Alabama High School Sports

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Region 1

Bayside Academy Admirals (8-3)

Outlook: The Eagles have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past five seasons and have hopes of extending that streak in 2024.

QB Sammy Dunn transferred to Vigor over the summer to be closer to his grandparents. His loss will impact the team but there will still be a cast of talented players as always for the Admirals in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	44-64 41%	19-25 43%	25-39 39%

Key Starters:

RB Damien Tate will be back too for his junior season after rushing for 606 yards and 3 TDs last season. RB Jayden Griffin will also be returning for his junior season after rushing for 442 yards and 4 TDs last season.

DE Billy Neill collected 123 tackles (58 solo) including 2 sacks and will be back for his junior season. Also returning is MLB Monroe Partin who added 108 tackles last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/CB Caid Lyons, TE/DE Miles Uter, WR/FS Bo Anderson, WR/CD Noah Cain, DE/LB Billy Neill

Graduated Players
2	OL	Graham Uter	Sr.

Cottage Hill Christian Warriors (2-8)

Outlook: The Warriors have not reached the playoffs since 2019 and would like to end that streak this season. Second year coach Carvel Jones will be out to make sure that happens.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-55 48%	20-21 49%	31-34 48%

Key Starters:

OLB Shadarius Toodle collected 103 tackles and will be back for his junior season in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

LB Shadarius Toodle, FB/MLB Lecedric Craig, FB/LB Andrew White, LB Caden Wiggins, CB/WR Danny Thomas, WR/TE Caleb Metzner

Graduated Players
2	ATH	Shadrick Toodle	Sr.

Excel Panthers (4-6)

Outlook: The Panthers finished a disappointing 4-6 last year after a promising 9-2 the year before. It will not get any easier for them this year with the addition of T.R. Miller and Bayside Academy to Region One.

Excel will be a much more experienced team when they take the field against Lee-Scott Academy on August 23rd.

Coach Phillips had this to say about the Excel Panthers in 2024. ''We are excited about the team we have this year. There is a good mix of veteran players along with some promising up and coming underclassmen. Troy commit RJ Shamberger Jr. will be a big piece for us on both sides of the ball up front. Junior running back and outside linebacker Anthony Hayes Jr. is coming off a big sophomore campaign and will be a big time player for us this year.''

''Hayes has offers from Troy and Tuskegee. Gedric McCants is electric on offense and leads our secondary. Veteran offensive lineman Mike Smith, Ian Lott, and Caiden Lee will pave the way up front. We have been fortunate to pick up two quality coaches this offseason. Michael Miles will be our Defensive Coordinator. Sy Butler will be our Defensive Backs coach.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-56 49%	24-20 54%	29-36 45%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: RJ Shamberger Jr.; AJ Hayes Jr.; Ian Lott; Mike Smith; Caiden Lee; Gedric McCants; Darius Grace
DEFENSE: RJ Shamberger Jr.; Kolby Sirmon; AJ Hayes Jr.; Gedric McCants; Darius Grace; Mandrel Hill; Trent Dortch; Holden Stacey
NEWCOMERS: RB- Keon Johnson; LB Mason Goldman; RB/Safety- Asie Washington; RB/Safety- Jamarion Williams RB/Safety; QB- Koen Crawford

Graduated Players
2	DL	Jordan Lazenby	Sr.

Flomaton Hurricanes (7-5)

Outlook: The Hurricanes rebounded last year to finish 7-5 after a disappointing 3-7 record the previous year. They also made a return trip to the playoffs after a year away. Look for Coach Vickery to have his troops ready for another playoff run in 2024.

It will not be easy for them to get back to the post season this year with the addition of T.R. Miller and Bayside Academy to Region One.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-60 45%	23-23 50%	26-37 41%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
1	RB	Jax Fillmore	Sr.
HM	DL	Miles Adams	Sr.

Hillcrest Evergreen Jaguars (3-7)

Outlook: The Jaguars broke a streak of nine straight playoff seasons by not getting there the past two years finishing fifth both times. Region one will be very competitive with the likes of Excel, T.R. Miller, Bayside and Flomaton all trying to win that coveted region crown.

Hillcrest will return nine players on offense and another eight to the defense in 2024 so they will be a veteran team in 2024 with hopes of a much better season than the three wins from a year ago.

