HIGH SCHOOL. The Anniston Star INSIDE: Who will be the brightest stars on Friday nights? ALSO: Top five games to watch this season

Transcription

1 HIGH SCHOOL The Anniston Star INSIDE: Who will be the brightest stars on Friday nights? ALSO: Top five games to watch this season

2 Page 2 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

3 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 3 VETERANS UPWARD BoUND TRiO Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a TRiO program funded 100% by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. HELPING VETERANS SUCCEED BENEFITS & SERVICES AVAILABLE The Anniston Star TABLE OF CONTENTS Alexandria...Page 6 Anniston The Donoho School Jacksonville Ohatchee Oxford Piedmont Pleasant Valley Saks Weaver Wellborn SCHOOLS White Plains Clay-Central Cleburne County Handley Lincoln Munford Ranburne Randolph County Spring Garden Talladega Wadley Cover photo by Trent Penny/The Anniston Star Check out more sports online at annistonstar.com PRESEASON ALL-CALHOUN COUNTY TEAM CLASS 1A-3A Preseason Player of the Year: Shamar Spinks, Weaver QB: Robert Gaines, Weaver RB: Shamar Spinks, Weaver RB: Dominique Thomas, Ohatchee RB: Colton East, Pleasant Valley WR: T.J. Fairs, Piedmont WR: Logan Pruitt, Piedmont OL: Carson Brazier, Pleasant Valley OL: Triston Salster, Pleasant Valley OL: Dylan Gilbert, Wellborn OL: Jasper Dukes, Weaver OL: Harley Kendall, Wellborn DL: Sean Smith, Piedmont DL: Isaiah Woods, Weaver DL: Tyler Rigsby, Donoho DL: Amonte Tyus, Wellborn LB: Logan Smith, Piedmont LB: Alex Parris, Pleasant Valley LB: Matthew Thornton, Piedmont LB: Caleb Allison, Weaver DB: Kaedon Jenkins, Piedmont DB: Calvin Spinks, Wellborn DB: Baylee Graham, Ohatchee K: Gage Harrell, Ohatchee P: Bryce Walter, Piedmont ATH: Jett Smith, Wellborn ATH: Grayson Alward, Ohatchee CLASS 4A-6A Preseason Player of the Year: Clay Webb, Oxford QB: Trey Higgins, Oxford RB: Tyetus Smith-Lindsey, Oxford RB: Johnathon Cobb, Saks RB: Rontarious Wiggins, Jacksonville WR: Jewels Gray, Jacksonville WR: Joe Tucker, Alexandria OL: Clay Webb, Oxford OL: Skyler Payne, Alexandria OL: Cam Parker, Jacksonville OL: Jaylen Childs, Saks OL: Caleb Ogle, Saks DL: Marreo Thomas, Saks DL: Jaylen Swain, Oxford DL: Ethan Bozarth, White Plains DL: Jimmy Embry, Anniston LB: Keon Fomby, Oxford LB: Kendall McCallum, Oxford LB: Nate McCallum, Alexandria LB: Matthew Clay, White Plains DB: Asante Ferrell, Oxford DB: Charrell Brown, Anniston DB: Damecus Thomas, Anniston K: Anthony Cornejo, Saks P: Noah Sawyer, Jacksonville ATH: Zay Britt, Oxford ATH: Romeo Dye, Alexandria

4 age 4 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star players as Calhoun County s best BY CHRIS ALLEN BROWN Star Sports Correspondent In two Calhoun County cities, there live two players who carry their respective teams in different ways. In Oxford, Clay Webb, a state-championship winning wrestler during the football offseason, can physically lift most of his teammates and opposing defensive linemen off the ground. And 15 minutes up the road, Shamar Spinks is the sparkplug of Daryl Hamby s offense at Weaver. Last season, Webb, a highly sought five-star offensive line recruit, was credited with 109 knockdown blocks while paving the way for teammate Tyetus Smith-Lindsey to rush for 1,934 yards and 24 touchdowns. Spinks, who transitioned to an all-county basketball player after the Bearcats football playoff run in 2017, led Weaver with 1,433 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while also hauling in 11 passes for 185 yards and four scores. In just nine carries in a spring game against D.A.R., Spinks totaled 170 yards and two touchdowns before sitting out the final two and a half quarters. Both are focal points of defensive coordinator s game plans. Both are heavily relied upon players for their head coaches. Both are heading into the 2018 season as The Anniston Star s preseason player of the year. Spinks in Class 1A-3A and Webb in 4A-6A. All the players in this county work really hard, Spinks said. Most of us have the same playing style. That s what s fun about Friday nights it gives everyone an opportunity to see who the better player is. Joining Spinks on the Class 1A-3A preseason team include teammate and backfield partner Robert Gaines, who moves to quarterback from receiver for the Bearcats. Ohatchee s Dominique Thomas and Pleasant Valley s Colton East round out the running back position, while Wellborn s Jett Smith and Ohatchee s Grayson Alward, both of whom double as their teams starting quarterback and defensive standouts, are selected at the athlete position. Piedmont s T.J. Fairs and Logan Pruitt rack up both receiver positions, while Kaedon Jenkins takes one of the defensive back slots alongside Wellborn s Calvin Spinks and Ohatchee s Baylee Graham. It feels good to know most of my hard work is paying off, Spinks said. I ve worked extremely hard to get to the point I am. I just try to work harder to become better. Webb leads the Class 4A-6A preseason offensive line until that also features Troy commit Jaylen Childs and his Saks teammate Caleb Ogle. Skyler Payne (Alexandria) and Cam Parker (Jacksonville) also make up the five-player line. On the other side of the ball, Kennesaw State commit Marreo Thomas is joined by Oxford s Jaylen Swain, White Plains Ethan Bozarth and Anniston s Jimmy Embry in the trenches. At the next level, LSU commit Kendall McCallum is part of a four-player linebacker group that also features Yellow Jackets teammate Keon Fomby, Alexandria s Nate McCallum and White Plains Matthew Clay. Just being able to practice every day against high-caliber teammates has really helped me become the player that I am, Webb said. Being able to go out every day and hit, hit, hit over and over and over again, the coaches do a great job with the defensive line, so it s always been a great, great competition. The 2018 high school football regular season will kick off around Calhoun County on Thursday when Alexandria travels to Talladega. The next night, Donoho will host Biggersville (Miss.) High School, Jacksonville will travel to J.B. Pennington, Oxford goes to Munford, Saks plays at Alabama Christian, Weaver hosts Cleburne County, Wellborn welcomes Oak Graves and White Plains will play at Vincent. Trent Penny/The Anniston Star Oxford offensive lineman Clay Webb and Weaver running back Shamar Spinks will be two local players to keep an eye on this season. ALL-CALHOUN COUNTY TEAMSpinks, Webb lead athletic, physical

5 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 5 Clinton M. Ray, MD Jeffrey D. Lawler, MD Get back on the field faster. NOW OFFERING FRIDAY NIGHT SPORTS INJURY CLINIC 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Jamboree game until playoffs No appointment necessary (256)

