9, 170); WRKjamus Sanders (Sr., 5-11,160); OL Walter Hairston(Sr., 6-3, 300); OC Court-ney Gibson (Jr., 5-9, 250);OL Ladarius Martin (Jr.,5-11, 240); WR RashunFitzpatrick (Jr., 5-9, 165)» Returning defensivestarters (8): DL Tyrell

Williams (Sr., 6-1, 275); DLQuintavious Jackson (Jr.,6-0, 240); LB JameriousMiles (Jr., 5-9, 200); DBSanders; DL Hairston;DL Lakeneric Uzzle (Jr.,6-0, 260); DL Martin; DBFitzpatrick» Other key contribu-tors: QB Lewis O’Neal(So., 6-0, 180); QB RonnieHolmes (Fr., 6-1, 185); CBDarryle Powell (So., 5-8,170); OL/DL Michael Wil-liams (Sr., 6-4, 280)

2013 schedule:»Aug. 30 vs. Tallassee» Sept. 6 vs. Eufaula *» Sept. 13 at BenjaminRussell *» Sept. 20 at Carroll *» Sept. 27 vs. BullockCounty» Oct. 4 Rehobeth *

» Oct. 11 vs. Valley *» Oct. 18 at Marbury *» Oct. 25 vs. RussellCounty *» Nov. 1 at Lee-Montgomery*Class 5A-Region 2

games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: GoldenEagles» Colors: Purple and gold» Stadium: Eagle StarStadium (4,000)» Location: Behindschool on MLK Highway inTuskegee» Admission: $6» Parking: $5» Radio: None» Home kickoff time:7 p.m.» Last playoffappearance: 1992

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Tigers» Colors: Purple and gold» Stadium: Hot O’BrienStadium» Location: Hwy. 14, amile west of school» Admission: $6» Parking: Free» Radio: WTLS (1300 AM)» Home kickoff time:7 p.m.» Last playoff

At A Glance» Head coach: MikeBattles, 2nd year (9-3),17th overall (126-58)» Assistant coaches:Dustin Cook, Will Glaze,Danny Worley, Eric Cable,Scott Justiss, Brad Elam,John Goodman, John Mask» 2012 record: 9-3 (6-1region); lost, 41-40 OT, toDora in 4A second round» Offense: Pro style» Defense: 3-4» Returning offensivestarters (3): TE DevontaeMcKenzie (Sr., 6-1, 205);RB Herman McKenzie(Jr., 5-9, 185); FB BrandonBaynes (Jr., 5-9, 195)

» Returning defensivestarters (6): DE BenGraham (Jr., 6-0, 255); LBDrew Baker (Sr., 5-10, 190);LB Rob-bie Rygiel (Sr., 5-8,180); LB Blake Ware (Jr.,6-0, 205); CB Braxton Han-cock (Sr., 5-10, 170); CB DJRivers (Sr., 5-8, 180)» Other contributors:QB Seth Golden (Sr., 5-8,165); WR Michael Trimble(Jr., 6-2, 190); OL BrockHammock (Jr., 6-3, 255);OL Tyler Bufford (Jr., 6-2,205); C Robbie Lynch (So.,5-9, 195); OL Jake Baker(Fr., 6-1, 245); OL JustinCreamer (Jr., 6-0, 205); DBBJ Thomas (Sr., 5-9, 170)» Key losses: WR Dijon

Paschal, QB Jed Carter,OL Corbin Hammonds, OLJesse Rowlen, LB TaylorMarshall, DL Bo Sanders

2013 Schedule»Aug. 30 at BTW» Sept. 6 at BullockCounty *» Sept. 13 vs CharlesHenderson *» Sept. 20 at Headland *» Sept. 27 vs. Dadeville» Oct. 4 vs. Ashford *» Oct. 11 at AmericanChristian *» Oct. 18 vs. St. James *» Oct. 25 vs. Beauregard *» Nov. 1 at Elmore County* Class 4A-Region 2 games

Tigers ready to take aim at another run in the playoffs


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Dialleo Burks’ plan doesn’t comefrom arrogance or inflated expec-tations. It comes fromhis desire tobe the best, in everything he does.He was that way as a player, andnow, in his first season running ahigh school football program, he’sthat way as a coach.Sure, LaFayette finished 5-5 lastyear andplays in a toughandcom-petitive Class 2A-Region 5, butthat’s not going to stop Burks frompreparing his team for champion-ships, even in his first season withthe Bulldogs.“I told them my expectations,I have high expectations,” saidBurks, who played football colle-giately and professionally. “I havefive rings. My goal is to win a statechampionship. I’m not going intoany situation without wanting tobe the best.“I’m going to give them a statechampionship plan. We’re go-

ing to give them every possibilityand every situation to give them achance to be successful.”Burks’ first ring came at La-Grange (Ga.) High School wherehe was part of a state champion-ship team that was also voted thebest in the nation in 1991. Whileat Eastern Kentucky, Burks waspart of three Ohio Valley Confer-ence championship teams. Hisfinal championship ring came in1998 as part of NFL Europe’sWorldBowl champion Rhein Fire.

He’s most known for his timewith the Dallas Desperados of theArena Football League from 2001-07.Burks said his resume gives himinstant credibility with his newteam, and has helped them buy inthat much faster.Burks, however, understandsyou can’t have success withoutbuilding a solid foundation.And once the basics are mas-tered, Burks said he’ll increase thelearning curve, offensively and de-fensively.“I have a wide receiver mental-ity,” he said about his offense. “Iwould love to throw it 100 timesa game if we could, but that’s notwhat we can do.We’re going to re-late our offense to what our play-ers do best. For me, it’s the littlethings — being able to line upright. You have to be able to do thelittle things before you can run aplay, because that can get you inthe most trouble.”

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New coach focused on building championship programAt A Glance» Head coach: Dialleo Burks,1st year (0-0)» Assistant coaches: CoreyThorton, Don Turner, MichaelPattillo, Michael Bratcher,Obadiah Threadgill, KaneBradfield, Chris Carlile,Stephen Miller» 2012 record: 5-5 (2-5region)» Offense: Multiple» Defense: 3-5» Returning offensivestarters (2):WRQunitavi-ousWhitlow (Jr., 5-11, 165);OL Kelsey Findley (Sr., 5-10,260)» Returning defensivestarters (3): DL Findley;LB Jacari Whitlow (Sr., 6-2,230); LB Mitchell Ross (Sr.,5-10, 185)» Other contributors:OL/DLAquandasWare (Sr.,5-9, 270); ATH Cordeski Floyd

(Jr., 5-9, 160); RB LashawnHowell (Jr., 5-7, 150); TE/DLTrevond Barnes (Jr., 6-7, 185);OL/DLJeremyVines (Sr., 6-1,240); QB Kentrell Hollaway(Jr., 5-9, 170)» Key losses: QB Qua Boyd;WR/DB Joe Vines;WR/ DBJaQuanteizWhitlow; RBStephen Bledsoe

2013 schedule:» Aug. 30 at Loachapoka» Sept. 6 vs. Lanett *» Sept. 13 vs. RandolphCounty *» Sept. 20 at PrattvilleChristian *» Sept. 27 at Abbeville» Oct. 4 at Horseshoe Bend *» Oct. 11 vs. Isabella *» Oct. 18 vs. MontgomeryAcademy *» Oct. 25 at Reeltown *» Nov. 1 vs. Bullock County*Class 2A-Region 5 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Bulldogs» Colors: Black and gold» Stadium: Bulldog Stadium(3,500)» Location: First Ave., in LaFayette,a mile east of Hwy. 431» Admission: $7» Parking: Free» Radio: None» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.»Last playoff appearance: 2011

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Panthers go to new offenseBYMIKE [email protected]

The formation is tra-ditional, but the style isnot.Fifth-year Lanett head

coach Cliff Story madethat clear to his team,and anyone else whoasks, when he made thedecision to change hisoffense from a spread at-tack to theWing-T.“I call it ‘high octane,’”

