HIGH SCHOOL The Anniston Star

INSIDE:
Who will be the
brightest stars
on Friday nights?

ALSO:
Top five games
to watch
this season
Page 2 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 3

VETERANS
The Anniston Star

UPWARD BoUND
TRiO | Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a TRiO program funded 100% by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCHOOLS

HELPING VETERANS Alexandria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6

Anniston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
White Plains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clay-Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
26

SUCCEED
The Donoho School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cleburne County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Jacksonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Handley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Ohatchee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lincoln. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Oxford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Munford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Piedmont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ranburne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
BENEFITS & SERVICES AVAILABLE Pleasant Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Saks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Randolph County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spring Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
27
Weaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Talladega. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Wellborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Wadley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cover photo by Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Check out more sports online at annistonstar.com

Preseason All-Calhoun County team

Class 1A-3A Class 4A-6A
Preseason Player of the Year: Preseason Player of the Year:
Shamar Spinks, Weaver Clay Webb, Oxford

QB: Robert Gaines, Weaver QB: Trey Higgins, Oxford

RB: Shamar Spinks, Weaver RB: Tyetus Smith-Lindsey, Oxford
RB: Dominique Thomas, Ohatchee RB: Johnathon Cobb, Saks
RB: Colton East, Pleasant Valley RB: Rontarious Wiggins, Jacksonville
WR: T.J. Fairs, Piedmont WR: Jewels Gray, Jacksonville
WR: Logan Pruitt, Piedmont WR: Joe Tucker, Alexandria
OL: Carson Brazier, Pleasant Valley OL: Clay Webb, Oxford
OL: Triston Salster, Pleasant Valley OL: Skyler Payne, Alexandria
OL: Dylan Gilbert, Wellborn OL: Cam Parker, Jacksonville
OL: Jasper Dukes, Weaver OL: Jaylen Childs, Saks
OL: Harley Kendall, Wellborn OL: Caleb Ogle, Saks
DL: Sean Smith, Piedmont DL: Marreo Thomas, Saks
DL: Isaiah Woods, Weaver DL: Jaylen Swain, Oxford
DL: Tyler Rigsby, Donoho DL: Ethan Bozarth, White Plains
DL: Amonte Tyus, Wellborn DL: Jimmy Embry, Anniston
LB: Logan Smith, Piedmont LB: Keon Fomby, Oxford
LB: Alex Parris, Pleasant Valley LB: Kendall McCallum, Oxford
LB: Matthew Thornton, Piedmont LB: Nate McCallum, Alexandria
LB: Caleb Allison, Weaver LB: Matthew Clay, White Plains
DB: Kaedon Jenkins, Piedmont DB: Asante Ferrell, Oxford
DB: Calvin Spinks, Wellborn DB: Charrell Brown, Anniston
DB: Baylee Graham, Ohatchee DB: Damecus Thomas, Anniston
K: Gage Harrell, Ohatchee K: Anthony Cornejo, Saks
P: Bryce Walter, Piedmont P: Noah Sawyer, Jacksonville
ATH: Jett Smith, Wellborn ATH: Zay Britt, Oxford
ATH: Grayson Alward, Ohatchee ATH: Romeo Dye, Alexandria
 Page 4 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star
Spinks, Webb lead athletic, physical
All-Calhoun County team
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 wres-
tler during the football offseason,
can physically lift most of his team-
mates and opposing defensive line-
men 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 knock-
down blocks while paving the way
for teammate Tyetus Smith-Lindsey
to rush for 1,934 yards and 24 touch-
downs. 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 team-
mate 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 posi-
tion, 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 posi-
tions, 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 pre-
season 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 Big-
gersville (Miss.) High School, Jack-
sonville will travel to J.B. Penning-
ton, Oxford goes to Munford, Saks
plays at Alabama Christian, Weaver Trent Penny/The Anniston Star
hosts Cleburne County, Wellborn
Oxford offensive lineman Clay Webb and Weaver running back Shamar
welcomes Oak Graves and White
Spinks will be two local players to keep an eye on this season.
Plains will play at Vincent.
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 5

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 Page 6 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

Alexandria
valley cubs head coach:
Todd Ginn, 0-0, entering first year as head
coach at Alexandria.

Class, region:
2018 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23, Talladega (A)
Aug. 31, Jacksonville (H)
Sep. 7, OPEN
2017 RESULTS
Aug. 25, Talladega (H), W, 37-0
Sep. 1, Jacksonville (H), W, 45-17
Sep. 8, Arab (A), W, 45-15
Class 5A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Boaz (A)* Sep. 15, Boaz (H), W, 42-14
Sep. 21, Crossville (H)* Sep. 22, Etowah (A), L, 14-0
Last year: Sep. 28, Cleburne County (A) Sep. 29, Cleburne County (A), W, 51-28
8-3 overall, 5-2 region. The Valley Cubs Oct. 5, Sardis (H)* Oct. 6, Scottsboro (H), W, 32-7
finished third in their region and lost to Oct. 12, Southside (A)* Oct. 13, Douglas (A), W, 42-17
Wenonah in a first-round playoff game. Oct. 19, Etowah (H)* Oct. 20, Guntersville (A), L, 17-0
Oct. 26, Douglas (A)* Oct. 27, Crossville (H), W, 60-14
How it went in 2017: Nov. 2, Chilton County (H) Nov. 3, OPEN
A promising start to the season came to an PLAYOFFS
abrupt halt when Alexandria was bounced *Class 5A, Region 6 games Nov. 9, Wenonah (A), L, 40-14
from the Class 5A state playoffs 40-14 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.