6 Page 6 Sunday, August 19, 2018 ALexAndrIA The Anniston Star VALLEY CUBS Todd Ginn, 0-0, entering first year as head coach at Alexandria. Class 5A, Region overall, 5-2 region. The Valley Cubs finished third in their region and lost to Wenonah in a first-round playoff game. A promising start to the season came to an abrupt halt when Alexandria was bounced from the Class 5A state playoffs by a Wenonah team that lost in overtime to St. Clair County two weeks later. The good news is the Valley Cubs were one of three teams in their region that allowed fewer than 100 points in seven region games. On the other side of the ball, Alexandria scored 32 or more points in its eight wins, including going for 40 or more six times, 50 or more twice and even hitting 60 on Crossville to close the regular season. QB Jake Wells, RB/DB Romeo Dye, WR/S Joe Tucker, FB Sam Shaw, LB/RB Nate McCallum, OL Skylar Payne, OL Eric Farlow, OL Ryan Taylor, OL Peyton Thrasher How will Alexandria fare under a new coach? How will The Valley handle Todd Ginn as its head coach? How much will Ginn rely on Romeo Dye to carry the ball with the graduation of Keenan Woodruff and Grayson Chaffin? There are just so many unanswered question marks surrounding this year s Valley Cub squad. Regardless though, Ginn should have Alexandria thinking postseason. With Boaz, Crossville and Sardis to start the region schedule, that should give the Valley Cubs enough cushion for games against Southside and Etowah before a trip to Douglas should wrap up another postseason appearance. word FrOM COACH GInn: When people show up to watch us play, I want people to be able to get their money s worth. That s what I was about at Gadsden (State) and that ll be what I m about here. Aug. 23, Talladega (A) Aug. 31, Jacksonville (H) Sep. 7, OPEN Sep. 14, Boaz (A)* Sep. 21, Crossville (H)* Sep. 28, Cleburne County (A) Oct. 5, Sardis (H)* Oct. 12, Southside (A)* Oct. 19, Etowah (H)* Oct. 26, Douglas (A)* Nov. 2, Chilton County (H) *Class 5A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, Talladega (H), W, 37-0 Sep. 1, Jacksonville (H), W, Sep. 8, Arab (A), W, Sep. 15, Boaz (H), W, Sep. 22, Etowah (A), L, 14-0 Sep. 29, Cleburne County (A), W, Oct. 6, Scottsboro (H), W, 32-7 Oct. 13, Douglas (A), W, Oct. 20, Guntersville (A), L, 17-0 Oct. 27, Crossville (H), W, Nov. 3, OPEN PLAYOFFS Nov. 9, Wenonah (A), L, Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File Alexandria s Jake Wells (11), rushing against Crossville, is back as the Cubs starting quarterback.

7 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 7

8 Page 8 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star 1229 S. Quintard Ave., Anniston Service: Parts: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 am - 7:00 pm r1

9 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 9 AnnIStOn Rico White, 0-0, entering first year as head coach at Anniston. Class: 4A, Region 6 3-7, overall, 2-5 region. The Bulldogs finished in a three-way tie for fifth in their region. When the regular season concluded, Anniston was two games back of Cherokee County for the fourth and final playoff spot from Class 4A, Region 5. A loss to the Warriors in their second region game of the season set the Bulldogs back. Wins over Pell City and White Plains in back-to-back weeks countered a 19-point loss to Jacksonville. But the backend of the Bulldogs schedule was not too kind with Saks and Hokes Bluff waiting at home. A 20-point loss to Oneonta, which finished the season with the same overall and region record as Anniston, all but sealed the season. None. If there s a team in Calhoun County that s doing the most to hype the upcoming season, it s Anniston. A breath of fresh air has the Bulldogs feeling rejuvenated heading into a 2018 season that features a rather weak Class 4A, Region 6 this year. Hokes Bluff and Jacksonville seem like locks to make the postseason, but the last two spots are up for grabs. If the Bulldogs can nab wins over Cherokee County and Cleburne County, then take two of three among White Plains, Oneonta and Ashville, they ll have a good chance of returning to the playoffs for the first time since Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Catholic Montgomery (A) Sep. 7, Cherokee County (H)* Sep. 14, Cleburne County (A)* Sep. 21, Hokes Bluff (H)* Sep. 28, American Christian (H) Oct. 5, Jacksonville (A)* Oct. 12, White Plains (A)* Oct. 19, Oneonta (H)* Oct. 26, Ashville (A)* Nov. 2, Childersburg (H) *Class 4A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, OPEN Sep. 1, Sylacauga (A), L, 17-6 Sep. 8, Ashville (A), W, 26-6 Sep. 15, Cherokee County (A), L, Sep. 22, Jacksonville (H), L, Sep. 29, Pell City (H), W, Oct. 6, White Plains (A), W, Oct. 13, Saks (H), L, 19-6 Oct. 20, Hokes Bluff (H), L Oct. 27, Oneonta (A), L 27-7 Nov. 3, Fort Payne (H), L 20-7 BULLDOGS word FrOM COACH white: We want to connect the dots this season. We are going to connect the dots, be more disciplined and have a high standard. One thing we really want to do is get an identity. We need to find out if we re going to have a tough team, a soft team, an aggressive team. We are trying to build our identity, and that ll carry over from this point. Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File First-year Anniston head coach Rico White shares a smile with quarterback Tyree Carmichael during a practice session.

10 Page 10 Sunday, August 19, 2018 donoho The Anniston Star FALCONS Mark Sanders, entering fifth year overall, 2-8 at Donoho (second season). Class 1A, Region overall, 1-5 region. The Falcons finished sixth in their region. If there was a highlight for Donoho last season, it s that the Falcons allowed nearly 160 fewer points than they did in Unfortunately, the offense struggled for much of the year. On five occasions, Donoho lost by 15 or less points, including to region opponents Victory Christian (26-14), Talladega County Central (18-14) and Ragland (40-26). The other two were Horseshoe Bend (18-3) to open the season and Woodland (14-13) to close it. It was, however, the first year for Mark Sanders, who went in three years at Victory Christian. RT Jack Ray, C/DL Eddie Connell, LG Jase Alderman, LT/DL Tyler Risgby, RB Rod Elston, QB Hall Billings, MLB Reed Williamon, TE Will Nelson, DL Dakari Garrett, LB Dalton Nelson, CB Amari Smedley The biggest win for Donoho in 2018 may be losing powerhouse Wadley from its region in favor of Spring Garden, which beat the Falcons by only 20 last year. The schedule is rather favorable with TCC, Victory Christian and Appalachian coming after an Oct. 5 bye week. Woodland, a non-region opponent, also awaits to close out the season Nov. 2 if the Falcons need tiebreaker help in order to make the postseason. Continuing to build on their two wins last season doesn t seem out of the norm for the Falcons. word FrOM COACH SAnderS: We just need the guys to continue to buy in and grow closer as a unit. If we can develop that great bond that great teams have and fight really hard for each other, then we ll be good. That s really the first thing in any sport, especially football, when your passion is there for your teammates and your brothers, then everything just gets a lot easier and your situations don t get as rough on you when you have 10 other guys around you who are there for you. I really think we re going to be able to show some people what we can do. Aug. 24, Biggersville (Miss.) (H) Aug. 31, Horseshoe Bend (H)* Sep. 7, Ragland (H)* Sep. 14, Winterboro (A)* Sep. 21, Spring Garden (A)* Sep. 28, Berry Fayette (H) Oct. 5, OPEN Oct. 12, Talladega County Central (H)* Oct. 19, Victory Christian (H)* Oct. 26, Appalachian (A)* Nov. 2, Woodland (H) *Class 1A, Region 5 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, OPEN Sep. 1, Horseshoe Bend (H), L, 18-3 Sep. 8, Victory Christian (H), L Sep. 15, Winterboro (A), L, Sep. 22, Coosa Christian (H), W, 56-7 Sep. 29, Spring Garden (A), L, Oct. 5, Appalachian (H), W, Oct. 12, Talladega County Central (A), L, Oct. 20, Ragland (H), L, Oct. 27, Wadley (A), L, 58-0 Nov. 3, Woodland (A), L, Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File Donoho s Hall Billings (2) celebrates a touchdown run against Appalachian with Will Nelson (25).