Story said. “We’re notgoing to be traditional,slow Wing-T, now. We’regoing to do a lot of stuffout of it. We’re still goingto get into some pistoland spread formations.The only thing we’re go-ing to truly run that isWing-T is our blockingassignments.“As far as what we’re

going to do out of it,we’re going to be veryversatile. It’s going to putmy athletes in space tomake plays.”Story switchedoffenses

in the spring after losingtwo-year starting quar-

terback Shavar Hollidayto graduation.“I really didn’t have

any true down-the-fieldthreat,” the coach said.“So we had to do some-thing that would putus in the best positionto win. I have guys whocan throw the ball me-dium range, but the realdeep ball and the versa-tile quarterback, I didn’thave.“But we have wide

receivers and runningbacks and fullbacks thatcan help us in the Wing-T.”Story said the play-

ers have adapted to thenew offense extremelywell, and have been ableto have success with itearly.“They love it. They like

all the stuff we’re doingout of it,” Story said. “Ifwe were just traditional(Wing-T), I think I wouldhave a problem gettingthem to adjust to it. Butwith all the stuff we havedone in the spring and

leading up to the sea-son, they have fell in lovewith it, because it givesus a chance to spread theball out to several differ-ent people and do a lotof stuff out of it.”SeniorMandell Raywill

take over the play-callingduties for Holliday, whothrew for 1,163 yards and26 passing touchdowns,while also running for347 yards and five TDslast year during his se-nior season.

At A Glance» Head coach: Cliff Story(5th season, 19-22)» Assistant coaches:Chip Seagle, JamesWise,CharlieWilliams, JonKitchens, Michael Ervins,Desmond Flournoy, NekosDavis» 2012 record: 8-2 (6-1region); lost to Fultondale,14-13, in first round of Class2A playoffs» Offense:Wing-T» Defense: 4-3» Returning offensivestarters (6): C Quintavi-ous Rea (Sr., 6-1, 270); OTBranquavious Bussey (Jr.,6-3, 290); RB JalenWash-ington (Sr., 6-2, 205); WRJamarious Barrow (Sr., 5-5,147); FB BrandonWinston

(Sr., 5-9, 125); TE/QBMan-dell Ray (Sr., 6-3, 195)» Returning defen-sive starters (8): NGShaerdarious Barnes (Jr.,5-11, 260); DE JerriondaLloyd (Jr., 6-2, 205); DTBussey; DE Orendaz Hol-loway (Sr., 6-8, 195); LBWinston; LBWashington;Paul Marshall (Sr., 5-11,170); DB Marlon Bridges(Jr., 6-1, 180); DB AnquavisSimpson (Jr., 6-0, 165)» Other contributors:OGTravon Mathis (Fr., 6-2,235) OTAlexander Towles(Jr., 6-3, 204); RB/WRMaurice Sears (So., 5-8,160); WR David Odom (Sr.,5-8, 145); DT DontraviousWilliams (Sr., 6-2, 305); LBTymiakal Howell (So., 6-0,

215)» Key losses: QB ShavarHolliday;WR/DB DesmondStephenson; LB Zan-quanariousWashington;WR/QB Romello Murphy

2013 schedule:» Aug. 30 at Autaugaville» Sept. 6 at LaFayette *» Sept. 13 vs. Reeltown *» Sept. 20 vs. MontgomeryAcademy *» Sept. 26 vs. Notasulga» Oct. 4 at Isabella *» Oct. 11 vs. RandolphCounty *» Oct. 18 at PrattvilleChristian *» Oct. 25 at HorseshoeBend *» Nov. 1 Open*Class 2A-Region 5 games

Game Night Guide:» Nickname: Panthers» Colors: Black and gold» Stadium: PantherStadium (5,000)» Location: Exit 79 offof I-85; left onto Hwy. 29;left on Hwy 50; right atstadium» Admission: $6» Parking: Free» Radio:WRLA 1520 AM» Home Kickoff time:7 p.m. (CT)» Last Playoffappearance: 2012

JohnnyWoods, Smiths Station,WR/LB» Height/Weight: 6-2, 185

» 40-time: 4.6» Bench/Squat: 270 lbs/405 lbs

» Vertical: 33 inches» 2012 stats: 26 catches, 427 yards, 4 TDs; 36

tackles (22 solo), 1 INT (returned for a TD)» College offers:Western Kentucky,West Alabama» Coach’s take: “We already work hard enough,

and every time I turn around, he’s out there on hisown, working on footwork or something. I think he’simproved as much as he possibly can because he’salways working. He probably doesn’t run the fastest40-time at the camps, but I haven’t seen anybodycover himmuch yet. He’s big and physical. He justgets open and makes plays. He’s very instinctiveon defense as well, so he’s just a great all-around

football player.”

Smiths Station head coach Mark Rose

Rashaan Evans,Auburn High, DE/LB» Height/Weight: 6-2, 220» 40-time: 4.51» Bench/Squat: 345 lbs/550 lbs» Vertical: 38.5 inches» 2012 stats: 28 tackles (18 solo), 25 QB hurries, 5 pass break-

ups, 6.5 sacks» College offers: Deciding between Auburn,Alabama, Georgia

and UCLA among more than 30 offers» Coach’s take: “God gave him a tremendous amount of ability.

He’s 6-2, he weighs 220 pounds, he ran a 4.51, has a 38.5-inchvertical leap — I mean, those are tools that most of us don’t have.Take the combination of a great will to be the best,match it withGod-given ability, and I think his best football’s ahead of him. I re-ally think in the spring he took his game to another level for us.”

Auburn High head coach Tim Carter

Tray Collins, Beauregard,WR» Height/Weight: 5-10, 165

» 40-time: 4.39» Bench: 245 lbs» Squat: 315 lbs

» 2012 stats: 44 catches, 772 yards, 10 TDs;454 rush yards, 11 TDs; four return TDs

» College offers: Georgia Southern,AlabamaState, Southern Miss, Memphis

» Coach’s take: “He’s got all the tools. He canrun, he’s athletic, he’s got a good set of hands. He’sas good as he wants to be. Every Friday night lastyear he was the best player on the field for either

team, and I fully expect that to continue.”

Beauregard head coach Smitty Grider

Jeremy Joseph, Lee-Scott, QB» Height/Weight: 6-6, 230» 40-time: 4.84» Bench: 275 lbs» 2012 stats: 658 yards (5 yards per carry),

8 rushing TDs; 70-of-122 passing (57.4 percent),1,279 yards, 13 TDs, 5 INTs» Colleges interested: Tennessee, Mississippi

State» Coach’s take: “He’s got a real strong arm,

but he runs the ball really well. It’s one thing ifyou’ve got a quarterback that’s not mobile run-ning this spread stuff, but if he’s mobile and canrun the ball, all the play-action faking we can domakes him a real weapon.”

Lee-Scott head coach Robert Maddox

12 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comSUPER 8 SENIORS OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 13SUPER 8 SENIORS

Blaise Taylor,Auburn High,WR/CB/KR» Height/Weight: 5-8, 165

» 40-time: 4.47» Bench: 315 lbs

» 2012 stats: 15 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 3 INTs (onereturned for TD); 12 catches, 303 yards, 5 TDs; 8 carries,

81 yards, 1 TD» College offers: Tennessee,Auburn and Nebraska

among others» Coach’s take: “If he were 6-2, he’d be against the

law. I think colleges are concerned about (his height). Buthe’ll be one of those guys that everybody tells him whathe couldn’t do, and then they’ll all regret the fact that

they didn’t get him because he’s a difference maker. ... Hereminds me a lot of a David Palmer-like athlete. He’s a guythat can do it all.When we need a big play, he’s often the

guy that gets the momentum going for us.”