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
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 Doug-
las should wrap up another postseason
appearance.

WORD FROM COACH GINN:

“When people show up to watch
us play, I want people to be able
Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
to get their money’s worth. That’s
Alexandria’s Jake Wells (11), rushing against Crossville, is back as the Cubs’ starting quar-
what I was about at Gadsden (State) terback.
and that’ll be what I’m about here.”
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 7
Page 8 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

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The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 9

Anniston

BULLDOGS
head coach: 2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS
Rico White, 0-0, entering first year as head
coach at Anniston. Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 25, OPEN
Aug. 31, Catholic Montgomery (A) Sep. 1, Sylacauga (A), L, 17-6
Class, region: Sep. 7, Cherokee County (H)* Sep. 8, Ashville (A), W, 26-6
Class: 4A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Cleburne County (A)* Sep. 15, Cherokee County (A), L, 15-12
Sep. 21, Hokes Bluff (H)* Sep. 22, Jacksonville (H), L, 31-12
Last year: Sep. 28, American Christian (H) Sep. 29, Pell City (H), W, 20-14
3-7, overall, 2-5 region. The Bulldogs Oct. 5, Jacksonville (A)* Oct. 6, White Plains (A), W, 33-20
finished in a three-way tie for fifth in their Oct. 12, White Plains (A)* Oct. 13, Saks (H), L, 19-6
region. Oct. 19, Oneonta (H)* Oct. 20, Hokes Bluff (H), L 41-16
Oct. 26, Ashville (A)* Oct. 27, Oneonta (A), L 27-7
How it went in 2017: Nov. 2, Childersburg (H) Nov. 3, Fort Payne (H), L 20-7
When the regular season concluded,
*Class 4A, Region 6 games
Anniston was two games back of Cherokee
County for the fourth and final playoff spot
from Class 4A, Region 5. A 15-12 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.

Returning starters:
None.

Our take:
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 post-
season, 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 return-
ing to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

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 Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File

that’ll carry over from this point.” First-year Anniston head coach Rico White shares a smile with quarterback Tyree Carmi-
chael during a practice session.
 Page 10 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

donoho
FALCONS head coach: 2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS
Mark Sanders, 19-22 entering fifth year over-
all, 2-8 at Donoho (second season). Aug. 24, Biggersville (Miss.) (H) Aug. 25, OPEN
Aug. 31, Horseshoe Bend (H)* Sep. 1, Horseshoe Bend (H), L, 18-3
Class, region: Sep. 7, Ragland (H)* Sep. 8, Victory Christian (H), L 26-14
Class 1A, Region 5 Sep. 14, Winterboro (A)* Sep. 15, Winterboro (A), L, 36-14
Sep. 21, Spring Garden (A)* Sep. 22, Coosa Christian (H), W, 56-7
Last year: Sep. 28, Berry Fayette (H) Sep. 29, Spring Garden (A), L, 34-14
2-8 overall, 1-5 region. The Falcons finished Oct. 5, OPEN Oct. 5, Appalachian (H), W, 35-12
sixth in their region. Oct. 12, Talladega County Central (H)* Oct. 12, Talladega County Central (A), L, 18-14
Oct. 19, Victory Christian (H)* Oct. 20, Ragland (H), L, 40-26
How it went in 2017: Oct. 26, Appalachian (A)* Oct. 27, Wadley (A), L, 58-0
If there was a highlight for Donoho last sea- Nov. 2, Woodland (H) Nov. 3, Woodland (A), L, 14-13
son, it’s that the Falcons allowed nearly 160 fewer
points than they did in 2016. Unfortunately, the
*Class 1A, Region 5 games
offense struggled for much of the year. On five
occasions, Donoho lost by 15 or less points, includ-
ing 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 17-14 in three years at Victory Christian.