11 he Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 11 Oxford * Pell City * Anniston * Decatur * Florence * Rainbow City Mon-Sat. 10-9PM (Anniston M-F 10-6) Sunday 1-6PM $5 Off Your $25 Purchase Use Discount Code: Checkout Valid 8/19-9/1/18

12 Page 12 Sunday, August 19, 2018 JACkSOnvILLe The Anniston Star GOLDEN EAGLES Clint Smith, entering 17th year overall, at Jacksonville (seventh year). Class 4A, Region overall, 6-1 region. The Golden Eagles finished second in their region and lost to Fayette County in a second-round playoff game. After dropping its first three games of the season, Jacksonville bounced back with an eye-opening win over Hokes Bluff that started a streak of eight straight wins, including a 30-point win over Randolph in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. However, the Golden Eagles were one of two Calhoun County teams (Saks) that saw its season end at Fayette County as Jacksonville fell WR Jewels Gray, C Johnathan Parker, G Cole Gaddy, G Jacob Skala, T Braden Hodges and T Cam Parker, NG/FB Josh Bell, DE Tae Loud If things go the way many expect, history could happen for Clint Smith during the 2018 season. When Jacksonville gets its first win this year, Smith will become the second-winningest coach in the school s history. He s already won 100 career games and has coached the Golden Eagles to a school-record five straight playoff appearances. Expect both totals to be added to this year. While Jacksonville has tough non-region opponents (J.B. Pennington, Alexandria and Piedmont), the Golden Eagles will have to wait until Oct. 26 to play Hokes Bluff, which appears to be the primary threat to Jacksonville s claim to a region championship. word FrOM COACH SMItH: Our linemen have the experience, but our skill guys are young. Depth-wise, we need to develop some depth. We have a lot of guys going both ways, so we really need to stay healthy and that s the biggest key. We have to maintain a good work ethic and doing the things that we do and doing them with purpose and just continuing to work. It doesn t matter what you did last year, good or bad, every team has a different attitude and different heartbeat. Aug. 24, J.B. Pennington (A) Aug. 31, Alexandria (A) Sep. 7, Ashville (H)* Sep. 14, Cherokee County (A)* Sep. 21, Cleburne County (A)* Sep. 28, Piedmont (H) Oct. 5, Anniston (H)* Oct. 12, Oneonta (A)* Oct. 19, White Plains (H)* Oct. 26, Hokes Bluff (A)* Nov. 2, OPEN *Class 4A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, Trinity (H), L, Sep. 1, Alexandria (A), L Sep. 8, Saks (A), L, Sep. 15, Hokes Bluff (H), W, Sep. 22, Anniston (A), W, Sep. 29, Loachapoka (H), W, Oct. 6, Ashville (A), W, Oct. 13, Oneonta (H), W, Oct. 20, White Plains (A), W, Oct. 27, Cherokee County (H), W, Nov. 3, OPEN PLAYOFFS Nov. 10, Randolph (H), W, Nov. 17, Fayette County (A), L, Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File Jacksonville head football coach Clint Smith works with Josh Bell during an August practice.

13 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 13 OHAtCHee Scott Martin, entering ninth year overall, at Ohatchee (fifth year). Class: 2A, Region overall, 4-2 region. The Indians finished third in their region and lost to Sylvania in a first-round playoff game. HOw It went In 2016: A year after losing stars such as Taylor Eubanks and Austin Tucker, losing to only Randolph County and Piedmont has to be a plus, right? Even with those two regular-season defeats and a playoff loss at Sylvania, the Indians actually allowed only 15.6 points a game. They pitched three shutouts (Ashville, Wellborn and Pisgah), held Ragland to only six points and limited White Plains (14), Pleasant Valley (13) and Weaver (13) to two touchdowns each. QB Grayson Alward, RB/LB Domonique Thomas, DB Baylee Graham, TE Larry Noah, C Josh Poole, G Briley Hale, DL Aiden Simpson, LB Cam McCombs With eight wins, 2017 marked the first time Ohatchee had back-to-back winning seasons since 2002 (9-3) and 2003 (6-5). The Indians will look to make it three straight after dropping down to Class 2A, Region 6. As a result of the program (and offensive system) Scott Martin has built, one can go ahead and pencil the Indians into the postseason. Leeds, Pleasant Valley and White Plains will provide an opportunity for Ohatchee to get better. Dominique Thomas rushing for nearly 2,000 yards should be a lock in this region. Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, White Plains (H) Sep. 7, Woodland (A)* Sep. 14, Cleveland (H)* Sep. 21, Westbrook Christian (A)* Sep. 28, Leeds (A) Oct. 5, West End (H)* Oct. 12, OPEN Oct. 19, Ranburne (H)* Oct. 26, Gaston (A)* Nov. 2, Pleasant Valley (H) *Class 2A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, Ragland (H), W, 21-6 Sep. 1, White Plains (A), W, Sep. 8, Randolph County (H), L, 42-6 Sep. 15, Pleasant Valley (A), W, Sep. 22, Weaver (H), W, Sep. 29, Ashville (A), W, 30-0 Oct. 6, Wellborn (A), W, 42-0 Oct. 13, OPEN Oct. 20, Piedmont (A), L, Oct. 27, Glencoe (H), W, 48-6 Nov. 2, Pisgah (H), W, 37-0 PLAYOFFS Nov. 10, Sylvania (A), L, word FrOM COACH MArtIn: We ve been in a very, very tough Class 3A region the four years that I ve been here. It s like playing in the SEC of the high school regions. We ve played some tough opponents every week. Going down to 2A, the misconception is, Oh, you re going to 2A, it s going to be easy now. No, it s not going to be easy. There are some really good football teams in 2A when you re looking up and down the standings. Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File Ohatchee s Domonique Thomas (7) is back after shining as a ball carrier in 2017.

14 Page 14 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

15 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 15 OxFOrd Ryan Herring, entering 13th year overall, at Oxford (sixth year). Class: 6A, Region overall, 6-0 region. The Yellow Jackets finished first in their region and lost to Clay- Chalkville in a quarterfinal playoff game. Oxford capitalized on a rather weak Class 6A, Region 7 by pitching four regular-season shutouts and holding four other opponents to single digits. The other two? Gadsden City (13) and Cullman (14). Even in the playoffs, the Yellow Jackets held their first two opponents to single digits (Hueytown, 7; Muscle Shoals, 7) before bowing out to Clay-Chalkville to end their undefeated season in the Class 6A quarterfinals. RB Tyetus Smith-Lindsey, OL Clay Webb, LB Kendall McCallum, LB Keon Fomby, OLB Cross Davis, OLB Garrett Davenport, S Asonta Farrell, DL Jaylen Swain Oxford s 2018 football schedule feels like what would happen if Central Florida found its way into the SEC or ACC. Munford. Pinson Valley. Shades Valley. Clay-Chalkville. Gardendale. Charles Henderson. Those are all legitimate playoff contenders in their respective classifications. Annual games against Gadsden City and Pell City have become the norm for the Yellow Jackets. Everyone will be at Lamar Field on Sep. 21 to see Auburn commit Bo Nix and his Pinson Valley, which won the 6A state title last year. If Oxford wants to make the playoffs this year, then the Yellow Jackets will definitely have to earn their spot. word FrOM COACH HerrInG: I just want us to be the most physical and mentally tough team on the field every Friday night this year. Last year was a great year. One of the more fun years I ve had in coaching. We had a lot of great kids. We had a lot of heart We were the No. 1 defense in the state, so it was a great, great football season. Aug. 24, Munford (A) Aug. 31, Gadsden City (A) Sep. 7, Pell City (H)* Sep. 14, Charles Henderson (A) Sep. 21, Pinson Valley (H)* Sep. 28, OPEN Oct. 5, Huffman (A)* Oct. 12, Shades Valley (H)* Oct. 19, Clay-Chalkville (A)* Oct. 26, Gardendale (A)* Nov. 2, Sumter Central, (H) *Class 6A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (H), W, 21-0 Sep. 1, Gadsden City (H), W, Sep. 8, Brewer (A), W, 42-7 Sep. 15, Cullman (H), W, Sep. 22, Albertville (A), W, 43-0 Sep. 29, Benjamin Russell (A), W, 20-7 Oct. 6, Southside (H), W, 42-0 Oct. 13, Fort Payne (A), W, 17-7 Oct. 20, Pell City (H), W, 32-0 Oct. 27, OPEN Nov. 3, Sumter Central (A), W, 47-6 PLAYOFFS Nov. 9, Hueytown (H), W, 30-7 Nov. 17, Muscle Shoals (H), W, 34-7 Nov. 24, Clay-Chalkville (A), L, Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File Oxford s Tyetus Smith-Lindsey (1) rushed for 1,934 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in ELLOW JACKETS

16 Page 16 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star We want to be part of the memories we ll build together! START IT. FINISH IT. Y [ gadsdenstatecommunitycollege #StartIt.FinishIt gadsdenstate.edu You ll always remember the day you start at Gadsden State and the classmates that become lifelong friends.