Coach Nared stated about the 2024 Jaguars ''We boast a roster that returns 17 starters. 9 on offense and 8 on defense. The entire offensive line returns. Converted WR to QB Kevin Porter Jr. returns for his second year at QB. Juniors Ahmirion Thomas and Zack Cobb will anchor a veteran offensive line.''

He also said ''Defensively, Seniors Jamir Sharpe, Dorian Watson Watson, and Patrick McDonald will anchor the defense. Rising Juniors Jayden Lowery and JT Barlow will help round out a defense that is returning 8 starters.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-54 50%	25-19 57%	30-35 46%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB Kevin Porter Jr., OL Ahmirion Thomas, OL Zack Cobb, Seniors
DEFENSE: Jamir Sharpe, Dorian Watson, Patrick McDonald, Jayden Lowery, JT Barlow

Monroe County Tigers (1-9)

Outlook: The Monroe County Tigers are struggling on the football field and have for some time. They have not been to the playoffs since the 2003 season and have not posted a winning record since then. They have also gone through nine different head coaches during that time.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-56 47%	18-23 44%	32-33 49%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

T.R. Miller Tigers (8-4)

Outlook: The list of accomplishments for the Tigers from Brewton can go on endlessly it seems. They are one of the winningest programs in state history. They have made the playoffs every year since 1984 except one. They have won 95 playoff games and six state championships.

They have a string of sixteen consecutive winning seasons going. After two seasons in 4A they will drop back down to 3A in 2024. They will still be in the hunt for a region championship with Bayside and Flomaton.

The Tigers return ten starters from last season on offense and five to the defense in 2024. Last year the Tigers put up 360 points on offense and with more experience returning they should be able to get on the scoreboard even more as the season progresses.

Coach Hubbert said ''Dropping to 3A but still in a gauntlet, will be mentally taxing to get up for that many rivalry games.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	61-51 54%	36-13 74%	25-38 40%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: OL- J.R. Jernigan; OL- Eli Carpenter, Sr.; OL- Ashton Madden, Jr.; CJ Gibson; Marshall Lovelace; WR- Langley Folsom, Sr.; WR- Eli Hubbert, Jr.; RB- Kavarius Bell, Sr.; RB- Myles Johnson, Sr.; QB- Nathan Commander, Sr.
DEFENSE: FS- Eli Hubbert, Jr.; Langley Folsom; LB- Kavarius Bell, Sr.; LB- Terrance Battles, Sr.; DE- CJ Stanton, Jr.
NEWCOMERS: QB- Ken Lett Jr., So.; RB/LB Kevin Henderson, So.

Graduated Players
1	DB	Christopher Williams	Sr.
2	ATH	Takyi Askew	Sr.

Region 2

Alabama Christian Eagles (6-5)

Outlook: The Eagles have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past eight seasons and have hopes of extending that streak in 2024. Region 2 is a little crowded with potential playoff teams and two teams that moved down from 4A with realignment.

Alabama Christian has reached the playoffs in each of the past eight football seasons and will be working hard this fall to add another season to that streak.

The Eagles return eight players who were starters last year on the offensive side of the ball and four to the defense.

Coach Summers had this to say about his team in 2024. ''Young on defense, experienced on offense. Tough region.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	62-50 55%	23-12 66%	39-38 51%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB- Christian Snipes, RB- AC Walters, David Ramirez, WR- Jackson Burton, Bryant Swindle, Grady Roberts, OL- Connor Foucault, TE- Broderick Williams
DEFENSE: Jackson Burton, TJ Merritt, AC Walters, DE- Broderick Williams
NEWCOMERS: Jaydon Mcelrath, Micah Merritt, Okevion Suggs, Bryson Dabney, Jamarcus Leonard, Cam Sutton

Houston Academy Raiders (10-2)

Outlook: The Raiders will open the 2024 football season without the services of running back Brady Whigham who graduated in the spring along with the 1,328 yards and 17 touchdowns he scored last year. The Raiders will also need to find a capable wide receiver to fill the void left by the loss of Rod Jackson to graduation. They do return quarterback Kadyn Mitchell.

Region 2 will be a little more difficult to navigate in 2024 with two teams joining after moving down from 4A during the off season. Montgomery Academy and Slocomb will join them this year. The Raiders will be fighting Trinity for that coveted region crown.