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
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 sit-
uations don’t get as rough on you when you Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
have 10 other guys around you who are there
for you.” I really think we’re going to be able to Donoho’s Hall Billings (2) celebrates a touchdown run against Appalachian with Will Nelson
(25).
show some people what we can do.”
rThe Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 11

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 Page 12 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

Jacksonville
GOLDEN EAGLES head coach:
Clint Smith, 101-70 entering 17th year
overall, 44-23 at Jacksonville (seventh year).
Class, region:
Class 4A, Region 6
Last year:
8-4 overall, 6-1 region. The Golden Eagles
finished second in their region and lost to
Fayette County in a second-round playoff
game.
How it went in 2017:
After dropping its first three games of the
season, Jacksonville bounced back with an
eye-opening win over Hokes Bluff that start-
ed 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 32-16.
2018 SCHEDULE
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, 31-24
Sep. 1, Alexandria (A), L 45-17
Sep. 8, Saks (A), L, 34-27
Sep. 15, Hokes Bluff (H), W, 28-27
Sep. 22, Anniston (A), W, 31-12
Sep. 29, Loachapoka (H), W, 38-10
Oct. 6, Ashville (A), W, 38-14
Oct. 13, Oneonta (H), W, 42-14
Oct. 20, White Plains (A), W, 41-20
Oct. 27, Cherokee County (H), W, 45-21
Nov. 3, OPEN
PLAYOFFS
Nov. 10, Randolph (H), W, 43-13
Nov. 17, Fayette County (A), L, 32-16

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
If things go the way many expect, his-
tory 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 appear-
ances. Expect both totals to be added to this
year. While Jacksonville has tough non-re-
gion 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 champion-
ship.

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 Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File

work. It doesn’t matter what you did last Jacksonville head football coach Clint Smith works with Josh Bell during an August practice.
year, good or bad, every team has a differ-
ent attitude and different heartbeat.”
rThe Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 13

Ohatchee
head coach: 2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS
Scott Martin, 51-38 entering ninth year over-
all, 25-20 at Ohatchee (fifth year). Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 25, Ragland (H), W, 21-6
Aug. 31, White Plains (H) Sep. 1, White Plains (A), W, 33-14
Class, region: Sep. 7, Woodland (A)* Sep. 8, Randolph County (H), L, 42-6
Class: 2A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Cleveland (H)* Sep. 15, Pleasant Valley (A), W, 21-13
Sep. 21, Westbrook Christian (A)* Sep. 22, Weaver (H), W, 28-13
Last year: Sep. 28, Leeds (A) Sep. 29, Ashville (A), W, 30-0
8-3 overall, 4-2 region. The Indians finished Oct. 5, West End (H)* Oct. 6, Wellborn (A), W, 42-0
third in their region and lost to Sylvania in a Oct. 12, OPEN Oct. 13, OPEN
first-round playoff game. Oct. 19, Ranburne (H)* Oct. 20, Piedmont (A), L, 41-20
Oct. 26, Gaston (A)* Oct. 27, Glencoe (H), W, 48-6
How it went in 2016: Nov. 2, Pleasant Valley (H) Nov. 2, Pisgah (H), W, 37-0
A year after losing stars such as Taylor PLAYOFFS
*Class 2A, Region 6 games
Eubanks and Austin Tucker, losing to only Nov. 10, Sylvania (A), L, 37-14
Randolph County and Piedmont has to be a
plus, right? Even with those two regular-season
defeats and a playoff loss at Sylvania, the Indi-
ans 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.

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
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 Indi-
ans 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.

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
e
to be easy now.’ No, it’s not going to
be easy. There are some really good Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File
.
football teams in 2A when you’re Ohatchee’s Domonique Thomas (7) is back after shining as a ball carrier in 2017.
looking up and down the standings.”
Page 14 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston StarT
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 15

Oxford

head coach:
Ryan Herring, 86-49 entering 13th year over-
all, 40-18 at Oxford (sixth year).
Class, region:
Class: 6A, Region 6
Last year:
12-1 overall, 6-0 region. The Yellow Jackets
finished first in their region and lost to Clay-
Chalkville in a quarterfinal playoff game.
How it went in 2017:
Oxford capitalized on a rather weak Class 6A,
Region 7 by pitching four regular-season shut-
outs 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 31-15 to end their
undefeated season in the Class 6A quarterfinals.
2018 SCHEDULE
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
OW JACKETS
2017 RESULTS
Aug. 25, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (H), W, 21-0
Sep. 1, Gadsden City (H), W, 41-13
Sep. 8, Brewer (A), W, 42-7
Sep. 15, Cullman (H), W, 38-14
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, 31-15

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
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 classifica-
tions. 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. 12-1. We were the No. 1 Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File
defense in the state, so it was a great, Oxford’s Tyetus Smith-Lindsey (1) rushed for 1,934 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in
great football season.” 2017.
Page 16 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

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the classmates that become lifelong friends.
rThe Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 17