17 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 17 Anniston Water The Water Works and Sewer Board of the City of Anniston 931 Noble Street, Suite 200 Anniston, AL Phone: Fueling Sports Stars in Calhoun County for over 135 years! Field Experience. Leadership Experience. Life Experience. Join Today atcu.com We are all teachers. Anniston Office 230 Highway 431 North Anniston, AL Oxford Office 1209 Snow Street, Suite A Oxford, AL Membership open to all Calhoun County residents. Insured by NCUA NMLS ID: Must meet membership and credit requirements.

18 Page 18 Sunday, August 19, 2018 piedmont The Anniston StarT BULLDOGS Steve Smith, entering 24th year overall, at Piedmont (13th year). Class 3A, Region overall, 6-0 region. The Bulldogs finished first in their region and lost to Randolph County in a semifinal playoff game. With Cardavian Myers at quarterback and Logan Beadles anchoring the defensive line, Piedmont bounced back from a season-opening loss at Rockmart (Ga.) to win 12 straight games and clinch another region championship. However, the Bulldogs season ended a week sooner than they wanted as Randolph County avenged a mid-season loss to knock Piedmont from the playoffs. WR T.J. Fairs, DB Jakari Foster, DB Malachi Jackson, QB Mason Mohon, DB Carl Myers, DB Kaedon Jenkins, DE Matthew Thornton, WR Logan Pruitt, RB Layton New, LB Logan Smith, RB Elijah Johnson, DE Sean Smith, OL Evan Cooper, OL Preston Odam For the program Steve Smith has built at Piedmont, anything less than a state championship is a disappointment. While that s no disrespect to the 2017 team, Smith noted how the returning Bulldogs feel they have unfinished work after losing a 21-point lead to Randolph County in the Class 3A state semifinals last season. As Piedmont breaks in a third different starting quarterback in four years, the defense returns eight of the 11 starters that helped Piedmont win double-digit games for the 10th time under Smith. There may not be a tougher stretch of games than what Piedmont faces early Randolph County, Weaver, Jacksonville and Saks. Add in jamboree games against Ohatchee and Fyffe, a season-opening game against traditional powerhouse Addison and an always-improving Pleasant Valley squad, and Piedmont won t have time to breathe until December. word FrOM COACH SMItH: What we have this year, when you look at our roster, is that we have 19 seniors, which reeks of experience, and that is the case. A lot of these guys have been on the field for two state championships and a semifinal appearance last year. A lot of them may have not played a significant role like a starter, but they may have been on special teams or something like that. I think the biggest thing I see from years past is depth. Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Addison (A) Sep. 7, Pleasant Valley (H)* Sep. 14, Randolph County (A)* Sep. 21, Weaver (A)* Sep. 28, Jacksonville (A)* Oct. 5, Saks (H)* Oct. 12, Glencoe (A)* Oct. 19, B.B. Comer (H)* Oct. 26, Walter Wellborn (H)* Nov. 2, Geraldine, (A) *-Class 3A, Region 6 game 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, Rockmart (Ga.) (A), L, Sep. 1, Cherokee County (H), W, Sep. 8, Glencoe (H), W, Sep. 15, Randolph County (A), W, Sep. 22, Pleasant Valley (H), W, Sep. 29, Leeds (A), W, Oct. 6, Weaver (A), W, Oct. 13, Walter Wellborn (H), W, Oct. 20, Ohatchee (H), W, Oct. 27, OPEN Nov. 3, Oneonta (A), W, PLAYOFFS Nov. 10, Geraldine (H), W, 26-6 Nov. 17, J.B. Pennington (H), W, Nov. 24, Colbert Heights (A), W, Dec. 1, Randolph County (H), L, Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File Piedmont s Matthew Thornton puts a hard hit on Geraldine s Andrew Jamie Hall during a 2017 playoff game.

19 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 19 pleasant valley Jonathan Nix, entering 10th year overall, 6-24 at Pleasant Valley (fourth year). Class: 3A, Region overall, 1-5 region. The Raiders finished sixth in their region. Last year was a season of growth for Pleasant Valley. But it was also a season of what-ifs. The Raiders lost their season-opening game by a point, then fell to Ohatchee by a touchdown. A win there and one against Wellborn (28-point loss) or Weaver (23-point loss) would ve sent the Raiders into the postseason. However, Pleasant Valley did earn three wins in non-region play, highlighted by a 20-point win over Spring Garden, which advanced to the second round of the Class 1A playoffs. QB Brody Phillips, WR Connor Wolfe, S Jake Malsy, RB/LB Ashton King, RB/LB Colton East, TE Dakota Parr, OL/DL Tristan Salstet, OL/DL Carson Brazier, OL Cole Proper, OL Colby Gaines, OL Jonathan Evans, DL Dalton Page, DL Colby Nelson, LB Dalton Mize, LB Alex Parris Since taking over as head coach before the 2015 season, Jonathan Nix has increased Pleasant Valley s win total every year. This year should be no different, despite playing in Class 3A, Region 6. With Saks taking Ohatchee s old spot in the region, iron will continue to sharpen iron for the Raiders. With an experienced group heading into a jamboree against Hokes Bluff, perhaps the Raiders will catch a team or two sleeping and find their way into the Class 3A playoffs for the first time in the school s history and just fourth time overall. Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, West End (A) Sep. 7, Piedmont (A)* Sep. 14, Weaver (H)* Sep. 21, Saks (A)* Sep. 28, Gaston (H) Oct. 5, Glencoe (H)* Oct. 12, B.B. Comer (A)* Oct. 19, Walter Wellborn (A)* Oct. 26, Randolph County (H)* Nov. 2, Ohatchee (A) *Class 3A, Region 5 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, Vincent (A), L, Sep. 1, Gaston (A), W, 37-6 Sep. 8, Walter Wellborn (A), L, 28-0 Sep. 15, Ohatchee (H), L, Sep. 22, Piedmont (A), L, Sep. 29, OPEN Oct. 6, Glencoe (H), W, 37-0 Oct. 13, Randolph County (H), L, 40-3 Oct. 20, West End (H), W, Oct. 27, Weaver (A), L, 29-6 Nov. 3, Spring Garden (H), W, word FrOM COACH nix: The kids have to understand that, in this region, every team is strong, and every team is fast, so you have to do something a little better than other teams in this region. It s like a second-, third-round playoff game every week, because there are so many good teams. You saw it two years ago when everyone met back up in the quarter and semifinals. Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File Pleasant Valley s Brody Phillips gets off a pass against Piedmont s Jackson Barber in 2017.