Back-to-back ten wins seasons at Houston Academy for the first time since 2006 is very promising for Coach Brundridge and the Raiders.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-56 48%	16-15 52%	35-41 46%

Key Starters:

QB Kadyn Mitchell will be returning for his senior season after completing 117-of-153 passes for 2,069 yards and 29 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/LB Hughes Williams, WR/CB Riggs Hickey, QB/OLB Judson Bailey, RB/LB Ty Morris, WR/CB Brayden Eubanks, TE/LB Houston Lee

Graduated Players
2	WR	Rod Jackson	Sr.

Montgomery Academy Eagles (4-7)

Outlook: The Eagles move down to 3A along with Slocomb following realignment. The move should make them very competitive for one of the four playoff spots available.

Montgomery Academy has reached the playoffs the past eleven seasons and the drop to 3A will likely only help their chances the next two seasons. The region is tough with Houston Academy and Trinity not to mention Alabama Christian and Prattville Christian trying to grab one of the four playoff spots available.

They do return D.J. Vinson at receiver who will be a vital component in the Eagle offense in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	60-52 54%	19-16 54%	41-36 53%

Key Starters:

WR D.J. Vinson will be back for his senior season after catching 60 passes for 1,381 yards and 14 TDs in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

WR/DB DJ Vinson, OL/DL Juan Kirkland, RB/DB Mac Benefield, OL/DL Graham Martin, WR/DB Jarrett Friendly

Graduated Players
HM	P	Parker Cook	Sr.

Northside Methodist Academy Knights (2-8)

Outlook: The Knights have not fared well on the football field since joining the AHSAA in 2020 as an independent. They remain in region 2 but are joined by two teams from 4A who dropped down with realignment. Northside has not qualified for the playoffs since making the move from the AISA.

Northside will be young with not a lot of experienced players returning this fall. Second year coach Stefan Gainey will be looking for some of the younger players to step up early in the season to provide help to the veterans on both sides of the football.

Coach Gainey had this to say about his Knights in 2024. ''We have a young team in a tough new region, but this team seems to have a good work ethic so far.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-52 51%	12-17 41%	43-35 55%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Ross Overby OL, Jordan Sanford RB,Cash Smith OL, JD Webb OL
DEFENSE: Ross Overby DL, Jordan Sanford LB, Cash Smith DL, JD Webb DL, Coleman Fullbright LB
NEWCOMERS: Carter Wells LB/RB, Issac Hancock WR/DB, John Michael Mordicai QB

Prattville Christian Panthers (5-5)

Outlook: Top priority this fall will be to find a replacement for graduated starting quarterback Tanner Byrd and the 1,895 yards he threw for last season. The Panthers will also open the 2024 football season without the services of running back Matthew Post who graduated in the spring along with the 1,036 yards and 8 touchdowns he scored last year.

The Panthers move to region 2 this year with realignment along with two other schools who moved down from 4A. Grabbing one of the coveted playoffs spots could be even more difficult the next two seasons for the panthers. They have not gotten into the playoffs since the 2017 season.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-54 51%	16-16 50%	40-38 51%

Key Starters:

WR Conner Williams will be returning for his senior season after catching 38 passes for 586 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Other Returning Players:

RB/SS Spence Perkins, WR Bryson Pugh, RB/OLB Cody Baker

Slocomb Red Tops (2-8)

Outlook: The Red Tops struggled on the field last season winning just two games. It was their lowest win total since 2009. They also missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The road to the post season will not be any easier this year even with the drop in classification to 3A.

Slocomb finished last year with a 2-8 record. It was their worst showing since the 2009 football season. Coach McLean will be working hard this fall to improve upon that record.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-59 45%	6-24 20%	43-35 55%

Key Starters:

QB Cade Birge will be returning after completing 52-of-109 passes for 821 yards and 7 TDs last season.

RB Jayden Griffin will also be returning for his junior season after rushing for 530 yards and 4 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/FS Hayes Hatton

Trinity Wildcats (11-2)

Outlook: Top priority this fall will be to find a replacement for graduated starting quarterback Walker McClinton and the 2,190 yards he threw for last season. The Wildcats will also open the 2024 football season without the services of running back Ross Sanders who graduated in the spring along with the 1,456 yards and 28 touchdowns he scored last year.

The Wildcats will also need to find a capable wide receiver to fill the void left by the loss of Webber McClinton to graduation.