Auburn High head coach Tim Carter

Christian Campbell, Central, DB» Height/Weight: 6-2, 180

» 40-time: 4.5» Vertical: 37 inches

» 2012 stats: 83 tackles, 3 INTs, 5 pass breakups» College offers: Arkansas State, Georgia Southern,Jacksonville State, Memphis, Northern Illinois, South

Alabama, Southern Miss, UAB,Western Kentucky» Coach’s take: “I just think we’ve scratched the

surface with him. I think he can be just as good as hewants to be. He’s going to be a big guy. He’s not even

finished starting to fill out yet. Once that happens, he’sgoing to be a dangerous guy. I know about the path hisdevelopment has been so far, and I do know what the

expectations are for this year. I do think that he’s goingto hit another level this year.”

Central head coachWoodrow Lowe

Jakell Mitchell, Opelika, TE/ATH» Height/Weight: 6-3, 215» 40-time: 4.62» Bench/Squat: 255 lbs/420 lbs» Vertical: 31 inches» 2012 stats: 26 catches, 357 yards; 84 carries, 389

yards, 17 TDs» College: Committed to Auburn» Coach’s take: “I think arguably, he’s one of the best

football players in the state of Alabama. I think there’ssome guys at positions that are really, really good, butwhen you talk about just an all-around football playerthat eats, sleeps and breathes the game that can do justabout anything on the field. Not only can he do it, but hebelieves he can do it. I think you’ve got to put him in anargument in there as one of the best in the state.”

Opelika head coach Brian Blackmon

Stephen Roberts, Opelika, CB» Height/Weight: 6-0, 180» 40-time: 4.37» Vertical: 34.5 inches» 2012 stats: 59 tackles (46 solo), 8 TFL, 4 INTs (three re-

turned for TDs), 11 pass breakups, 26 yards per kickoff return» College: Committed to Alabama» Coach’s take: “He’s got an eraser. Stephen’s got top-end

speed, so he’s able to recover if he gets beat at the release. Ithink when he plays press man, he’s as good as anyone we’vehad here and probably as good as anyone I’ve seen in a while.... Just this offseason and what we saw from him this spring, Ithink he’s a lot better player than he was at this time last year.Honing in on his skills and really defining himself as a corner Ithink has helped him focus on those skills.”

Opelika head coach Brian Blackmon

14 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comBEAUREGARD HORNETS

Hornets look to build on record-setting seasonAt A Glance» Head coach: Smitty Grider,8th season (55-25)» Assistant coaches:A.J.Kehoe, Bryan Eason, Drakeford,Travis Baxley, Shane Lake, JayUphold; Rob Carter,Wade Thorn,Josh McClendon, Evan Braun,Roger Beck, B.J. Simmons» 2012 record: 11-2 (7-0 re-gion); lost to UMS-Wright, 22-19,in third round of the 4A playoffs» Offense: Spread» Defense: 3-4» Returning offensive starters(8):WR/RB Tray Collins (Sr., 5-10, 165); WR Tykwane Meniefield(Sr., 5-9, 160); WR NathanLangley (Sr., 5-10, 160); RB NikelMitchell (Sr., 6-0, 195); OLTris-ten Bissonnette (Sr., 5-10, 260);OLGabe Morgan (Jr., 6-1, 240);OL Cody May (Sr., 5-11, 220); OLAustin Mitchell (Jr., 6-0, 240).» Returning defensivestarters (8): DE Justin Great-house (Sr., 6-2, 240); NG KianteReynolds (Sr., 5-9, 220); DERandy Kimbrel (Sr., 5-11, 200);LB Keeven Jackson (Sr., 5-9,180); DB Mike McDonald (Sr.,5-8, 160); DB Ryan Johnson (Sr.,5-9, 170); DB Charles Motley (Sr.,5-9, 170); DB Martavius Myhand(Jr., 6-1, 180)» Other contributors:WR CodyCook (Jr., 5-10, 150); WR HeathSenn (So. 5-9, 150); QBWalkerMead-ows (Jr., 5-11, 185); RB Ed-dieWashington (Sr., 5-11, 195);LB Trevor May (So., 5-9, 170);LB Niko Tate (Jr., 5-9, 200); DEJonathan Cantrell (Sr., 5-11, 210)

2013 schedule:» Aug. 30 vs. Handley» Sept. 6 at Charles Henderson *» Sept. 13 vs. Bullock County *» Sept. 20 at Ashford *» Sept. 27 at Smiths Station» Oct. 4 vs. Headland *» Oct. 11 at St. James *» Oct. 18 vs.Alabama Christian *» Oct. 25 at Tallassee *» Nov. 1 vs. Loachapoka*Class 4A-Region 2 games

Beauregard headcoach SmittyGrider talks to

his team duringpreseason

practice. Griderand the Hornetswon the school’sfirst-ever region

championship lastyear.

ALBERTCESARE/

[email protected]

BY [email protected]

Beauregard head coach Smitty Gridersaid the way last season ended was morevalidation than disappointment, a mea-suring stick for where his program cur-rently stands and where he thinks it couldgo.Sure, therewerehigh expectations as the

Hornets prepared for their third-roundplayoff matchup, a 22-19 loss to eventualClass 4A state champion UMS-Wright.It was the furthest the program had evergone, so close to its first state semifinalsappearance.But Grider said his players didn’t mope

this offseason.“It gave us a great amount of confidence

that this program is on par with any inour class in the state,” Grider said. “Thekids know we have a great opportunityto be even better. It served as a measur-ing stick for where we are and where we’reheaded.”Understanding 2013 could be an even

bigger year, Beauregard got back to work

this offseason. After setting the school re-cord for wins (11), Grider said his team’sattention was forward — not backward— the past nine months.“We had a great summer,” he said. “The

kids worked hard. I think we have severalareas of strength this year. The secondaryand defensive line are all back. We onlylost three guys on the defensive side —granted, they were really good players.”And that’s not even the best news.On offense, Beauregard returns running

back and all-around playmaker Tray Col-lins, who put the Hornets ahead in thethird quarter against UMS-Wright with a79-yard punt return touchdown.“We’re really excited offensively,” Grider

said. “We have Tray Collins back, but oth-er guys have stepped up and are going togive us additional options on the offen-sive side.“From this point, we’ve just got to sharp-

en our timing offensively andwork on ourphysicality.”One example is quarterback Walker

Meadows, who Grider said grew into thestarting role over the spring and summer.Meadows will be tasked with replacing

three-year starter DavidWinslett.Grider said his offense has all the pieces

to be explosive. It’s just amatter of puttingthem together.Same goes for his team.“We expect to build off of last year,”

Grider said. “To make a deep playoff runand have an opportunity to beat the even-tual state champion, we feel like this is agreat opportunity to build off that.”

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Hornets» Colors: Blue and yellow» Stadium: Hornet Field at RichardBrown Stadium» Location: Hwy. 51 South, behind school» Admission: $7» Parking: $5» Radio: 93.9 FM» Home kickoff: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance: 2012

“We expect to build off of last year . To make a deep playoff run and have an opportunity to beat the eventual statechampion, we feel like this is a great opportunity to build off that.”