20 age 20 Sunday, August 19, 2018 SAkS The Anniston Star WILDCATS Jonathan Miller, 58-15, entering seventh year overall, all at Saks. Class 3A, Region overall, 7-0 region. The Wildcats finished first in their region and lost to Fayette County in a semifinal playoff game. All wins. That s how the 2017 season went for Saks until the Class 4A semifinals. Jonathan Miller and his team put their 13-0 record on the line at foggy Fayette County in early December and ultimately left with a 34-7 loss to a team which finished as 4A state runner-up. The 13 wins set a school record for most in a season by the Wildcats, while Miller grabbed his second region championship in six years as head football coach. But the most impressive thing? The Saks defense allowed only 65 points in seven region games. RB Johnathon Cobb, C Caleb Ogle, LG/DL Marreo Thomas, RT Jaylen Childs, LB Roilan Torres, K Anthony Cornejo Jonathan Miller says this is a young and inexperienced Saks team. But the last time he said that, the Wildcats still found a way to make the playoffs with a 5-2 record Class 4A, Region 5 record in However, reclassification has put Saks in Class 3A, Region 6, which is a different brand of football in Alabama. The Wildcats region schedule opens with B.B. Comer, Wellborn and Pleasant Valley before Piedmont, Weaver and Randolph County follow a timely bye week. However, as tough as this region is, Saks regular-season finale against Glencoe might be a winand-get-in game for the Wildcats. word FrOM COACH MILLer: I don t know what to expect. Early on, there will be some growing pains. The one good thing about playing on August 24 is that will give us a good measuring stick to see where we are at and what we need to work on to get better. Aug. 24, Alabama Christian (A) Aug. 31, Cleburne County (A) Sep. 7, B.B. Comer (H)* Sep. 14, Wellborn (A)* Sep. 21, Pleasant Valley, (H)* Sep. 28, OPEN Oct. 5, Piedmont (A)* Oct. 12, Weaver (A)* Oct. 19, Randolph County (H)* Oct. 26, Glencoe (H)* Nov. 2, OPEN *Class 3A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, OPEN Sep. 1, Wellborn (A), W, Sep. 8, Jacksonville (H), W, Sep. 15, White Plains (A), W, 34-0 Sep. 22, Ashville (H), W, Sep. 29, St. Clair County (A), W, Oct. 6, Cherokee County (H), W, 45-0 Oct. 13, Anniston (A), W, 19-6 Oct. 20, Oneonta (H), W, 30-0 Oct. 27, Hokes Bluff (A), W, Nov. 3, Weaver (H), W, PLAYOFFS Nov. 10, Westminster Christian (H), W, Nov. 17, Dora (H), W, Nov. 24, Cherokee County (H), W, Dec. 1, Fayette County (A), L, 34-7 Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File Saks Johnathon Cobb scores a two-point conversion against Westminster Christian.

21 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 21 Grizzard Living aids Improving Lives Through Better Mobility We only sell the bet quality equipment because we want it to always work properly. Straight & Curved Rail Stairlifts Turning Automotive Seats Terry Grizzard Owner Brenton Young Service Mgr Noble St. Anniston, AL Interior Vehicle Lifts Exterior Vehicle Lifts

22 Page 22 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston StarT Storewide Sale Save Up To 50% STINSON HOWARD FINE JEWELRY Downtown Oxford In store watch & jewelry repair Larry Currie, Agent 425 East 10th Street Anniston, AL Bus: Let s go, Area Schools! On the field or off, my team and I are always here to support the players, coaches and parents. Good luck! The Anniston Star Pound-for-pound the best newspaper in Alabama PRINT & ONLINE It s game time! Here to help life go right. TM State Farm, Bloomington, IL The Star To Subscribe to The Anniston Star Call

23 he Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 23 weaver Daryl Hamby, 45-45, entering ninth year overall, all at Weaver. Class: 3A, Region overall, 3-3 region. The Bearcats finished fourth in their region and lost to Colbert Heights in a second-round playoff game. Last year, Daryl Hamby and his staff extended their school record of consecutive playoff appearances to six. They lost only four regular-season games, and three of those were to teams (Piedmont, Randolph County and Saks) that reached the semifinals in their respective classifications. A 3-0 start to open the season had the Bearcats sitting at No. 5 in the ASWA Class 3A poll the highest ranking for Weaver since the 2005 season before an alternating win-loss streak ended the Bearcats season with a double-overtime loss to Colbert Heights in the second round of the playoffs. QB/OLB Robert Gaines, RB/S Shamar Spinks, OL/DT Jasper Dukes, HB/DE Caleb Allison, C Jaylan Waters, DE Isaiah Woods, ILB Emun Young, OLB Drake Monroe Bigger, faster, stronger is how Hamby described running back Shamar Spinks heading into the new season. With Robert Gaines moving from receiver to quarterback, the Bearcats will continue their offensive ways with more readpass option looks. The Bearcats open region play with Wellborn, Pleasant Valley and Piedmont in back-to-back-to-back weeks, before a home game against Cherokee County precedes Randolph County and Saks the following weeks. A lot can happen between now and Nov. 1, but the ingredients are there for Weaver to make a seventh straight postseason appearance in Hamby s final year as head coach. word FrOM COACH HAMby: We have a chance to be good, but in this region, you cannot take a break and that s what ll get you. There are no easy wins in this thing and if you think otherwise, then you re going to get beat. Everything counts, even your non-region games. It s going to be a tough year, exciting though. We just have to get better every week. Aug. 24, Cleburne County (H) Aug. 31, OPEN Sep. 7, Wellborn (H)* Sep. 14, Pleasant Valley (A)* Sep. 21, Piedmont (H)* Sep. 28, Cherokee County (H) Oct. 5, Randolph County (A)* Oct. 12, Saks (H)* Oct. 19, Glencoe (A)* Oct. 26, B.B. Comer (A)* Nov. 1, Alabama Christian (A) *Class 3A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Weaver s Shamar Spinks looks to get past Wellborn s Knetrez Hunt. Aug. 25, Hayden (A), W, Sep. 1, B.B. Comer (H), W, Sep. 8, OPEN Sep. 15, Wellborn (H), W, Sep. 22, Ohatchee (A), L, Sep. 29, Locust Fork (H), W, Oct. 6, Piedmont (H), L, Oct. 13, Glencoe (A), W, 57-0 Oct. 20, Randolph County (A), L, Oct. 27, Pleasant Valley (H), W, 29-6 Nov. 3, Saks (A), L, PLAYOFFS Nov. 10, Plainview (A), W, Nov. 17, Colbert Heights (H), L, Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File BEARCATS

24 Page 24 Sunday, August 19, 2018 wellborn The Anniston Star PANTHERS Jeff Smith, entering 22nd year overall, at Wellborn (10th year). Class: 3A, Region overall, 2-4 region. The Panthers finished fifth in their region. As bad as the growing pains were for Wellborn in 2017, the Panthers were a win away from making the postseason for the eighth time under Jeff Smith. In all but one game, Wellborn was within three scores of the eventual winner, which includes a one-point loss to North Jackson to start the season. Wins over Pleasant Valley and Glencoe had the Panthers sitting in the fifth spot of the region standings, but an early-season loss at Weaver then a late-season loss to Randolph County ended the postseason hopes. QB/LB Jett Smith, T Dalton Gilbert, T/ DL Armonte Tyus, G/DL Harley Kendall, G, Dylan Gilbert, DE Keonte Curry, LB Kentrez Hunt, LB Logan Brooks, DB Calvin Spinks In terms of wins and losses, 2017 was the worst for Wellborn under Jeff Smith, but it s to be expected when your team is filled with freshmen and sophomores while playing in a tough region. As Smith said, those kids were getting better every day because they re getting older and bigger. Region 6 is going to be a dogfight. Schedule-wise, there s no tough three-game stretch that many other teams in Region 6 have, so that should play to the Panthers advantage. With four starting offensive linemen returning and Jett Smith leading the way, teams coming to The Hill in 2018 might be in for a fight. word FrOM COACH SMItH: We expect to have a winning season and make the playoffs and make a run towards a state championship. Those are our expectations every year. Last year, we had a young team and this team is still young. Last year, we had about eight seniors and had a lot of ninth and tenth graders. This year, we have three seniors and a bunch of 10thand 11th-graders. Aug. 24, Oak Grove (H) Aug. 31, Lincoln (H) Sep. 7, Weaver (A)* Sep. 14, Saks (H)* Sep. 21, Glencoe (A)* Sep. 28, Central Coosa, (A)* Oct. 5, B.B. Comer (H)* Oct. 12, Randolph County (A)* Oct. 19, Pleasant Valley (H)* Oct. 26, Piedmont (A)* Nov. 1, OPEN *Class 3A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 24, North Jackson (JSU), L, Sep. 1, Saks (H), L, Sep. 8, Pleasant Valley (H), W, 28-0 Sep. 15, Weaver (A), L, Sep. 22, OPEN Sep. 29, Talladega (A), L, Oct. 6, Ohatchee (H), L, 42-0 Oct. 13, Piedmont (A), L, Oct. 20, Glencoe (A), W, 34-7 Oct. 27, Randolph County (H), L, 28-7 Nov. 2, White Plains, (A), L, 18-0 Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File Wellborn s Calvin Spinks (8) looks for yardage against North Jackson last season.