Region 2 is crowded with playoff caliber teams. Five schools made the post season last year but only three posted a winning record. With Montgomery Academy and Slocomb dropping down from 4A it could make for a very interesting season in Region 2.

Thompson McNees is expected to start at quarterback when the season opens.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	65-49 57%	31-8 80%	34-41 45%

Key Starters:

WR Xavier Boswell will be returning for his senior season after catching 33 passes for 485 yards and 6 touchdowns.

LB Luke Hall had 60 tackles on defense and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

QB/DE- Thompson McNees, QB/SS- John Michael Cox, RB/OLB- Chase Parker, TE/LB- John Morris, G/DT- McClain Brown, Jackson Randall, WR/FS- Bo Stewart, DB- Chayman Wilkins, LB- Luke Hall

Graduated Players
HM	RB	Ross Sanders	Sr.
1	WR	Webber McClinton	Sr.
2	LB	Coleman Till	Sr.

Wicksburg Panthers (5-6)

Outlook: The Panthers move up in classification to 3A this year which could prove to make their journey to the playoffs even more difficult. They will be joined in region 2 by two teams who dropped down from 4A. The Panthers have reached the playoffs in each of the past four seasons and seven of the last eight years under head coach Josh Cox.

Having a returning starter at quarterback will be an asset for Wicksburg when they open the season in August.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-57 47%	11-20 36%	40-37 52%

Key Starters:

QB Mason Burkhardt will be returning for his junior season after completing 100-of-173 passes for 1,376 yards and 15 TDs last season.

Burkhardt also be ran for 1,041 yards and 16 touchdowns. WR Gabe Glover will be returning for his senior season after catching 31 passes for 466 yards and 2 touchdowns.

DT Izaac Murry collected 99 tackles (32 solo) including one sack and will be back for his senior season.

Other Returning Players:

LB/RB Teagan Fowler, QB/DB Seth Williams, RB/QB Caiden Mims, RB/NG Jackson Daughtry

Region 3

Dallas County Hornets (0-10)

Outlook: The Hornets move from 4A down and will hopefully be more competitive in their new region. They have only won one game the past two years so the move may be beneficial to the football program. They have not made the playoffs since the 2019 season.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	43-52 45%	7-14 33%	36-38 49%

2024 Coaching Change

Darryl Watts was a four-year letter winner for coach Christopher Raymond at Southside Selma. He was a first team All-Area and All-Region selection as a senior. He attended Troy before embarking on his coaching career.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Greensboro Raiders (1-9)

Outlook: The Greensboro Raiders have not been successful on the football field in some time. Can second year head coach Deon Washington get them to winning games in 2024?

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	43-62 41%	8-23 26%	35-39 47%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Hale County Wildcats (3-7)

Outlook: The Wildcats move from 4A down to 3A and will hopefully be able to grab on of the four playoff spots in 2024. It's something they have not accomplished since the 2021 season. Their last playoff victory came back in 2013.

Hale County has won one less game than the previous season in each of the past four seasons. They have made the playoffs twice in the past ten years. Coach Locke will be out to turn things around in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	43-62 41%	10-21 32%	33-41 45%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Southside Selma Panthers (7-4)

Outlook: The Panthers lost starting quarterback MJ Reese to graduation and the 3,199 yards he threw for last season. Finding a replacement will be goal number one at Southside. Coach Moody does have a great cast of skilled players returning in 2024 to help alleviate that loss. They are led by the three Smiths, Derick, Erick and Amadrion.

Only two opponents on the Panther's 2024 schedule qualified for the playoffs last season.

This should be a fun team to watch in 2024 as the offense will score a ton of points and the skilled players will make every game interesting. Twenty-eight wins the past four seasons are the most for any Southside team during any four year period in school history.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	35-58 38%	6-14 30%	29-44 40%

Key Starters:

WR/RB Derick Smith will be back after rushing for 1,036 yards and 9 TDs last season. He also caught 46 passes for 1,487 yards and another 14 touchdowns in 2023.

RB Amadrion Smith will be back after rushing for 728 yards and 4 TDs last season. WR Erick Smith will be returning for his senior season after catching 39 passes for 1,333 yards and 11 touchdowns.

LB Jaibrien Gresham had 56 tackles on defense and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/OLB Jaibrien Gresham, WR/S Derrick Surles

Graduated Players
HM	QB	MJ Reese	Sr.