Smitty Grider,Beauregard head coach

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At A Glance» Head coach: Jason Allen,1st year, 12th overall (68-58)» Assistant coaches: MattSmith, Ricky Daniels, TomGarrett, Kyle Jackson» 2012 record: 1-10 (1-5region)» Offense:Wing-T» Defense: 4-2-5» Key contributors: RB/SQ.D. Daniels (Sr., 6-0, 180);RB/LB Corey Bolt (Sr., 6-0,215); QB Cord Dodgen (Sr.,6-0, 165); WR/CB DylanMoncus (Sr., 5-11, 175); WB/OLB Lane Hodges (Sr., 5-10,175); OT/DTTylerWilliams(Jr., 6-0, 235); OT EarnestSwanson (Sr., 6-2, 240); OG/OLB Zac Slay (Sr., 6-4, 200);OG/DE Jeremy Holliday (Sr.,6-1, 190); C Austin Harmon(Sr., 6-4, 200); OG/LBAustinHudmon (Jr., 6-0, 225); DBJay Tinsley (Jr., 6-0, 165)» Outlook: Despite coming

off a 1-10 season in which itstruggled with a lack of play-ers, Chambers has plenty ofreason to be excited aboutthe future. Jason Allen left agreat situation at Glenwood— after taking the Gatorsto the AISA Class AAA StateChampionship game in 2011— to return to the Rebels,who he led to two straightstate championship gamesin 1999 and 2000.Allen hasadopted the motto “Family”upon his return to Cham-bers, stating that being therefor one another is impor-tant when considering thesmall size of the team andschool. Allen said his playershave been buying in to thechange, and attitude andeffort this summer was at anall-time high.

2013 Schedule» Aug. 22: Chambers 14,

Springwood 14» Aug. 30 at Crenshaw» Sept. 6 at Abbeville *» Sept. 13 vs.Ashford *» Sept. 20 vs. Meadowview» Sept. 27 at Sparta» Oct. 4 at Cornerstone *» Oct. 10 vs. Lakeside *» Oct. 18 at Restoration *» Oct. 25 vs. South Mont-gomery *» Nov. 1 vs. Coosa Valley*AISA-A-Region 1 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Rebels» Colors: Blue and silver» Stadium: Torbert Field» Location: U.S. 431 North,approximately 15 miles northof Opelika» Admission: $5» Parking: Free» Radio:WCJM (100.9 FM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2011

Chambers Academy Rebels

At A Glance» Head coach: DwayneThomas, 3rd year (0-10)» Assistant coaches:Leon Day,MichaelRansaw, Justin Fetner,Trellony Mayfield,Terrance Floyd, BJ Baker,TJ Kelly» Offense: Multiple» Defense: 4-4» Returning starters(3): DTAlec Bush (Sr.,6-2, 255); DT IversonCimino (Jr., 5-11, 270); QBTyler Marks (Sr., 6-0, 165)» Outlook: After adisappointing, winless2012 season, LymanWard head coach DwayneThomas says his squadis looking forward togetting back on the field.The Rangers, however,find themselves in atough spot every seasonbecause of attrition. Most

players attend the militaryacademy in Camp Hill forone season, then they’regone. So keeping players,and the momentumthat they gathered theprevious year, is hard todo. Thomas is workingon that, however. He saidhis goal this year is tocreate an environmentthat makes players wantto return, knowing alsothat success has a lot todo with that as well. “Ourfocus has been retention,to get the players to wantto come back,”Thomassaid.“We have goodathletes year in and yearout, we just have to keepthem here. I feel like we’restarting to build on that.”

2013 Schedule» Aug. 30 at Macon-East» Sept. 6 vs. Tuscaloosa

» Sept. 13 at Pike Liberal» Sept. 20 vs.Cornerstone» Sept. 27 at Bessemer» Oct. 3 vs. Glenwood» Oct. 11 at Kingwood» Oct. 18 vs. Lee-Scott» Oct. 25 vs.Abbeville» Nov. 1 at Edgewood*AISA-AAA, Region 1games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Rangers» Colors: Black and gold» Stadium: CadetStadium» Location: Camp Hill atintersection of Hwy. 280and Hwy. 50» Admission: $5» Parking: Free» Radio: None» Home kickoff time:7 p.m.» Last playoffappearance: 1970

LymanWard Rangers

16 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comDADEVILLE TIGERS & BALLARD EAGLES

Talented Tigers continue to reload in 2013At A Glance» Head coach: RichardWhite,14th year (100-50)» Assistant coaches: PatrickBrowning, Chris Tolbert, BradFord, Fred Ford, Jesse Foster, MattHarrison, Jeremy Pinkens» 2012 record: 10-2 (6-1 region);lost to UMS-Wright, 38-24, insecond round of the Class 4Aplayoffs» Offense: Spread» Defense: 3-4» Returning offensive starters(8): QB/RB C.J. Tolbert (Sr., 5-9,180);WR Jay Foster (Sr., 5-10,190);WR Cal Jones (So., 5-10,170); WR Mike Miller (Jr., 5-9,165); OLTim Tinsley (Sr., 6-0,225); OL Sedrick Harkins (Jr., 6-2,230); OL Elander Moss (Jr., 5-10,200); OLJustin Canada (Sr., 6-0,210)» Returning defensive starters(6): DEAnferne Jennings (Jr., 6-3,240); LB Tamarcus Russell (Sr., 5-10, 190); LB DJ Morgan (Sr., 5-11,195); OLB Jaquan Alvies (Jr., 6-1,200); DB Roger Hicks (Sr., 5-8,

165); DB Foster» Other contributors:WR/OLBShawn Jennings (So., 6-0, 190);DB Quentrel Heard (Sr., 5-11, 170);DB Isaiah Hicks (So., 5-7, 140);RB/DB Zack Johnson (Sr., 5-7,150); LB Tre Marbury (So., 5-10,175); DL DJ Black (Sr., 6-1, 240);DLTren Hall (Sr., 5-11, 290); LBTra Rivers (Jr., 5-10, 220); RBDarius Miller (Sr. 5-9, 160); OLJalyn Johnson (Jr., 6-1, 190)» Key losses:WRTerry Toler; QBKaleb Beck; DT Rod Crayton

2013 schedule:» Aug. 29 at Reeltown» Sept. 6 vs. Elmore County *» Sept. 13 at Holtville *» Sept. 20 vs. Childersburg *» Sept. 27 at Tallassee» Oct. 4 at Dallas County *» Oct. 11 vs. Beulah *» Oct. 18 at Handley *» Oct. 25 vs. Central ClayCounty *» Nov. 1 vs. Russell County*Class 4A-Region 3 games


Dadeville’s spread offense hasput up some gaudy numbersover the last four years.TheTigers’ record hasn’t beentoo shabby in that timeframeeither, posting a 55-7 marksince 2008.With four of the eight return-ingoffensive startersbeing line-men and perhaps Dadeville’sbest athlete being moved fromrunning back to quarterback, itwouldn’t be a stretch to believethe Tigers will continue theirsuccess this year.C.J. Tolbert will run the of-fense after a breakout seasonat running back last year. Asa junior, Tolbert rushed for1,009 yards on 106 carries and12 touchdowns in 10 games.He also had 22 catches for 423yards and four scores, whichhelped place him on the Ope-lika-Auburn News All-AreaLarge School SecondTeam.Tolbert will take the placeof All-Area Large School First-

Team quarterback Kaleb Beck,who threw for 2,659 yards andrecorded a total of 36 touch-downs last season.Tolbert, according to headcoach Richard White, will givethe Tigers another dimensionat quarterback.“He gives us an extra weaponback there, throwing and run-ning the ball,” White said. “Be-ing a defensive coach, anytimeyou put an athlete at quarter-back, it puts an extra strain on

a defense having to defend hisfeet and arm.“(Tolbert’s) a very athletic guy.He gives you that extra step andquickness. He’s a running backwho can throw.”Tolbert will get the chanceto show off those skills behinda veteran offensive line, whichwill anchor the team, accordingtoWhite.“They’ve been together for afew years,” the head coach saidof his linemen. “They’re theoverall strength of our team.Anytime you can bring line-men back that started for a yearor two that’s a good sign.”The defensive side of the ball,on the other hand, is a questionmark.Dadeville lost four-star de-fensive tackle Rod Crayton,who is now at SouthernMiss, tograduation, which provides thebiggest hole to fill.Forwhat thedefense—whichreturns six starters — mightlack in experience, it makes upfor in athleticism.