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 Page 18 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston StarT

piedmont
BULLDOGS head coach: 2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS
Steve Smith, 220-70 entering 24th year overall,
135-25 at Piedmont (13th year). Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 25, Rockmart (Ga.) (A), L, 36-22
Aug. 31, Addison (A) Sep. 1, Cherokee County (H), W, 42-20
Class, region: Sep. 7, Pleasant Valley (H)* Sep. 8, Glencoe (H), W, 61-14
Class 3A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Randolph County (A)* Sep. 15, Randolph County (A), W, 41-31
Sep. 21, Weaver (A)* Sep. 22, Pleasant Valley (H), W, 48-13
Last year: Sep. 28, Jacksonville (A)* Sep. 29, Leeds (A), W, 41-19
12-2 overall, 6-0 region. The Bulldogs finished Oct. 5, Saks (H)* Oct. 6, Weaver (A), W, 33-27
first in their region and lost to Randolph County in a Oct. 12, Glencoe (A)* Oct. 13, Walter Wellborn (H), W, 35-10
semifinal playoff game. Oct. 19, B.B. Comer (H)* Oct. 20, Ohatchee (H), W, 41-20
Oct. 26, Walter Wellborn (H)* Oct. 27, OPEN
How it went in 2017: Nov. 2, Geraldine, (A) Nov. 3, Oneonta (A), W, 40-19
With Cardavian Myers at quarterback and PLAYOFFS
Logan Beadles anchoring the defensive line, Pied- *-Class 3A, Region 6 game Nov. 10, Geraldine (H), W, 26-6
mont bounced back from a season-opening loss at Nov. 17, J.B. Pennington (H), W, 28-13
Rockmart (Ga.) to win 12 straight games and clinch Nov. 24, Colbert Heights (A), W, 34-13
another region championship. However, the Bull- Dec. 1, Randolph County (H), L, 35-28
dogs’ season ended a week sooner than they want-
ed as Randolph County avenged a mid-season loss
to knock Piedmont from the playoffs.

Returning starters:
WR T.J. Fairs, DB Jakari Foster, DB Malachi Jack-
son, 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

Our take:
For the program Steve Smith has built at Pied-
mont, 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 semi-
finals last season. As Piedmont breaks in a third dif-
ferent 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 Coun-
ty, 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 Pied-
mont 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 signif- Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File

icant role like a starter, but they may have been Piedmont’s Matthew Thornton puts a hard hit on Geraldine’s Andrew Jamie Hall during
on special teams or something like that. I think a 2017 playoff game.
the biggest thing I see from years past is depth.”
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 19

pleasant valley
head coach: 2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS
Jonathan Nix, 43-52 entering 10th year overall,
6-24 at Pleasant Valley (fourth year). Aug. 24, OPEN Aug. 25, Vincent (A), L, 14-13
Aug. 31, West End (A) Sep. 1, Gaston (A), W, 37-6
Class, region: Sep. 7, Piedmont (A)* Sep. 8, Walter Wellborn (A), L, 28-0
Class: 3A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Weaver (H)* Sep. 15, Ohatchee (H), L, 21-13
Sep. 21, Saks (A)* Sep. 22, Piedmont (A), L, 48-13
Last year: Sep. 28, Gaston (H) Sep. 29, OPEN
4-6 overall, 1-5 region. The Raiders finished Oct. 5, Glencoe (H)* Oct. 6, Glencoe (H), W, 37-0
sixth in their region. Oct. 12, B.B. Comer (A)* Oct. 13, Randolph County (H), L, 40-3
Oct. 19, Walter Wellborn (A)* Oct. 20, West End (H), W, 34-14
How it went in 2017: Oct. 26, Randolph County (H)* Oct. 27, Weaver (A), L, 29-6
Last year was a season of growth for Pleasant Nov. 2, Ohatchee (A) Nov. 3, Spring Garden (H), W, 40-20
Valley. But it was also a season of what-ifs. The
Raiders lost their season-opening game by a *Class 3A, Region 5 games
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.

Returning starters:
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 Jon-
athan Evans, DL Dalton Page, DL Colby Nelson, LB
Dalton Mize, LB Alex Parris

Our take:
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 jambo-
ree 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.

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 Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
everyone met back up in the quarter Pleasant Valley’s Brody Phillips gets off a pass against Piedmont’s Jackson Barber in 2017.
and semifinals.”
 Page 20 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

saks
WILDCATS head coach:
Jonathan Miller, 58-15, entering seventh
year overall, all at Saks.

Class, region:
Class 3A, Region 6
Last year:
13-1 overall, 7-0 region. The Wildcats fin-
ished first in their region and lost to Fayette
County in a semifinal playoff game.
How it went in 2017:
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.
2018 SCHEDULE
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, 38-14
Sep. 8, Jacksonville (H), W, 34-27
Sep. 15, White Plains (A), W, 34-0
Sep. 22, Ashville (H), W, 48-13
Sep. 29, St. Clair County (A), W, 30-20
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, 35-19
Nov. 3, Weaver (H), W, 51-12
PLAYOFFS
Nov. 10, Westminster Christian (H), W, 42-21
Nov. 17, Dora (H), W, 31-24
Nov. 24, Cherokee County (H), W, 42-14
Dec. 1, Fayette County (A), L, 34-7

Returning starters:
RB Johnathon Cobb, C Caleb Ogle, LG/DL
Marreo Thomas, RT Jaylen Childs, LB Roilan
Torres, K Anthony Cornejo

Our take:
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 2015. However, reclassi-
fication has put Saks in Class 3A, Region 6,
which is a different brand of football in Ala-
bama. The Wildcats’ region schedule opens
with B.B. Comer, Wellborn and Pleasant Val-
ley before Piedmont, Weaver and Randolph
County follow a timely bye week. However,
as tough as this region is, Saks’ regular-sea-
son finale against Glencoe might be a win-
and-get-in game for the Wildcats.