Sumter Central Jaguars (4-5)

Outlook: The four wins the Jaguars posted last season may not seem like much to many schools but it is their best showing since their initial season in 2011. It was the same number of games they had won the previous six seasons combined.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	40-63 39%	8-20 29%	32-43 43%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Thomasville Tigers (10-2)

Outlook: The big question in Thomasville will be can Coach Anderson win a state championship in baseball and football in the same calendar year? It could be possible. As always it seems the Tigers will be very good once again in 2024.

They have reached the playoffs in twenty-one of the past twenty-two seasons and there is no reason to believe they will be left out this year come November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-54 51%	30-8 79%	26-46 36%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

MLB/RB- Dallas Bryant; RB- Diego Bryant; TE- Charlie Hill; OL- Trevontae Dumas; OL- Walt Anderson; LB- LB Kaden Holt

Graduated Players
2	RB	DeCorian Cowan	Sr.
1	LB	Ace Thompson	Sr.

Thorsby Rebels (9-3)

Outlook: The Rebels return a few starters who will help them make the transition from 2A up to 3A this season. Thorsby has been a solid program making the playoffs each of the past seven seasons and have produced a winning record each year. The move to region 3 should not be a problem as they will be competitive from the start.

McManus is solid at quarterback and will provide a spark to the offense in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	57-53 52%	30-8 79%	27-45 38%

Key Starters:

QB Grayson McManus will be returning for his senior season after completing 63-of-116 passes for 1,026 yards and 9 TDs last season. McManus ran for 1,117 yards and 13 TDs.

MLB Malachi Allgood collected 163 tackles (64 solo) including 6 sacks and will be back for his senior season.

MLB Tyler Lockhart also had 115 tackles (43 solo) and will be back for his senior season. LB Grayson McManus also had 91 tackles (36 solo) on defense.

Other Returning Players:

QB Grayson McManus, MLB Malachi Allgood, MLB Tyler Lockhart, DB/WR Aiden Seeley, QB/DB Braylon Carroll, RB Chris Buendtner, RB/LB Manuel Castillo, RB/LB Brooks Barnett

Graduated Players
HM	RB	Coden Cummings	Sr.

Wilcox Central Jaguars (2-8)

Outlook: The Jaguars have struggled on the football field over the past twenty years. They have averaged about one win per season over the past ten years.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	41-63 39%	7-23 23%	34-40 46%

Key Starters:

QB Javion Pettway will be returning after completing 44-of-83 passes for 738 yards and 9 TDs last season. He also ran for another 506 yards and scored 9 touchdowns.

Other Returning Players:

WR/DB Ronald Harris

Region 4

B.B. Comer Tigers (13-1)

Outlook: The Tigers will also open the 2024 football season without the services of running back Kamore Harris who graduated in the spring along with the 1,422 yards and 24 touchdowns he scored last year. He will also be missed on the defensive side of the football.

B.B. Comer will face nine teams that qualified for the playoffs in 2023. The Tigers under Coach Fossett have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past five seasons and have hopes of extending that streak in 2024.

Expectations remain the same for the Tigers in 2024. Coach Fossett said they have ''refocused this summer on being a better team and being better teammates.'' Twelve starters from last year's squad graduated with three signing college scholarships. Those losses and the move to 3A will make the path to the playoffs a little more difficult. This will be a very competitive region.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	74-40 65%	31-17 65%	43-23 65%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

CB Raelon Sims, RB Tristan Garrett, RB Camron Gaddis, CB/WR Cristian Jemison, WR/DB Richard Weed, CB Michael Kirksey

Graduated Players
1	RB	Kamore Harris	Sr.
1	OL	Chris Wilson	Sr.
2	DB	Devin Harvey	Sr.

Beulah Bobcats (4-7)

Outlook: With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Four of those teams won at least 10 games. Someone will be left out of the post season come November.

The Bobcats will have to contend with AHSAA newcomers in Glenwood and Lee-Scott this year. They also are in the same region with B.B. Comer so playoff spots will be tough to come by in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	75-37 67%	23-20 54%	52-17 75%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
HM	LB	Bronson Dubose	Sr.

Childersburg Tigers (4-6)

Outlook: The Childersburg Tigers finished last year with a record of 4-6 and have not won more than six games in any season since 2013. They have also not reached the playoffs since 2017. Can the Tigers get back to winning a few more games and get back to the post season this year?