25 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 25 white plains Chris White, 2-28, entering fourth year overall, all at White Plains. Class 4A, Region overall, 0-7 region. The Wildcats finished eighth in their region. The 1-9 record in 2017 for White Plains is highly misleading. Of the Wildcats losses, four were by less than a touchdown. White Plains lost to Oneonta, to Westbrook Christian, to Cherokee County and to Ashville. In addition, it took three fourth-quarter touchdowns for Anniston to rally past the Wildcats. Hypothetically, if you flip all those games to wins, we would ve been talking about White Plains in the playoffs for the first time since 1994 as well as the Wildcats first winning season since They closed the season with a win over Wellborn. RT Noah Tillman, RG Tanner Kughn, LG/DL Riley Dothard, LT Will Osteen, WR Ben Rouse, OLB Garrison Abbott, WR/DE Ethan Bozarth During the spring game, White Plains held an athletic Saks team to only 18 points. Even though the Wildcats varsity squad dropped their portion of the game 18-6, the team showed signs of life. With Saks moving down to Class 3A, Cleburne County, which is only a few minutes from White Plains, fills the void in 4A, Region 6. The move opens the door for a newcomer to join the postseason party and with a weaker region, why can t it be White Plains? If last season is any indication, then the Wildcats should be in games against Ashville, Cherokee County, Anniston and Oneonta. Combine a few wins there with a non-region win or two, and the Wildcats will be there. word FrOM COACH MILLer: That was a big win over Wellborn to end last season, and it did help spark some things going into the offseason. It sparked a lot. We ve had a good offseason and good time in the weight room. It s just been good this summer. Now in return, expectations went up a little bit. This is a good core group, not a lot of numbers but still a good core group. Aug. 24, Vincent (A) Aug. 31, Ohatchee (A) Sep. 7, Hokes Bluff (H)* Sep. 14, Ashville (A)* Sep. 21, Cherokee County (H)* Sep. 28, OPEN Oct. 5, Cleburne County (A)* Oct. 12, Anniston (H)* Oct. 19, Jacksonville (A)* Oct. 26, Oneonta (H)* Nov. 1, Ranburne (A) *Class 4A, Region 6 games 2017 RESULTS Aug. 25, OPEN Sep. 1, Ohatchee (H), L, Sep. 8, Oneonta (A), L, Sep. 15, Saks (H), L, 34-0 Sep. 22, Hokes Bluff (A), L, Sep. 29, Westbrook Christian (H), L, Oct. 6, Anniston (H), L, Oct. 13, Cherokee County (H), L, Oct. 20, Jacksonville (H), L, Oct. 27, Ashville (A), L, Nov. 2, Wellborn (H), W, 18-0 Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File White Plains head coach Chris White chats with White Plains Pat Harris during the Westbrook Christian at White Plains AHSAA football game. WILDCATS

26 Page 26 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston StarT CLAy CentrAL CLeburne COunty HAndLey LInCOLn Danny Horn, entering 30th year overall, first year at Clay Central. Michael Shortt, , entering 21st year overall, all at Cleburne County. Larry Strain, entering 20th year overall, at Handley (fourth year). Matt Zedaker, 1-9, entering second year overall, all at Lincoln. Class 5A, Region 5 Class 4A, Region 6 Class 4A, Region 4 Class 4A, Region overall, 5-1 region. The Volunteers finished second in their region and lost to Demopolis in a second-round playoff game. Kris Herron s swan song produced yet another playoff appearance and winning season for Clay Central. 7-3 regular season record helped the Volunteers finish second in Class 5A, Region 4 behind Beauregard. Impressive wins over Valley, Cleburne County, Lincoln, Sylacauga, Talladega and Handley gave Clay Central momentum heading into its first-round matchup with Charles Henderson, which it beat However, a 17-6 loss to Demopolis, which lost to St. Paul s in the semifinals, brought Clay Central s season to an end. WR/S Shamari Simmons, G Destin Harris, T Michi Harris, DT Jaylon Bass, DE Davion Phillips, S Dwayne Garrett, CB Paul Garrett Region wise, Clay Central is shifting. This year, trips to Springville, Mortimer Jordan, Sylacauga and Center Point await the Volunteers. Combining those games with home games against Moody, Munford and St. Clair County, Clay Central will have its work cut out. But, the Volunteers do have the luxury of legendary head coach Danny Horn arriving on the scene from Benjamin Russell. Even without top-tier talent, right now, the Volunteers always find a way. 1-9 overall, 1-5 region. The Tigers finished sixth in their region. A tough 2017 schedule yielded only one win for Cleburne County a victory at Lincoln on Oct. 12. Playing in Class 5A, the Tigers had to play against the likes of Talladega, Clay Central, Beauregard and Sylacauga. Non-region games against Leeds, Alexandria, Randolph County and Fyffe weren t too friendly either consider the foursome made are traditional powerhouses and exhibited that by making the postseason yet again. QB Brock Swafford, Sr.; RB Trevor HoOL Valik Nolen, OL Ben Oswalt, OL Cole Spurlin, TE Gage Harcrow, TB AJ Brown, WR/DB Isavia Brown, WR Lucas Downey, DE Cale Dingler, DT Landon Whitmore, DT Brandon Rogers, LB C.J. Higgins, OLB Micaiah Ross, K/P Hayden Stevens. Reclassification in 2016 put the Tigers up in 5A for the first time in their school s history. But over the next two years, they only managed three wins in 17 games. However, the most recent reclassification drops Cleburne County back into 4A, where it ll play more local teams. It may take some time to return to the success the Tigers had during its last stint in 4A, but this year could be a good building block. 2-8 overall, 2-5 region. The Tigers finished sixth in their region. Larry Strain experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in the last two years with a state championship in 2016 followed by a 2-8 mark in 17. But a quick look through the Tigers schedule last season and one will notice how much potential Handley has under Strain heading into the new year. Against Tallassee, Leeds, and Childersburg, the Tigers ultimately lost by eight points or less. Combine those three with wins over Dadeville and Holtville, and Handley could ve attempted to make the same postseason magic it did in QB/CB QuonDarius Lyons, WR/OLB Cadarious Burton, LB Nicholas Kimble, DE Dylan Brooks, OLB Riley Owens, HB/CB Devontae Houston, WR/DE Jared Sears, OL Jaxon Whaley, OL/DT KeChawn Morgan, OT Jakob Daniel With several returning starters on both sides of the football, the Strain Train has the opportunity to move quickly through its 2018 schedule. The addition of Lincoln and Talladega into Class 4A, Region 4 will make for some exciting games in Talladega County for Handley. 1-9 overall, 1-5 region. The Golden Bears finished seventh in their region. Like so many teams around the area, Lincoln s 2017 record was a bit misleading. A 3-point loss to St. Clair County followed an 11-point loss at Leeds to start the season. Two weeks later, another 3-point loss, this time to Talladega, preceded the Golden Bears only win of the season. Cleburne County got the best of Lincoln by a touchdown before Hayden held off the Golden Bears by six to end the season. LB Keyshon Townsend, CB Eziyah Carter, S Montez Hall, LB Jarrod McBurnett, K Nick Pope, OL Javon Ward, OL/DL Dalton Gowers, DL Isaac Britt, OL/DL Steven White, OL Xavier Ragland, OL Chris Abercromie Not a lot of things went Lincoln s way last season, but head coach Matt Zedaker returns seven defensive starters and five offensive linemen in That sounds like a recipe for success. A shift in the region sees the Golden Bears play the likes of Holtville, Childersburg, Elmore County, Leeds, Talladega and Handley. Three wins there and a non-region win or two against Southside, Wellborn, Munford or Montevallo could have Lincoln in the postseason after a year s absence. Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Benjamin Russell (H) Sep. 7, Munford (H)* Sep. 14, Springville (A)* Sep. 21, Moody (H)* Sep. 28, Jasper (A) Oct. 5, Mortimer Jordan (A)* Oct. 12, St. Clair County (H)* Oct. 19, Sylacauga (A)* Oct. 25, Center Point (A)* Nov. 2, Handley (A) Aug. 24, Weaver (A) Aug. 31, Saks (H) Sep. 7, Oneonta (A)* Sep. 14, Anniston (H)* Sep. 21, Jacksonville (H)* Sep. 28, Alexandria (H)* Oct. 5, White Plains (H) Oct. 11, Hokes Bluff (A)* Oct. 19, Ashville (H)* Oct. 26, Cherokee County (A)* Nov. 2, OPEN Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Tallassee (A) Sep. 7, Holtville (H)* Sep. 14, B.T. Washington (H) Sep. 21 Childersburg (A)* Sep. 28, Lanett (A) Oct. 5, Elmore County (H)* Oct. 11, Lincoln (A)* Oct. 19, Leeds (H)* Oct. 26, Talladega (A)* Nov. 2, Clay Central (H) Aug. 24, Southside (H) Aug. 31, Walter Wellborn (A) Sep. 7, OPEN Sep. 14, Leeds (A)* Sep. 21, Talladega (H)* Sep. 28, Munford (H) Oct. 5, Holtville (A)* Oct. 11, Handley (H)* Oct. 19, Childersburg (A)* Oct. 26, Elmore County (H)* Nov. 2, Montevallo (A) *Class 5A, Region 5 games *Class 4A, Region 6 games *Class 4A, Region4 games *Class 4A, Region 4 games