WORD FROM COACH Miller:

“I don’t know what to expect.
Early on, there will be some grow-
ing pains. The one good thing
about playing on August 24 is that
Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File
will give us a good measuring stick
Saks’ Johnathon Cobb scores a two-point conversion against Westminster Christian.
to see where we are at and what we
need to work on to get better.”
The Anniston Star
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The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 23

weaver
head coach: 2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS

BEARCATS
Daryl Hamby, 45-45, entering ninth year over-
all, all at Weaver. Aug. 24, Cleburne County (H) Aug. 25, Hayden (A), W, 32-24
Aug. 31, OPEN Sep. 1, B.B. Comer (H), W, 47-16
Class, region: Sep. 7, Wellborn (H)* Sep. 8, OPEN
Class: 3A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Pleasant Valley (A)* Sep. 15, Wellborn (H), W, 42-13
Sep. 21, Piedmont (H)* Sep. 22, Ohatchee (A), L, 28-13
Last year: Sep. 28, Cherokee County (H) Sep. 29, Locust Fork (H), W, 41-21
7-5 overall, 3-3 region. The Bearcats finished Oct. 5, Randolph County (A)* Oct. 6, Piedmont (H), L, 33-27
fourth in their region and lost to Colbert Heights Oct. 12, Saks (H)* Oct. 13, Glencoe (A), W, 57-0
in a second-round playoff game. Oct. 19, Glencoe (A)* Oct. 20, Randolph County (A), L, 47-14
Oct. 26, B.B. Comer (A)* Oct. 27, Pleasant Valley (H), W, 29-6
How it went in 2017: Nov. 1, Alabama Christian (A) Nov. 3, Saks (A), L, 51-12
Last year, Daryl Hamby and his staff extended PLAYOFFS
*Class 3A, Region 6 games
their school record of consecutive playoff appear- Nov. 10, Plainview (A), W, 30-29
ances to six. They lost only four regular-season Nov. 17, Colbert Heights (H), L, 36-35
games, and three of those were to teams (Pied-
mont, 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 play-
offs.

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
“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 read-
pass 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 ingredi-
ents 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,
Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
even your non-region games. It’s going to be
Weaver’s Shamar Spinks looks to get past Wellborn’s Knetrez Hunt.
a tough year, exciting though. We just have
to get better every week.”
 Page 24 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star

wellborn
Panthers head coach:
Jeff Smith, 133-97 entering 22nd year over-
all, 57-42 at Wellborn (10th year).

Class, region:
Class: 3A, Region 6
2018 SCHEDULE
Aug. 24, Oak Grove (H)
Aug. 31, Lincoln (H)
Sep. 7, Weaver (A)*
Sep. 14, Saks (H)*
2017 RESULTS
Aug. 24, North Jackson (JSU), L, 21-20
Sep. 1, Saks (H), L, 38-14
Sep. 8, Pleasant Valley (H), W, 28-0
Sep. 15, Weaver (A), L, 42-13
Sep. 21, Glencoe (A)* Sep. 22, OPEN
Last year: Sep. 28, Central Coosa, (A)* Sep. 29, Talladega (A), L, 41-30
2-8 overall, 2-4 region. The Panthers fin- Oct. 5, B.B. Comer (H)* Oct. 6, Ohatchee (H), L, 42-0
ished fifth in their region. Oct. 12, Randolph County (A)* Oct. 13, Piedmont (A), L, 35-10
Oct. 19, Pleasant Valley (H)* Oct. 20, Glencoe (A), W, 34-7
How it went in 2017: Oct. 26, Piedmont (A)* Oct. 27, Randolph County (H), L, 28-7
As bad as the growing pains were for Well- Nov. 1, OPEN Nov. 2, White Plains, (A), L, 18-0
born in 2017, the Panthers were a win away
*Class 3A, Region 6 games
from making the postseason for the eighth
time under Jeff Smith. In all but one game,
Wellborn was within three scores of the even-
tual 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.