The Tigers will face eight teams that qualified for the playoffs in 2023. The Tigers will also have to contend with AHSAA newcomers in Glenwood and Lee-Scott this year. They also are in the same region with B.B. Comer so playoff spots will be at a premium in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	67-46 59%	15-28 35%	52-18 74%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Tae Truss, RB Devin Williams, ATH Devin Williams, DB Devonte Fairman , LB Cameron Smith

Dadeville Tigers (4-5)

The Tigers will face nine teams that qualified for the playoffs in 2023. Dadeville will have to contend with AHSAA newcomers in Glenwood and Lee-Scott this year. They also are in the same region with B.B. Comer so playoff spots will be at a premium in 2024.

The Tigers will welcome back running back Brandon Eason for another season following a great breakout year in 2023. The team will actually be very experienced with eight players who started last season returning on both sides of the football.

Dadeville will have a new offense this season under first year head coach Chad McKelvey and defensive coordinator John Fussell.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	90-29 76%	38-10 79%	52-19 73%

2024 Coaching Change

Chad McKelvey started as an assistant coach at Horseshoe Bend in 2005 moving to Dadeville as the offensive coordinator from 2008-2011. After leaving the sidelines he became the principal at Dadeville Elementary. For the last few years, McKelvey has been the principal at the Edward Bell Career Tech Center at Camp Hill.

Key Starters:

RB Brandez Eason will be returning for his junior season after rushing for 1,196 yards and 20 TDs last season.

OLB Levi Childers collected 92 tackles (56 solo) and will be back for his senior season in 2023.

LB Brandez Eason also gathered up 92 tackles (66 solo) and will be back for his senior season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/LB Brandez Eason, ATH Cam Heard, RB/LB Jay Burns, RB/MLB Roderick Green, RB/LB Corde Jefferson, RB/MLB Roderick Green, OLB Levi Childers

Glenwood School Gators (10-2)

Outlook: The Glenwood Gators will open play in the AHSAA for the first time in 2024. They will do it without the services of last year's starting quarterback Dallas Crow who threw for 1,1817 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also ran for 825 yards and 12 TDs.

The Gators lost to Lee-Scott Academy the last two seasons in the AISA state championship game so it may not be a huge stretch of the imagination for the to be competitive right away in the AHSAA.

With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Four of those teams won at least 10 games. Someone will be left out of the post season come November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	79-37 68%	33-15 69%	46-22 68%

Key Starters:

RB Carter Judah will be back after rushing for 881 yards and 9 TDs last season.

RB Josiah Clark will also be returning after rushing for 450 yards and 3 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB Carter Judah, RB Josiah Clark, QB Trey Claridy, WR Hudson Campbell, QB/FS Levi Pinder, WR Mason McCraine, WR Cal Lawrence, WR Kade Cox, LB Andrew Wilkinson, LB Gray Garner, LB Trent Gilliland, DB Tanner Pickering

Graduated Players
1	QB	Dallas Crow	Sr.
2	WR	Camden White	Sr.
2	PK	Griffin Montroy	Sr.
1	DL	Wes Graham	Sr.
1	LB	Lamont Burton	Sr.
HM	DB	Thet Morris	Sr.

Lee-Scott Academy Warriors (11-1)

Outlook: The Lee-Scott Academy Warriors will open play in the AHSAA for the first time in 2024. They will do it without the services of last year's starting wide receiver Jake White who caught 90 passes for 1,506 yards and 15 touchdowns. He graduated in the spring.

The Warriors won the last two state championships in the AISA so it may not be a huge stretch of the imagination for them to be competitive right away in the AHSAA.

The Warriors will face eight teams that qualified for the playoffs in 2023. With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Four of those teams won at least 10 games. Someone will be left out of the post season come November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	83-33 72%	38-10 79%	45-23 66%

Key Starters:

QB Pelzer Reaves will be returning for his senior season after completing 119-of-166 passes for 2,176 yards and 25 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/LB Tyler Kennedy, WR/FS Brady Cegielski, WR/CB Harrison Short, OL Cam Arwood, FS/WR Hutchins Blowmeyer, DE/TE Thomas Dilworth, OL/DL Carter Gibson, LB Christian Horak, LB/DL Sam Jackson, DL/OL Hayden Kelly, OLB Beau King, OL/DL Walker Lane, OLB/WR Allen Owen, QB Pelzer Reaves, OL Max Shiver, LB/RB Banks Sims, LB Hayes Wagoner, LB/RB Brooks Zachary

Graduated Players
2	RB	Jonathan Meyers	Sr.
1	WR	Jake White	Sr.
1	OL	Conner Stewart	Sr.
2	OL	Jackson Lee	Sr.
1	PK	Matthew Rolader	Sr.
HM	LB	Sam Jackson	Sr.