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Tigers» Colors: Black and gold» Stadium: Tiger Stadium(3,000)» Location: ½mile off of Hwy.280, behind the school» Admission: $7» Parking: Free» Radio: N/A» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2012


Once again, Ballard Chris-tian’s upcoming season is filledwith uncertainty, and onceagain, head coachBuddyHam-mock is scrambling to get histeam prepared for the seasonopener.Hammock is searching for anew starting quarterback, justlike last year, and coachingup a host of newcomers with-out knowing much of what toexpect this fall — just like lastyear.It worked out well enoughfor Hammock and the Eagleslast season. Ballard Christianwent on to win the ICSGA statechampionship for the first timein school history.“That would have been one

of the least likely teams, Ithought,” Hammock said. “Butyou just never knowhow thingsjell.”This year’s squadmight be aneven bigger underdog in ICS-GA’s 8-man football, especiallyafter returning quarterback

Braxton Nelson was injuredand lost for the season just be-fore fall camp. Nelson tore hisACL andmeniscus, and under-went surgery a week before theEagles began fall practice.To replace Nelson in thebackfield this fall, Hammockwill be using a pair of quarter-backs both under center and inBallard Christian’s “Wild Eagle”formation.Sophomore Jarrett Scott, whorushed for over 2,000 yards in2012, will be taking some di-rect snaps, as will junior JaredGuden.“We’ll use both of them atdifferent times,” Hammocksaid, “and we’ll also use both ofthem as tailbacks.”Nelson was the only senioron the Eagles’ roster.

At A Glance» Head coach:Buddy Hammock, 6thyear (44-14)» Assistantcoaches: Mike Cahill,Josh Childree, JasonScott, Eric Strong,MarkWallace» 2012 record: 11-2(4-0 region); wonICSGAState Champi-onship over HeritageChristian, 38-28» Offense:Multiple» Defense: 3-3-2» Returningoffensive starters(3): RB Jarrett Scott(So., 6-0, 185); TEDalton Starling (So.,5-11, 160); FB Joe

Rumfelt (Jr., 5-11, 185)» Returning defen-sive starters (3): LBScott; LB Rumfelt; DBStarling» Othercontributors: QBJared Guden (Jr., 6-0,170); C Dalton Fields(Fr., 6-0, 210); TE ColeClark (So., 6-0, 160);OL Shane Bryant (So.,5-9, 165); OLJeremyDean (Fr., 5-9, 185)» Key losses: OL/DLMatthew Ford, RBDustin Bailey, TE/DLGarrett Dumler, RB/DB Chandler Nielson,OL Elijah Justice

2013 schedule» Aug. 23: Hope

Christian 40, Ballard14» Aug. 30 at EzekielAcademy» Sept. 6 vs. HolyGround Baptist» Sept. 13 vs. NorthGeorgia Christian» Sept. 20 at EvangelFamily Christian» Sept. 27 at Har-vester Christian» Oct. 4 at LafayetteChristian *» Oct. 11 vs.CrossPointe Chris-tian *» Oct. 18 vs. PraiseAcademy» Oct. 25 at HeritageChristian ** ICSGASouth Regiongames

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Eagles» Colors: Red and black» Stadium: Sluder Field» Location: On Moores MillRoad in Auburn next to Believ-ers Church» Admission: $5» Radio: None» Home kickoff time: 6:30p.m. or 7 p.m.» Last playoffappearance: 2012

Eagles begin quest to repeat at state champions

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 17REELTOWN REBELS

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Given Reeltown’s reputationas a smashmouth, Wishbonefootball team over the 26 yearsJackie O’Neal has roamed itssidelines, it’s hard to imag-ine the Rebels could be morephysical.But that’s just what O’Neal ex-

pects in 2013.“Theoffensive line,onceit jells

and becomes a force, (will bekey),” O’Neal said. “This is thefirst time we’ve had this muchsize. We’re going to be a littlebigger and stronger throughouroffseasonprogram. I think that’sgoing to be instrumental on theoffensive side of the ball.“I think (being more physi-

cal) is going to be a tremendoushelponce they jell, butwe’ve gotto make sure they play to theirability. If they’re doing their job,it’ll make it easier for the run-ning backs to do their job andbe confident.”That bigger, stronger offen-

sive line will be key this seasonbecause Reeltown, for the firsttime in awhile, finds itself with-out a stable of experienced run-ning backs.“The most work we’re going

to need is going to be at the skillpositions,” O’Neal said. “We lost

some good three-to-four-yearplayers at the skill positions. Es-pecially in the offense we run,we like to run the football andlove to run the Wishbone. Youneed six-to-seven quality run-ning backs to run that offense.”Junior Ariko Stewart is the

only returning back with expe-rience, and his play will be par-amount for senior quarterback

Cody Spivey and the rest of theoffense in the early going as theRebels try to gain experience.“Ariko’s going to have to carry

the load early until Cody andZach (Lyles) and Dante (Har-ris) and all the rest of them cancome around,” O’Neal said.“That’s going to be the key toour offensive gameplan.”Despite the loss of several key

players on defense, O’Neal feelsthe Rebels can rebound.“A lot of the time you can do

a little bit more on the defen-sive side of the ball,” he said. “Ifyou’ve got guys that’ll run to thefootball and hit and play theirposition — and be disciplined— you can get them to be apretty good defensive ballplay-er. The main thing we’ve got todo right now is be disciplined,run to the football and not giveup big plays.”Coming off another region

championship and trip to thestate semifinals, O’Neal said theRebels are hungry for more.“We achieved pretty well (last

season),” he said. “We didn’t getwherewewanted toget—to thestate championship game andwin the state championship.Wealways look at it that we wantto win the state championship,and that’s not going to change.”

Young Rebels look to carry on tradition of successAt A Glance» Head coach: Jackie O’Neal(26th year) 221-96» Assistant coaches: Travis Lee,Michael Jones,Will Solomon,Mi-chael Thigpen, Freddie Langford,David Gray, Cory O’Neal, Ira Shaw» 2012 record: 12-2 (7-0 re-gion); lost, 35-14 to Tanner in 2Asemifinals» Offense:Wishbone» Defense: 50-front» Returning offensive starters(5): QB Cody Spivey (Sr., 6-2,160); RB Ariko Stewart (Jr., 5-11,175); C Blake Baker (Sr., 5-9,240); OG Zach Giddens (Sr., 5-8,215); OT BrandonWilliams (Sr.,6-0, 180)» Returning defensive starters(6): DE Deonte’Harris (Sr., 5-11,180); DE Paul Hodges (Jr., 5-9,180); DT Baker; LB Payne Solo-mon (Sr., 6-4, 180); CB Stewart;LB Zachary Lyles (Jr., 5-9, 170)» Other Contributors: FB Mar-

kieceWilliams (Jr., 5-9, 230); RBCody Marks (So., 5-8, 150); S/QBBrandon McKeithen (Jr., 6-2,165); CB/SE AlanWaldrep (Jr., 5-7, 160); FB Edward Carreker (Jr.,5-9, 170); FB/RB Benjamin Jof-frion (Jr., 5-11, 165); OL RashadWaver (Jr., 5-10, 225)» Key Losses: RB Tywone Stew-art; RB James Smith; RB JimParks;WR Kendarius Frazier; WRMichael Hall-Long

2013 schedule» Aug. 29 vs. Dadeville» Sept. 6 vs. Horseshoe Bend *» Sept. 13 at Lanett *» Sept. 20 at Randolph Conty *» Sept. 27 at Loachapoka» Oct. 4 vs. Prattville Christian *» Oct. 11 at MontgomeryAcademy *» Oct. 18 vs. Isabella *» Oct. 25 vs. LaFayette *» Oct. 31 at Notasulga*Class 2A-Region 5 game

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Rebels» Colors: Blue and white» Stadium: Nix-Webster-O’NealStadium (3,000)» Location: Behind school atintersection of Hwy. 49 and

Hwy. 120» Admission: $6» Parking: Free» Radio: WACQ (1130 AM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2012

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS FILE PHOTO

Reeltown running back ArikoStewart ran for more than 1,000yards during his sophomoreseason. Now a junior, Stewart islooking to help lead the Rebels toanother stellar season.