Returning starters:
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

Our take:
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 get-
ting 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 Pan-
thers’ 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
Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
ninth and tenth graders. This year, we
have three seniors and a bunch of 10th- Wellborn’s Calvin Spinks (8) looks for yardage against North Jackson last season.
and 11th-graders.”
rThe Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 25

white plains
2018 SCHEDULE 2017 RESULTS

WILDCATS
head coach:
Chris White, 2-28, entering fourth year over-
all, all at White Plains. Aug. 24, Vincent (A) Aug. 25, OPEN
Aug. 31, Ohatchee (A) Sep. 1, Ohatchee (H), L, 33-14
Class, region: Sep. 7, Hokes Bluff (H)* Sep. 8, Oneonta (A), L, 36-33
Class 4A, Region 6 Sep. 14, Ashville (A)* Sep. 15, Saks (H), L, 34-0
Sep. 21, Cherokee County (H)* Sep. 22, Hokes Bluff (A), L, 49-19
Last year: Sep. 28, OPEN Sep. 29, Westbrook Christian (H), L, 16-14
1-9 overall, 0-7 region. The Wildcats finished Oct. 5, Cleburne County (A)* Oct. 6, Anniston (H), L, 33-20
eighth in their region. Oct. 12, Anniston (H)* Oct. 13, Cherokee County (H), L, 13-12
Oct. 19, Jacksonville (A)* Oct. 20, Jacksonville (H), L, 41-20
How it went in 2017: Oct. 26, Oneonta (H)* Oct. 27, Ashville (A), L, 26-20
The 1-9 record in 2017 for White Plains is high- Nov. 1, Ranburne (A) Nov. 2, Wellborn (H), W, 18-0
ly misleading. Of the Wildcats’ losses, four were by
*Class 4A, Region 6 games
less than a touchdown. White Plains lost 36-33 to
Oneonta, 16-14 to Westbrook Christian, 13-12 to
Cherokee County and 26-20 to Ashville. In addi-
tion, it took three fourth-quarter touchdowns for
Anniston to rally past the Wildcats. Hypothetical-
ly, 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 2003. They closed the
season with a win over Wellborn.

Returning starters:
RT Noah Tillman, RG Tanner Kughn, LG/DL
Riley Dothard, LT Will Osteen, WR Ben Rouse,
OLB Garrison Abbott, WR/DE Ethan Bozarth

Our take:
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 offsea-
son and good time in the weight room.
It’s just been good this summer. Now Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File