27 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 27 MunFOrd ranburne randolph CO. SprInG GArden Bill Smith, entering 10th year overall, at Munford (fourth year). Class 5A, Region overall, 7-0 region. The Lions finished first in their region and lost to W.S. Neal in a first-round playoff game. It took until the final regular-season ASWA football poll for Munford to crack into the top 10. No one really knows why. Following a season-opening loss at Clay Central, the Lions reeled off nine straight wins. Those wins include a streak of six straight wins by holding opponents to single-digit points. The two games on either end of the streak are a win over Dadeville and win at Leeds. The Lions never allowed more than 21 points all season, including their playoff loss to W.S. Neal. WR LJ Flint, WR Ethan Swinford, C Payton Graben, DT Michael Armstrong, LB Pernell Mitchell, OLB Justin Sistrunk, S Cam Lemons, S Kyle Ross Munford opens its 2018 season with three big-time storylines, prior to a twoweek homestand then traveling to longtime rival Lincoln in late September. Head coach Bill Smith will have his hands full as Munford navigates its way through Class 5A for the first time in the Lions history. Since taking over prior to the 2015 season, Munford, under Smith, has won 25 regular season games, three postseason games and a region title. Leadership will be the guiding light for the Lions this year Stephen Bailey, 7-15, entering third year overall, all at Ranburne. Class 2A, Region overall, 3-4 region. The Bulldogs finished fourth in their region and lost to Lamar County in a second-round game. With their backs against the wall, Ranburne traveled to Vincent and defeated the Yellow Jackets to clinch the final playoff spot from Class 2A, Region 5, which featured eventual Class 2A state champion Lanett. But their 5-7 record was a bit misleading. There was a loss to Horseshoe Bend, which finished the season 3-7, a loss to Reeltown, which finished 7-5, a loss to LaFayette, which finished 9-3, and the season-ending 17-7 loss to Lamar County in the second round of the playoffs. LT/DT Brock Young, LG/DE Brennan Gaines, C Jacob Winkles, RG Brady Bailey, QB/CB Josh Ralston, WR/OLB Jake Burson, WR/CB Tye Bailey, S Sean Pollard, LB Spencer Jordan Talk about a non-region schedule for the Bulldogs: Glencoe, Wadley, Reeltown and White Plains. Throw in Cleveland, Ohatchee and Westbrook Christian and Ranburne appears to have its work cut out for it in But that work will help strengthen the Bulldogs as they strive to make the postseason for a second time in three years under head coach Stephen Bailey. Pat Prestridge, entering 17th year overall, at Randolph County (13th year). Class 3A, Region overall, 5-1 region. The Tigers finished second in their region and lost to Hillcrest Evergreen in the Class 3A state championship game. It all went so well for Randolph County up until the last game. The Tigers avenged a early-season loss to Piedmont with a thrilling win over the Bulldogs in the Class 3A state semifinals. Offensively, the only game in which the Tigers failed to score 28-or-more points came against Hillcrest-Evergreen for the Class 3A state championship, which the Jaguars won N/A. Everyone is battling to earn the right to be called a starter. Coach Prestridge Expect Randolph County to make another deep postseason run this year. It s that simple. A lot of people doubted the Tigers when they moved up to Class 3A, but they ve shown, with back-to-back playoff appearances and multiple playoff wins in two years, they re legit. That s not going to change in It s weird to say that every team, including Piedmont, in Class 3A, Region 6 is chasing a certain team, but it s true. Just like last year, everyone will be chasing the Tigers SCHEDULE Jason Howard, entering 16th year overall, at Spring Garden (14th year). Class 1A, Region overall, 4-1 region. The Panthers finished second in their region and lost to Pickens County in a second-round game. Death. Taxes. Spring Garden making the playoffs. It s that easy. In 2017, head coach Jason Howard led the Panthers to the postseason for a fourth straight year and won at least one playoff game for the third straight season. The only blemish on the region schedule was a 34-7 loss to Cedar Bluff on Oct. 27. Other than that, Spring Garden held its other Class 1A, Region 6 opponents to a combined 26 points. The Panthers season ultimately ended to Pickens County 51-9, which finished as Class 1A state runner-up. QB Luke Ivey, FB/LB Luke Welsh, TB/ DL Westin Kirk, SE/C Gaines Petty, OL Christian Crider, OL/DL PJ Smith, TE/ LB Colby Slayton, LB Lucky Bolen, DE Michael Floyd Spring Garden takes the place of Wadley in Class 1A, Region 5 following reclassification during the offseason. Keeping Cedar Bluff on their schedule as a non-region opponent, the Panthers will likely cruise through its region and games against Class 2A foes Sand Rock and Ider to get ready for a Class 1A playoff bracket that ll likely include an athletic Lanett team that drops down from 2A SCHEDULE Aug. 24, Oxford (H) Aug. 31, Talladega (H) Sep. 7, Clay Central (A)* Sep. 14, Center Point (H)* Sep. 21, Springville (H)* Sep. 28, Lincoln (A) Oct. 5, Moody (A)* Oct. 12, Mortimer Jordan (H)* Oct. 19, St. Clair County (A)* Oct. 26, Sylacauga (H)* Nov. 2, OPEN Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Glencoe (H) Sep. 7, Gaston (H)* Sep. 14, Woodland (H)* Sep. 21, Cleveland (A)* Sep. 28, Wadley (A)* Oct. 5, Westbrook Christian (H)* Oct. 12, West End (A)* Oct. 19, Ohatchee (A)* Oct. 26, Reeltown (A) Nov. 2, White Plains (H) Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Notasulga (H) Sep. 7, Glencoe (A)* Sep. 14, Piedmont (H)* Sep. 21, B.B. Comer (H)* Sep. 28, Woodland (A)* Oct. 5, Weaver (H)* Oct. 12, Walter Wellborn (H)* Oct. 19, Saks (A)* Oct. 26, Pleasant Valley (A)* Nov. 2, Wadley (H) Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Cedar Bluff (A) Sep. 7, Winterboro (H)* Sep. 14, Notasulga (A) Sep. 21, Donoho (H)* Sep. 28, Sand Rock (H) Oct. 5, Talladega County Central (A)* Oct. 12, Victory Christian (A)* Oct. 19, Appalachian (H)* Oct. 26, Ragland (A)* Nov. 2, Ider (A) *Class 5A, Region 5 games *Class 2A, Region 6 games *Class 3A, Region 6 games *Class 1A, Region 5 games