JarrodWooten’s 30-year-old memories don’t feelthat far removed.

The head coach, sittingin his newoffice at BeulahHigh School, has no trou-ble recalling old scores,records and matchups.

“We were 7 points awayfrom playing for the statechampionship on thisfield right out here,” hesaid, motioning towardthe Bobcats’ football sta-dium.

That was when Beu-lah finished 12-2 in 1985,Wooten’s senior year atthe school, one season af-ter he helped the Bobcatsto another semifinal ap-pearance.

Now that he’s back as ahead coach — somethinghe has wanted since go-ing back to school at Au-

burn University in 1996— Wooten believes it’stime his alma mater re-vives its old success.

“Me coming back andgetting this job is just thefirst part of (my) dream,”

he said. “The second partis to get us back wherewe’re supposed to be,back in the playoffs andback at a level of compe-tition where Beulah hasbeen at one time.

“People have to knowthat I’m coming here tostay. I’m not going to begone again next year,so we want to build thisthing right, but we wantto build it for the longhaul, as well.”

That’s refreshing forBeulah, who will enterthis season with a thirddifferent coach in the lastthree years.

The Bobcats haven’tmade the playoffs since2007, under coach SteveWhite, who left the schooltwo years ago after a 1-9season.

The team saw a four-game improvement un-der Craig Hall, but 5-5 stillwasn’t enough to advanceto the postseason.

BYTIM COTTRELLFor The Opelika-Auburn News

Notasulga finally hadits breakout season inYear 3 of the James LucasEra, capturing a regionchampionship — its firstsince 2001 — and reach-ing the second round ofthe playoffs.

Despite many key loss-es from last year’s team,Lucas feels the Blue Dev-ils can keep on rolling.

“(The last two teamsshowed) the work ethicthat it takes — practicemindset, studying offilm, the learning of cri-tique under coaching,”Lucas said. “The last twoyears of my coaching ca-reer, I had two great se-nior classes that showedeach other how it’s doneand these younger gen-tlemen have bought infull to what we’re trying

to do at Notasulga.”That new team mental-

ity is a big reason Lucasfeels the Blue Devils canrebound from the loss ofall of their skill positionplayers last season andperhaps be even betterin 2013.

18 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comBEULAH BOBCATS & NOTASULGA BLUE DEVILS

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Beulah, Wooten shooting for playoffsAt A Glance» Head coach: JarrodWooten, 1st year (0-0), 5thoverall (18-23)» Assistants: Eddie Dan-iel, Jeff Lamb, Stan Pepper,Mike Davis, Matt Johnson,Charles Graves, David Dis-mukes, Casey Chambley» 2012 record: 5-5 (2-5region)» Offense: Spread» Defense: Multiple» Returning offensivestarters (8): RB/WRTrevon Brown (Sr., 5-11,185); QB Dustin Hudmon(Jr., 6-2, 190); OL David

Lamb (Sr., 6-3, 265); OLKyle Fender (Jr., 6-1, 285);OL Zak Place (Sr., 6-0,200); RB Dustin Howard(Sr., 5-10, 170); WR TayLeonard (Jr., 6-0, 185); WRDavid Eastridge (Jr., 6-0,185)» Returning defensivestarters (7): CB Brown;DL Fender; S Howard; LBEastridge; DB Leonard; DTJosh Cleveland (Jr.); MLBJustin Orr (Jr., 5-11, 195)» Returning specialteams starters (1): K/PCaleb Boone (Sr., 5-11, 175)» Other contributors:LB Kelvin Miller (So.); DE

Jimmy Thorton (Sr.); DB

Gerkri Cochran (So.)

2013 Schedule» Aug. 30 vs. Notasulga

» Sept. 6 vs. Childersburg *

» Sept. 13 at Dallas Co. *

» Sept. 20 vs. Elmore Co. *

» Sept. 27 vs. Ranburne

» Oct. 4 at Holtville *

» Oct. 11 at Dadeville *

» Oct. 18 vs. Central-Clay

County *

» Oct. 25 vs. Handley *

» Nov. 1 at Wadley

*Class 4A-Region 3 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Bobcats» Colors: Black and gold» Stadium: BobcatStadium (3,000)» Location: Behindschool on Lee Road 270» Admission: $7» Parking: $5» Home kickoff time:7 p.m.» Last playoff appear-ance: 2007

At A Glance» Head coach: JamesLucas, 4th year (18-16)» Assistant coaches: Bri-anWare, Brandon Lucas,Claude Perkins, MichaelSims, Clifton Knight, TerryWelch, Chico Canady,Stephen Rogers» 2012 record: 8-4 (7-0Region); lost, 32-16, toMcIntosh in second round» Offense: Spread» Defense: 4-3» Returning offensivestarters (5): OTShakeelAbdullah (Sr., 6-2, 251);OG JasonWilliams (Jr.,5-11, 185); C Jatavis Harris(Sr., 5-11, 265); OG TylerJohnson (Jr., 5-6, 207) ;OT Randy Robinson (Jr.,6-0, 195)» Returning defensivestarters (4): SAlexWoodard (Jr., 6-1, 210);

S Martavious Brown (Sr.,6-1, 162); CB AnferneeDukes (Jr., 5-6, 145); CBKhalil Jones (So., 5-8, 160)» Other Contributors:DB Robert Surge (So., 5-7,155)» Key Losses: Justin Lu-cas RB,Marlon Page RB,Cedarious Alexander QB,Bishop BurnettWR/TE

2013 schedule» Aug. 30 at Beulah» Sept. 6 vs. Loachapoka *» Sept. 13 at Verbena *» Sept. 20 vs. Fayetteville *» Sept. 26 at Lanett» Oct. 4 at TalladegaCounty Central *» Oct. 11 vs. St. Jude *» Oct. 18 atWinterboro *» Oct. 25 vs.Wadley *» Oct. 31 vs. Reeltown*Class 1A-Region 4

games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Blue Devils» Colors: Blue and white» Stadium: Blue DevilsStadium (2,500)» Location: Behindschool off of CountyRoad 54,½mile off ofHwy. 14» Admission: $6» Parking: $2» Radio: None» Home kickoff time:7 p.m.» Last playoffappearance: 2012

Blue Devils lookto reload in 2013

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 19SPRINGWOODWILDCATS


Just when it seemed thingscouldn’t get any worse for theSpringwood Wildcats this off-season, they did.

After a disappointing 1-9 sea-son a year ago, the Springwoodcoaching staff stood with just10 players on the Wildcats’ ac-tive roster in early July. Later inthe month, former head coachRonnie Sikes announced hewas leaving to become an as-sistant coach at Callaway Highin LaGrange, Ga.

With kickoff just a month anda half away, the school scram-bled to find Sikes’ replacementbefore eventually deciding topromoteassistant coachThom-as Hill, who has been with theWildcats since 2005.

“It was bittersweet,” Hill said.“Coach Sikes is like my bestfriend, and he’s been my men-tor for four years.

“It’soneof those thingswhere,I hate that he’s leaving, but I’mglad that I’m getting an oppor-tunity.”

Now Hill, in his first year as ahead coach, has re-energizedthe Springwood program,bringing in 19 new players inhis short time at the helm tobring the roster total up to 29.

With the talent now in frontof him, Hill can use 2013 as achance to rebuild Springwoodinto the program it was notlong ago.

The Wildcats made a run tothe AISA Class AA state cham-pionship game in 2010, andput together a 10-win season in2011. In 2012, the team strug-gled with just 17 players on theroster.

“Last year’s team, they hadgreat attitudes even thoughthey didn’t have the season theywanted,” Hill said. “I would saythey kind of maintained thestatus quo, and I think theyjust played to the best of theirabilities, starting from Day 1 tothe very end.We did see a lot ofimprovement. What will carryover is some guys learningsome leadership qualities fromlast year.”