Randolph County Tigers (10-2)

Outlook: Is this the year of the Tigers from Randolph County. Many fans seem to think it is. They bounced back nicely from a dismal 1-9 season just two years ago and seem to be on the verge of something special.

With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Four of those teams won at least 10 games. Someone will be left out of the post season come November.

The Tigers will have to contend with AHSAA newcomers in Glenwood and Lee-Scott this year. They also are in the same region with B.B. Comer so playoff spots will be at a premium in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	61-48 56%	15-26 37%	46-22 68%

Key Starters:

RB Amari Molden will be back after rushing for 570 yards and 12 TDs last season.

RB Maurice Winston will also be returning for his junior season after rushing for 1,489 yards and 26 TDs last season.

LB Matthew White had 85 tackles on defense and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/DE Brayden Terrell. RB/DB Ryder Pinson, RB/DB Kimoni Baker, DB Rhett Huddleston, WR/DB Gavin Wortham, TE/LB Devon Fuller, OL/DL Tristan Chappell

Graduated Players
1	DB	Avion Willis	Sr.

Region 5

Carbon Hill Bulldogs (0-10)

Outlook: The Bulldogs are coming off an 0-10 season and have not won more games than they lost since 2002. They have reached the playoffs once since the 1999 football season so they have no way to go except up this season.

Coach Emerson said at media days that ''We have about 70 players out this summer for workouts which is encouraging.'' He believes his team is in a much better place than they were one year ago. He wants the team to keep moving forward and working hard.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-56 47%	8-23 26%	42-33 56%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

WR/CB Cole Brooks, RB/SS Lelynn Duncan, WR/DB Jarius Jones, WR/DB Easton Blackwell, WR/DB Marcus Pierce

Gordo Green Wave (10-2)

Outlook: The Green Wave open the 2024 season with a streak of 31 consecutive winning seasons on the line. That streak appears to be safe at least for the upcoming football season. In the last ten years they have won at least ten games in a season nine times. Now that is a winning tradition.

Look for the past success to continue in Gordo as the Green Wave will put a quality product on the football field once again. Their first two games are against Fayette County and Bibb County before they settle into region play against Hanceville on September 6th.

Coach Smith said about this year's team at Gordo. ''I believe we will have a great chance to make a deep playoff run this year. We are in a tough region with Winfield and Oakman along with others. We play a tough non region against Bibb County, Fayette, and a huge rivalry game against Reform. We look for big things from our QB Jase Neel and our RB CJ Lark. We return 4 or 5 offensive lineman.''

''There will be some tough playoff opponents in 3A north again this year. Even tougher now that Fyffe has moved up. We are excited about our team this season. Last year we ran into a tough Geraldine team in the playoffs. But we are looking to rebound from that. Our defense has 8 returning starters, six of which have started for at least 2 years.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	58-52 53%	26-11 70%	32-41 44%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB- Jase Neel Sr. Allstate; RB- CJ Lark Sr. Allstate; WR- Collin Pate Jr.; WR- Brett Chriswell Sr.; OL- Logan Ellis Sr.; OL- BJ Jackson Jr.; OL- Bobby McCoy Jr.; OL- Andre Perez So.; WR- Rainer Russell So.
DEFENSE: OLB- Cam Lark Sr. Allstate; DL- Kamrey Driver Jr.; DL- Brayden Gray Jr.; LB- Haden Hathcock Sr.; LB- Noah McDaniel So.; LB- James Goop Davis Jr.; CB- Ryder Robertson Jr.; CB- Aj Latham Jr.
NEWCOMERS: CB/WR Khiser Summerville So.

Graduated Players
1	OL	Connor Tilley	Sr.
2	LB	Jace Hathcock	Sr.
1	ATH	Ethan Wilder	Sr.

Hanceville Bulldogs (4-6)

Outlook: The Bulldogs have struggled a bit lately on the football field. The past ten seasons have not produced a winning record nor have they qualified for the playoffs in any of those years. The drop back down to 3A may help the cause and a playoff spot could be in their future soon.