in return, expectations went up a little White Plains head coach Chris White chats with White Plains’ Pat Harris during the West-
bit. This is a good core group, not a lot of brook Christian at White Plains AHSAA football game.
numbers but still a good core group.”
Page 26 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston StarT
clAy Central
head coach:
Danny Horn, 287-83 entering 30th year
overall, first year at Clay Central.
Class, region:
Class 5A, Region 5
Last year:
8-4 overall, 5-1 region. The Volunteers
finished second in their region and lost to
Demopolis in a second-round playoff game.
How it went in 2017:
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 42-14.
However, a 17-6 loss to Demopolis, which
lost to St. Paul’s 20-19 in the semifinals,
brought Clay Central’s season to an end.
Returning starters:
WR/S Shamari Simmons, G Destin
Harris, T Michi Harris, DT Jaylon Bass, DE
Davion Phillips, S Dwayne Garrett, CB Paul
Garrett
Our take:
Region wise, Clay Central is shifting.
This year, trips to Springville, Mortimer Jor-
dan, 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.
2018 SCHEDULE
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)
*Class 5A, Region 5 games
cleburne county
head coach:
Michael Shortt, 142-87, entering 21st
year overall, all at Cleburne County.
Class, region:
Class 4A, Region 6
Last year:
1-9 overall, 1-5 region. The Tigers fin-
ished sixth in their region.
How it went in 2017:
A tough 2017 schedule yielded only one
win for Cleburne County — a 42-35 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 power-
houses and exhibited that by making the
postseason yet again.
Returning starters:
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.
Our take:
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.
2018 SCHEDULE
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
*Class 4A, Region 6 games
Handley
head coach:
Larry Strain, 125-99 entering 20th year
overall, 23-13 at Handley (fourth year).
Class, region:
Class 4A, Region 4
Last year:
2-8 overall, 2-5 region. The Tigers fin-
ished sixth in their region.
How it went in 2017:
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 sea-
son and one will notice how much poten-
tial 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 2016.
Returning starters:
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 Mor-
gan, OT Jakob Daniel
Our take:
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.
2018 SCHEDULE
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)
*Class 4A, Region4 games
lincoln
head coach:
Matt Zedaker, 1-9, entering second
year overall, all at Lincoln.
Class, region:
Class 4A, Region 4
Last year:
1-9 overall, 1-5 region. The Golden
Bears finished seventh in their region.
How it went in 2017:
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 sea-
son. Two weeks later, another 3-point loss,
this time to Talladega, preceded the Gold-
en Bears’ only win of the season. Cleburne
County got the best of Lincoln by a touch-
down before Hayden held off the Golden
Bears by six to end the season.
Returning starters:
LB Keyshon Townsend, CB Eziyah Car-
ter, 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 Aber-
cromie
Our take:
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 2018. 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 Mon-
tevallo could have Lincoln in the postsea-
son after a year’s absence.
2018 SCHEDULE
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 4A, Region 4 games
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 27
MUNFORD
head coach:
Bill Smith, 60-41 entering 10th year
overall, 25-11 at Munford (fourth year).
Class, region:
Class 5A, Region 5
Last year:
9-2 overall, 7-0 region. The Lions fin-
ished first in their region and lost to W.S.
Neal in a first-round playoff game.
How it went in 2017:
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 21-20 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 50-15 win
over Dadeville and 26-13 win at Leeds. The
Lions never allowed more than 21 points
all season, including their 21-12 playoff
loss to W.S. Neal.
Returning starters:
WR LJ Flint, WR Ethan Swinford, C
Payton Graben, DT Michael Armstrong,
LB Pernell Mitchell, OLB Justin Sistrunk, S
Cam Lemons, S Kyle Ross
Our take:
Munford opens its 2018 season with
three big-time storylines, prior to a two-
week homestand then traveling to long-
time 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
2018 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
*Class 5A, Region 5 games
RANBURNE
head coach:
Stephen Bailey, 7-15, entering third year
overall, all at Ranburne.
Class, region:
Class 2A, Region 6
Last year:
5-7 overall, 3-4 region. The Bulldogs
finished fourth in their region and lost to
Lamar County in a second-round game.
How it went in 2017:
With their backs against the wall, Ran-
burne traveled to Vincent and defeated
the Yellow Jackets 24-10 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 28-15 loss to
Horseshoe Bend, which finished the sea-
son 3-7, a 34-28 loss to Reeltown, which
finished 7-5, a 33-22 loss to LaFayette,
which finished 9-3, and the season-end-
ing 17-7 loss to Lamar County in the sec-
ond round of the playoffs.
Returning starters:
LT/DT Brock Young, LG/DE Brennan
Gaines, C Jacob Winkles, RG Brady Bailey,
QB/CB Josh Ralston, WR/OLB Jake Bur-
son, WR/CB Tye Bailey, S Sean Pollard, LB
Spencer Jordan
Our take:
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
2018. But that work will help strengthen the
Bulldogs as they strive to make the postsea-
son for a second time in three years under
head coach Stephen Bailey.
2018 SCHEDULE
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)
*Class 2A, Region 6 games
Randolph co.
head coach:
Pat Prestridge, 119-67 entering 17th
year overall, 102-44 at Randolph County
(13th year).
Class, region:
Class 3A, Region 6
Last year:
13-2 overall, 5-1 region. The Tigers
finished second in their region and lost to
Hillcrest Evergreen in the Class 3A state
championship game.
How it went in 2017:
It all went so well for Randolph County …
up until the last game. The Tigers’ avenged
a early-season 41-31 loss to Piedmont with
a thrilling 35-28 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 Hill-
crest-Evergreen for the Class 3A state cham-
pionship, which the Jaguars won 26-14.
Returning starters:
N/A. “Everyone is battling to earn the
right to be called a starter.” — Coach Pre-
stridge
Our take:
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 play-
off appearances and multiple playoff wins
in two years, they’re legit. That’s not going
to change in 2018. 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.
2017 SCHEDULE
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)
*Class 3A, Region 6 games
Spring Garden
head coach:
Jason Howard, 78-84 entering 16th
year overall, 73-69 at Spring Garden (14th
year).
Class, region:
Class 1A, Region 5
Last year:
7-4 overall, 4-1 region. The Panthers
finished second in their region and lost to
Pickens County in a second-round game.
How it went in 2017:
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 fin-
ished as Class 1A state runner-up.
Returning starters:
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
Our take:
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.
2017 SCHEDULE
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 1A, Region 5 games
Page 28 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston Star
TALLADEGA
head coach:
Ted Darby, 6-14 entering third season
overall, 6-5 at Talladega (second year).
Class, region:
Class 4A, Region 4
Last year:
6-5 overall, 3-3 region. The Tigers fin-
ished fourth in their region and lost to Car-
roll in a first-round playoff game.
How it went in 2017:
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?
1994. 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 Talla-
dega County Central, Cleburne County,
Lincoln, Wellborn, Valley and Winterboro
helped spark a football interest at Talladega
for the first time in a long time.
Returning starters:
QB Nigel Scales, RB/LB Tez Cunning-
ham, WR Deco Wilson, WR/CB Chaztin Tan-
ner, T/DE Quinn Lawson, G YD Montgom-
ery, C Tommy Wilcox, DT Bubba Warwick,
DT CJ White, LB Tristan Wells, S JQ Wilson
Our take:
What will Ted Darby and company
have as an encore following last season’s
breakout? That’s the million-dollar ques-
tion. 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.
2018 SCHEDULE
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
head coach:
Jonathan Farr, 0-0, entering first year as
head coach.
Class, region:
Class 1A, Region 4
Last year:
12-1 overall, 6-0 region. The Bulldogs
finished first in their region and lost to
eventual state champion Sweet Water in the
semifinals.
How it went in 2017:
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
27-21 in the Class 1A semifinals.
Returning starters:
T/DT Chaz Harmon, TE/DE Chris
annistonstar.com
Hodges, DE Luke Freeman, CB Dalton
Brown, G John Freeman, TE Gage Oligvie, Complete coverage
throughout the fall
RB Trevor Cameron, C Elijah Beverly
Our take:
Talk about a revamped schedule. Wadley
loses teams such as Winterboro, Donoho,
Appalachian, Talladega County Central, Rag-
land and Victory Christian and gains Lanett,
Loachapoka, Verbena, Billingsley, Autau-
gaville 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-re-
gion games against Woodland, Ranburne
and Randolph County should help boost
experience, if not for this season then years
to come. facebook.com/annistonstar
2018 SCHEDULE
The latest stories, plus videos,
photos and more
Aug. 24, OPEN
Aug. 31, Woodland (H)
Sep. 7, Lanett (A)*
Sep. 14, Loachapoka (A)*
Download The Anniston Star
Sep. 21, Verbena (H)*
Sep. 28, Ranburne (H)*
Oct. 5, Billingsley (H)*
Oct. 12, OPEN app for Apple and Android
Oct. 19, Autaugaville (A)*
Oct. 26, Notasulga (H)*
to get all the coverage on
Nov. 2, Randolph County (A) your smartphone or tablet
*Class 4A, Region 6 games
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 29
Page 30 Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Anniston StarT