The Wildcats return theirleading wide receiver from last

season in senior Justin McDiar-mid. He and the rest of the se-nior class have stepped up andtakenon roles as leaders amidstthe coaching change and rosterattrition, Hill says.

“Those guys have been reallygood at using their previous ex-perience and not wanting to bewhere they were before,” Hillsaid. “They’re pretty motivatedto try and make a playoff run.”

New-look Wildcats starting fresh after disappointing seasonAt A Glance» Head coach: Thomas Hill,1st year (0-0)» Assistant coaches: GalenSmith, John Brown, Matt Livings-ton, Walter Banks» 2012 record: 1-9 (0-6 region)» Offense: Pistol» Defense: 4-2-5» Returning starters (4):WR/DB Justin McDiarmid (Sr., 5-8,145); LB Steven Stuntz (So., 5-10,170); OL/DT Jordan Walls (Sr., 6-1, 210); C Joe Neil (Sr., 6-0, 200)» Other contributors: RB/LBMaurice Fears (So., 5-10, 170);WR/LB Elijah Carroll (Jr., 6-3,210); QB RJ McDonald (Jr., 5-10,

146); WR/DB Padarius Dumas(Jr., 5-11, 175)» Key losses: FB Connor Gil-lespie, LB Tyler Damiano, QBBrandon Hall

2013 schedule» Aug. 22: 14-14 vs. Chambers» Aug. 29 vs. EMCA *» Sept. 6 at Edgewood *» Sept. 13 vs. Evangel *» Sept. 19 at Lee-Scott» Sept. 27 vs. Hooper» Oct. 4 at South Montgomery *» Oct. 11 at Autauga *» Oct. 18 vs. Coosa Valley *» Oct. 25 at Crenshaw *» Nov. 1 vs. Lakeside* Class AA-Region 1 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Wildcats» Colors: Red, black and white» Stadium: Wildcat Stadium(2,000)» Location: Exit 79 off I-85, lefton Broad Ave/US 29/AL 15, lefton Cherry Drive» Admission: $5» Parking: Free» Radio: WCJM 100.9 FM» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.(CST)» Last playoff appearance:2011

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20 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comLOACHAPOKA INDIANS


Jerome Tate asked his teama question this offseason: Areyou satisfied with just makingthe playoffs?

Sure, Loachapoka’s run of 12consecutive playoff appear-ances is something to marvelat — a goal that any team in thestate can appreciate.

But this is Loachapoka, Tatesaid. The goal isn’t to just makethe playoffs, it’s to make a runat a state championship.

“We’ve been a first-roundteam the last few years,” Tatesaid. “We need to go furtherthan that. We talked about thatas a team.”

The Indians’ last playoff winwas in 2009, when they wentto the fourth round of the 1Aplayoffs, just a game away fromplaying for a state champion-ship.

Tate, who is the winningestcoach in Lee County history,said it’s time for Loachapokato get back to that level of com-petitiveness. But he also knowshis team has to start some-where.

“The No. 1 goal is to win thefirst ballgame,” he said.

Loachapoka will have eightreturning starters on both of-fense and defense — a majorityof them going both ways. Thatis the foundation Tate believesthe team can use to take thatnext step.

“Yeah, we got a nice little corecoming back,” Tate said. “Alot of them started in the 10thgrade, so they’ve been with usfor a while. They’ve worked ex-tremely hard. This is one of thebest summers we’ve had in theweight room. The kids are ex-cited.

“Hopefully, the work we’vebeen doing in the weight roomand summer conditioning willtranslate to the field.”

A bulk of Loachapoka’s expe-rience is coming back on the

defensive side of the football.Which is good, Tate said, con-sidering the Indians have tobreak in a new quarterback.

Junior Courtland Cox willtake over signal-calling dutiesthis year for Loachapoka, tak-ing snaps for the first time atthis level.

“He’s progressing well,” Tatesaid of his young quarterback.“It’s going to take some time.

He’s a new quarterback — hasnever played the position be-fore. It’ll take about three orfour ballgames for him to getcomfortable with everythingwe’re going to ask him to do.”

That’s where the defense willcome in.

“We’re going to take him realslow,” Tate said, “and hope ourdefense can hold down the fortuntil he comes along.”

Tate expects that from his de-fense, as seven of the eight re-turning starters are seniors.

“They know what we want.They know everything. Theyknow it all,” he said. “It’s a lotless teaching you have to do.They’re experienced.

“It’s a good feeling that wegot these guys to a point wherethey can basically coach them-selves.”

Understanding that defensewins championships, it’s allabout taking that next step.

“Hopefully we are,” Tate said.“It’s going to take some work.It’s going to take the kids … Ithink they’re buying into whatwe’re trying to sell. Hopefully,it’ll get there.”

Defense leads as Indians prep for playoff pushAt A Glance» Head coach: Jerome Tate,19th year (131-75)» Assistant coaches:MasonWilson, Terry Murph,WendellWashington, Mike Perry, An-thony Edwards, Tracy Simpson,Marcus Jackson» 2012 record: 6-5 (6-1 re-gion); lost, 27-26, to Billingsleyin the first round of the Class 1Aplayoffs» Offense: Multiple» Defense: 8-man front» Returning offensivestarters (8): WRWakeemHuguley (Sr., 5-8, 150); WRDemarius Pitts (Sr., 5-11, 158),C Jahhari Culbreath (Sr., 5-11,185); OT Jeffery Nowlin (Jr., 6-0,258); OG Keion Glaze (Jr., 6-0,303); TE Deon Roberts (Sr.,5-10, 180); FB Jaquavious Jack-son (Sr., 5-11, 192); RB JuwanTurk (Sr., 5-9, 167)» Returning defensivestarters (8): DB Huguley; DBPitts; DB Turk; LB Victor Murray(Sr., 5-11, 202); LB Culbreath;LB Roberts; DE Jackson; DTDevante Goodman (Jr., 5-8, 310)» Other contributors: RBRaheem Sistrunk (Sr., 5-5, 138);CB Kendarius Felton-Pitts (Sr.,5-11, 143); QB Courtland Cox(Jr., 6-0, 190); OT Ricky Binder(Fr., 5-10, 225)» Key losses: OL/DL DeQuen-ton Redden

2013 schedule» Aug. 30 vs. LaFayette» Sept. 6 at Notasulga *» Sept. 13 vs. St. Jude *» Sept. 20 at Verbena *» Sept. 27 vs. Reeltown» Oct. 4 vs.Winterboro *» Oct. 11 at Fayetteville *» Oct. 18 vs.Wadley *» Oct. 25 at TalladegaCounty-Central *» Nov. 1 at Beauregard*Class 1A-Region 4 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname: Indians» Colors: Red and white» Stadium: Loachapoka Field(2,000)» Location: On Lee Road 61,a mile south of Hwy. 14 on left

behind the school» Admission: $7» Parking: $2» Radio: None» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2012


Loachapoka head coach Jerome Tate enters his 19th season with the Indians.

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.com WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 � 21GLENWOOD GATORS


For new head coach TrippHenderson, returning to Glen-wood was like coming home.Henderson coached the Ga-

tors from2006-2007,before leav-ing for stints at B.B. Comer andRussell County. When formerGlenwood head coach Jason Al-len left for Chambers AcademyinMay, Hendersonwas hired foranother runwith theGators.“This is a good place,” Hen-

derson said. “I’ve got a lot ofgood memories here. I’m verylucky, because my wife is goingto be teaching here with me.My little girl is going to be goingto school here.“How many people get to go

to work with their whole fam-ily every day? That’s awesometome.”Henderson compiled an 18-5

record during his first stint with

the Gators, and hopes to bringeven more success to Glen-wood the second time around.In order to do that, Hender-

son and his team are going tohave to go through a rebuild-ing process in 2013. Glenwood

returns just one starter on ei-ther side of the ball, and hasjust four seniors on its activeroster. Almost every player onthe squad will be playing bothways, Henderson says.“It will be a building pro-

cess, but I knew that comingin, and I’m excited about it,”Henderson said. “I think thisteam will be much better at theend of the year than they arethe beginning, because theyare so young.”