28 Page 28 Sunday, August 19, 2018 talladega Ted Darby, 6-14 entering third season overall, 6-5 at Talladega (second year). Class 4A, Region overall, 3-3 region. The Tigers finished fourth in their region and lost to Carroll in a first-round playoff game. No one expected the success Talladega had last season. For the first time in their history of being in Class 5A, the Tigers not only had a winning season (6-5), but also made the playoffs. The last time Talladega achieved both of those in the same season? That appearance came in the midst of a four-year playoff stretch and three winning seasons in four years under Wayne Grant. This past season s wins over Talladega County Central, Cleburne County, Lincoln, Wellborn, Valley and Winterboro helped spark a football interest at Talladega for the first time in a long time. QB Nigel Scales, RB/LB Tez Cunningham, WR Deco Wilson, WR/CB Chaztin Tanner, T/DE Quinn Lawson, G YD Montgomery, C Tommy Wilcox, DT Bubba Warwick, DT CJ White, LB Tristan Wells, S JQ Wilson What will Ted Darby and company have as an encore following last season s breakout? That s the million-dollar question. Though games against Alexandria, Munford, Midfield and Moody will provide to be one of more challenging non-region schedules in a long time for the Tigers, a top-heavy Class 4A, Region 4 might give Talladega another opportunity of reaching the postseason. Aug. 23, Alexandria (H) Aug. 31, Munford (A) Sep. 7, Childersburg (A)* Sep. 14, Elmore County (H)* Sep. 21, Lincoln (A)* Sep. 28, Midfield (H) Oct. 5, Leeds (H)* Oct. 12, OPEN Oct. 19, Holtville (A)* Oct. 25, Handley (H)* Nov. 1, Moody (A) *Class 4A, Region 4 games wadley Jonathan Farr, 0-0, entering first year as head coach. Class 1A, Region overall, 6-0 region. The Bulldogs finished first in their region and lost to eventual state champion Sweet Water in the semifinals. Wadley was the only team in Alabama to rival Oxford s defense, statistically. In 10 regular-season games, the Bulldogs allowed 39 points. (Oxford gave up 54 points.) No opponent scored more than seven points, while three games were shutouts. Even in the playoffs, Wadley s defense continued its reign at least through the first three rounds until the Bulldogs fell to Sweet Water in the Class 1A semifinals. T/DT Chaz Harmon, TE/DE Chris Hodges, DE Luke Freeman, CB Dalton Brown, G John Freeman, TE Gage Oligvie, RB Trevor Cameron, C Elijah Beverly Talk about a revamped schedule. Wadley loses teams such as Winterboro, Donoho, Appalachian, Talladega County Central, Ragland and Victory Christian and gains Lanett, Loachapoka, Verbena, Billingsley, Autaugaville and Notasulga. That s going to be a rude awakening for first-year head coach Jonathan Farr. But he s been on the staff for years, so there shouldn t be a problem of players buying into a new system. Non-region games against Woodland, Ranburne and Randolph County should help boost experience, if not for this season then years to come. Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 31, Woodland (H) Sep. 7, Lanett (A)* Sep. 14, Loachapoka (A)* Sep. 21, Verbena (H)* Sep. 28, Ranburne (H)* Oct. 5, Billingsley (H)* Oct. 12, OPEN Oct. 19, Autaugaville (A)* Oct. 26, Notasulga (H)* Nov. 2, Randolph County (A) *Class 4A, Region 6 games annistonstar.com Complete coverage throughout the fall The Anniston Star facebook.com/annistonstar The latest stories, plus videos, photos and more Download The Anniston Star app for Apple and Android to get all the coverage on your smartphone or tablet

29 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 29

30 Page 30 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star Five games to watch during the 2018 high school season BY CHRIS ALLEN BROWN Star Sports Correspondent When the calendar flips to August, high chool football fans around Calhoun County tart thinking about who is playing who this eason. Everyone wants to know when Alexanria and Jacksonville are squaring off. What ig-time school does Oxford have on its chedule? Is a non-region opponent willing o play Piedmont? Are there any county eams not in the same region that are playing ach other? Well, this provides the answer to a few of hose questions. Here are the top five most nticipated matchups involving at least one alhoun County team: 1. Pinson Valley at Oxford Oxford s Lamar Field, Sept. 21 The lowdown: This game. Oh boy. Pinson Valley is coming off an undefeatd, state-championship winning season nder Patrick Nix. The Indians are quarteracked by Patrick s son, Bo, who is commited to Auburn. Last year, Pinson Valley outcored its opponents , while Oxford s efense allowed 99 combined points. Yes, everal members of the 2017 Yellow Jackets efense graduated, but LSU commit Kendall ccallum and Keon Fomby are still there at inebacker. Oh, did we mention Oxford has ts own five-star recruit in offensive lineman lay Webb? There will be plenty of athletes, scouts, ollege coaches and reporters at Oxford by he time this game rolls around. 2. Piedmont at Jacksonville Jacksonville s Golden Eagle Stadium, ept. 28 The lowdown: There s a four-game tretch from Sep. 14 to Oct. 5 when Piedont plays Randolph County, Weaver, Jackonville and Saks, all which will develop into ust-see games, but this one fits the bill of which non-region team wants to play Piedont. To add to the storyline, it s a Calhoun ounty non-region team at that. Both teams are breaking in new quesions, while returning experience at several ositions, including offensive and defensive ine. But what really pops out about this ame is just the fact that someone is actually laying Piedmont in county. 3. Jacksonville at Alexandria Alexandria s Lou Scales Stadium, Aug. 31 The lowdown: There are so many stoylines surrounding this game that it s just ot fair. First and foremost, it s Jacksonville and lexandria. The way people talk about this ivalry, you d think they were trying to put Alexandria s Sam Shaw pushes his way for yards in a win over Jacksonville in the same end of two magnets together; they just won t go together. Next, it s the first home game for first-year head coach Todd Ginn the son of legendary Alexandria head coach Larry Ginn, who the football field is named after. The Ginn name is a staple out in The Valley, so seeing how many lifelong supporters of the Valley Cubs assemble should be incredible. 4. Piedmont at Weaver Weaver s Bill Bryan Stadium, Sept. 21 The lowdown: Pinson Valley and Oxford isn t the only show in Calhoun County on Sept. 21. While it s tough to label this matchup as a true rivalry, Weaver has been, for years, inching closer and closer to dethroning the Bulldogs, if not for the region championship then at least for one night. What used to be blowout victories for Piedmont have turned into nail-biting finishes because of the Bearcats resilience. Robert Gaines, arguably one of the top athletes in the county, makes the move from receiver to quarterback for the Bearcats, so it ll be interesting to see what Piedmont defensive coordinator James Blanchard has to draw up to defend the track star. 5. Randolph County at Saks Saks Jack Stewart Field, Oct. 19 The lowdown: This matchup just looks interesting. Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File Right off the bat, there s Troy and Kennesaw State commits Jaylen Childs and Marreo Thomas, respectively, manning a defensive line that ll have to put up with Randolph County s quintet of running backs, including Aaron Knight. With that being said, it may put a chip of Saks Johnathon Cobb to prove he s the best running back on the field in mid-october. Who knows, maybe an inexperienced Saks team has it figured out by this point and this game is for the region championship. What if the Wildcats play spoiler and beat the Tigers to get into the playoffs and prevent Randolph County from claiming the region championship?

31 The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 31 CARPET HARDWOOD LAMINATE CERAMIC TILE VINYL WHY CHOOSE ABBEY CARPET & FLOOR? 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee All Major Manufacturer Brands 800 Store Buying Power Locally Owned & Operated Best Selection & Service Only First Quality Products Lifetime Workmanship Warranty Easy Financing Plans Free Estimates 0% FINANCING FOR 12 MONTHS! FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU! Highway 431 North Anniston ShopAbbey.com Showroom Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-5 Saturday 8:30-4

32 Page 32 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star