Five games to watch during the 2018 high school season

By Chris Allen Brown
Star Sports Correspondent

When the calendar flips to August, high

school football fans around Calhoun County
start thinking about who is playing who this
season.
Everyone wants to know when Alexan-
dria and Jacksonville are squaring off. What
big-time school does Oxford have on its
schedule? Is a non-region opponent willing
to play Piedmont? Are there any county
teams not in the same region that are playing
each other?
Well, this provides the answer to a few of
those questions. Here are the top five most
anticipated matchups involving at least one
Calhoun 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 undefeat-
ed, state-championship winning season
under Patrick Nix. The Indians are quarter-
backed by Patrick’s son, Bo, who is commit-
ted to Auburn. Last year, Pinson Valley out-
scored its opponents 609-223, while Oxford’s
defense allowed 99 combined points. Yes,
several members of the 2017 Yellow Jackets’
defense graduated, but LSU commit Kendall
McCallum and Keon Fomby are still there at
linebacker. Oh, did we mention Oxford has
its own five-star recruit in offensive lineman
Clay Webb?
There will be plenty of athletes, scouts,
college coaches and reporters at Oxford by
the time this game rolls around.
2. Piedmont at Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s Golden Eagle Stadium,
Sept. 28
The lowdown: There’s a four-game
stretch from Sep. 14 to Oct. 5 when Pied-
mont plays Randolph County, Weaver, Jack- Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
sonville and Saks, all which will develop into
must-see games, but this one fits the bill of Alexandria’s Sam Shaw pushes his way for yards in a 45-17 win over Jacksonville in 2017.
“which non-region team wants to play Pied- the same end of two magnets together; they inching closer and closer to dethroning the Right off the bat, there’s Troy and Ken-
mont.” To add to the storyline, it’s a Calhoun Bulldogs, if not for the region championship nesaw State commits Jaylen Childs and
just won’t go together.
County non-region team at that.
Next, it’s the first home game for first-year then at least for one night. What used to be Marreo Thomas, respectively, manning a
Both teams are breaking in new ques-
head coach Todd Ginn — the son of leg- blowout victories for Piedmont have turned defensive line that’ll have to put up with
tions, while returning experience at several
positions, including offensive and defensive endary Alexandria head coach Larry Ginn, into nail-biting finishes because of the Bear- Randolph County’s quintet of running
line. But what really pops out about this who the football field is named after. The cats’ resilience. backs, including Aaron Knight. With that
game is just the fact that someone is actually Ginn name is a staple out in “The Valley,” so Robert Gaines, arguably one of the top being said, it may put a chip of Saks’ John-
playing Piedmont in county. seeing how many lifelong supporters of the athletes in the county, makes the move from athon Cobb to prove he’s the best running
3. Jacksonville at Alexandria Valley Cubs assemble should be incredible. receiver to quarterback for the Bearcats, back on the field in mid-October.
Alexandria’s Lou Scales Stadium, Aug. 31 4. Piedmont at Weaver so it’ll be interesting to see what Piedmont Who knows, maybe an inexperienced
The lowdown: There are so many sto- Weaver’s Bill Bryan Stadium, Sept. 21 defensive coordinator James Blanchard has Saks team has it figured out by this point and
rylines surrounding this game that it’s just The lowdown: Pinson Valley and Oxford to draw up to defend the track star. this game is for the region championship.
not fair. isn’t the only show in Calhoun County on 5. Randolph County at Saks What if the Wildcats play spoiler and beat
First and foremost, it’s Jacksonville and Sept. 21. Saks’ Jack Stewart Field, Oct. 19 the Tigers to get into the playoffs and prevent
Alexandria. The way people talk about this While it’s tough to label this matchup as The lowdown: This matchup just looks Randolph County from claiming the region
rivalry, you’d think they were trying to put a true “rivalry,” Weaver has been, for years, interesting. championship?
The Anniston Star Sunday, August 19, 2018 Page 31

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