Glenwood will look like amuch different team when ittakes the field this fall, asidefrom just the fresh faces underthe helmets. Henderson willemploy a spread offense thisfall, a long departure from theWing-T offense that Allen ranlast season, or the single-wingoffense Henderson ran at Glen-wood years ago.

Gators take on ‘building process’ with new coachAt A Glance» Head coach: Tripp Henderson,1st season (0-0), 7th seasonoverall (28-35)» Assistant coaches: Josh Mc-Connell, Cody Dykes, Cody Pearcy,Gene Reeder, John Davis, JohnRobertson» 2012 record: 7-4 (4-2 region);lost, 41-38 OT, to Fort Dale in firstround of Class AAA playoffs» Offense: Spread» Defense: 4-2-5» Returning starters (1): WR/DBDylan Denny (Sr., 5-10, 185)» Other contributors: RB

Undriel Copeland (So., 5-8, 190),RB Anthony Davis (Jr., 5-11, 185);WR Isaiah Bettis (Sr., 5-10, 170);QB Lawson Humphries (Jr., 5-10,190); WR Michael Hasson (So.6-1, 185); WR Mikey Starke (Jr.,5-10, 190); C Austin Kent (Jr., 5-11,220); OL Noah Kirkland (So., 6-0,260); OL Will Cadoura (Fr., 6-0,250); OL Connor Boatner (Jr., 5-8,190); OL Jackson Oates (Jr., 6-2,245); FB Tyler Cadenhead (So.,5-9, 170)» Key losses: QB BrandonDaley, FB Luke Dougherty, TEZach Kelley, LB Logan Kiker,

DB Tanner Knowles

2013 schedule» Aug. 24 vs. Escambia(at Faulkner University)» Aug. 30 vs. Bessemer Academy» Sept. 6 vs. Evangel Christian *» Sept. 13 at Kingwood *» Sept. 20 vs. Edgewood» Sept. 27 vs. Lee-Scott *» Oct. 3 at Lyman Ward *» Oct. 10 vs. Macon East *» Oct. 18 at Tuscaloosa Academy *» Oct. 24 at Hooper Academy» Nov. 1 at Crenshaw Christian* Class AAA-Region 1 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname:Gators» Colors: Orange and white» Stadium: The Swamp (3,000)» Location: Behind school onSummerville Road in Phenix City» Admission: $5» Parking: Free» Radio: None» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.(CST)» Last playoff appearance:2012

22 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comLEE-SCOTT ACADEMYWARRIORS

At A Glance» Head coach: Robert Maddox,8th season (42-34), 18th overall(115-90)» Assistant coaches: ShaneTapley, Kelly Pool, Jon Kitchens,Mike Rabren, Chad Prewett,Zach Blatt» 2012 record: 11-2 (5-1region); lost, 27-26, to Tuscaloo-sa Academy in Class AAA StateChampionship» Offense: Spread» Defense: Multiple» Returning offensivestarters (4): RB ThomasDeGrange; QB Jeremy Joseph;OLChandler Scott; OL LaneJohnson» Returning defensivestarters (4): DBTriston Knight;LB/DLJosh Hyatt; LB Scott; LBDeGrange

2013 Schedule»Aug. 30 at TuscaloosaAcademy *» Sept. 6 at Pike Liberal Arts» Sept. 13 vs. BessemerAcademy *» Sept. 19 vs. Springwood» Sept. 27 at Glenwood *»Oct. 4 vs. Kingwood Christian *» Oct. 11 at East MemorialChristian» Oct. 18 at LymanWard *» Oct. 25 vs. Macon-EastAcademy *» Oct. 31 vs. Hooper Academy*Class AAA-Region 1 games

Game Night Guide» Nickname:Warriors» Colors: Navy, red and white» Stadium: Jud Scott Field(2,500)» Location: In Auburn, at theend of Gatewood Drive, behindVillage Mall» Admission: $5» Parking: Free» Radio:WQNR (99.9 FM)» Home kickoff time: 7 p.m.» Last playoff appearance:2012

LSA lacking experience, not talentBY JASON [email protected]

A team can’t come much closer to win-ning a championship than Lee-Scott didlast season.TheWarriors had an extra point blocked

with less than three minutes remainingthat would have tied the AISA Class AAAChampionship game against TuscaloosaAcademy, and they turned the ball over inthe Knights’ territory with just 41 secondsleft in a 1-point game.Entering the 2013 season, there aren’t too

many players left who remember being inthe thick of that heartbreak.“You look at our team this year from last

year, with the exception of a small hand-ful of seniors, it’s a totally different foot-ball team,” Lee-Scott head coach RobertMaddox said. “We have a lot of talent in alot of areas, but we’re very young and in-experienced. But I think there’s a hungerthere. There should be. I believe there’s ahunger there to have a great season. Wedon’t talk a lot about a state championshipas much as we talk about just play the best

you can every play.”Despite the new faces, motivation cer-

tainly hasn’t been an issue for the War-riors.Those who were a major part of last

year’s team are gearing up to play Tusca-loosa Academy again to open this season,and those who weren’t know that if they filltheir new role effectively, theWarriors havethe potential for another special year.“(The state championship game) moti-

vated us seniors,” said Jeremy Joseph, whoenters his third year as Lee-Scott’s startingquarterback. “Having that fire andmotiva-tion to win this time — make it back andactually take the trophy— that’s what it is.“The experience, that’s going to be our

biggest thing. We’ve definitely got the tal-ent to do it, it’s just about (going) out thereexecuting, not backing down. We don’thave the depth to really have the sameteam as last year, but we definitely havethe talent.”Lee-Scott has four starters returning on

each side of the ball. Joseph comes in with24 career starts and an 18-6 record un-

der center, and Maddox said he believesThomas DeGrange — who played tightend offensively last season — will surprisea lot of people with his skills as a runningback.The question marks come on the of-

fensive and defensive lines, Maddox said,where there is noticeable talent but notmuch playing experience. The offensiveline group includes two sophomores andonly two players who played the positionlast year.“They’re very athletic, maybe even more

athletic than we were last year, they’re justyoung,” Maddox said. “We’ve got some ob-stacles to overcome, but I think we’ll getthere. Both offensive and defensive lines,we’ve got a lot of work to do. Potentially, wecould be pretty good up front, but we’vegot to pay our dues, and we haven’t donethat yet.“(The team has) done a good job of re-

sponding. I can’t complain.They’reworkedhard this offseason. They’ve worked hardthis summer. I couldn’t ask for anythingelse.”


Lee-Scott quarterback Jeremy Joseph and the Warriors are looking to continue their momentum from last year’s AISA Class AAA runner-up finish.

For appointments, call 334-528-BONE (2663)or toll-free at 866-463-5581.

2000 Pepperell Pkwy • OpelikaLocated on EAMC’s Main Campus (Bldg. 5)

Sports physicals for any age are also available.

James E. “Win” Lyle IV, M.D. l Robert “Bob” McAlindon, M.D. l Scott Morrell, M.D.

We offer a “Bumps and Bruises” clinic every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. No appointment is necessary.


24 � WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013 OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS � www.oanow.comPREP BLITZ 2013

The Orthopaedic Clinic SaturdayMorning High School Wrap Up Show

Live from ourSaturday Morning

Football Injury Clinic

18 Medical Arts Center121 North 20th Street

Opelika, AL

(334) 749-8303 • (334) 826-9800 • SportsMed: (334) 742-6408

www.theorthoclinic.com

Caring for you meanscaring about you.

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