Hanceville returns QB Hunter Black along with five other starters from last season to the offense. They also welcome back three players on defense so they will be looking for some of the younger players to fill some voids left by graduation.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-56 47%	12-19 39%	38-37 51%

2024 Coaching Change

Levi Estes spent the past three seasons at Oak Mountain, where he served as associate head coach, strength and conditioning coordinator, and run game coordinator. Estes played college football at Bethel University, earning two conference titles as an offensive lineman.

Coach Estes was the defensive coordinator at Dresden High School in Tennessee before taking over the head coaching duties in 2017 for two seasons with a 15-7 record. He moved on to Lassiter High School in Georgia for two seasons before landing at Oak Mountain.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Hunter Black - QB, Eli Akin - OL, Brodie Butts - OL, Marquies Leeth - RB, Ashton Hurst - TE, Drake Bentley - WR
DEFENSE: Eli Akin - DL, Brodie Butts - DL, Ashton Hurst - LB
NEWCOMERS: Zavier Malcom - RB/DB, Jacob Keith - OL/DL, Jaylon Flannigan - WR/DB, Peyton Twilley - WR/DB

Midfield Patriots (3-5)

Outlook: The Patriots have been up and down the past few years since Covid shut them down in 2020. Can they win a few more games in Region 5 and get back to the playoffs in 2024?

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	45-52 46%	6-14 30%	39-38 51%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Oakman Wildcats (7-4)

Outlook: The Oakman Wildcats are not thought of as being a powerhouse in 3A football but they have quietly reached the playoffs in each of the past thirteen seasons. They improved from a 3-8 record in 2022 to 7-4 last season. Can they parlay that success into another playoff spot in Region 5 in 2024?

The Wildcats will have some experience returning as they will welcome back seven players on offense and eight on the defense. That experience should give them an upper hand on a playoff spot in 2024.

Coach Ryan Hall had this to say about the 2024 football season at Oakman. ''Excited about this team - tremendous character and experience.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	47-58 45%	12-19 39%	35-39 47%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

NEWCOMERS: CB- Kristopher Shepherd; DL- Gage Handley

Graduated Players
2	OL	Gage Blanton	Sr.

Phil Campbell Bobcats (4-7)

Outlook: The Phil Campbell Bobcats made the playoffs last season marking the fourth time in a row for them to get there. It's something the school had only done once previously. They would like to improve upon the 4-7 mark from last year and set a new record for most consecutive seasons making the post season.

The Bobcats will be a very experienced team in 2024 as they return every starter from last year on offense and will only need to replace two starters on defense. Second year head coach Jacob Hamilton is confident his squad will be much improved this fall.

Coach Hamilton had this to say about the Bobcats in 2024. ''We're bringing a great sense of confidence into the 2024 season. We have all of our offense returning from last year, we are only adding 2 newcomers on defense. We have had a great off-season and we are really looking forward to the season heading into a new region!''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-52 52%	18-16 53%	38-36 51%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Vinemont Eagles (4-7)

Outlook: The Eagles have reached the playoffs in each of the past four seasons something they had not done since the 1990 football season. Coach Robinson would like to improve upon last year's 4-7 record and continue to build on the playoff streak in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	54-52 51%	16-16 50%	38-36 51%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Winfield Pirates (10-2)

Outlook: The Winfield Pirates are one of the better teams in northwest Alabama and have been very consistent winners the past few seasons under Coach McKinney. They play tough defensively and will score points in bunches.

No doubt about it they will be in a battle to recapture a region title with Gordo and when the two teams meet on September 13th it will most likely be for the region crown.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	57-51 53%	25-10 71%	32-41 44%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
HM	WR	DAngelo Bankhead	Sr.

Region 6

Glencoe Yellow Jackets (3-7)

Outlook: The Yellow Jackets have not found success on the football field in a few years. Their last winning season was back in 2015 which was the last time they reached the playoffs. Coach Martin has been successful as a head coach in previous stops and hopefully will get the program at Glencoe turned around soon.

Coach Martin believes the line will be the strength of this year's team both on the offense and defense. He will have twelve seniors back when they open the season which will be a plus for the Jackets. This will be his third season at Glencoe and hopes they can get over the hurdle which would equate to a winning season.

He said at media days the leadership has been great along with the mentality.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	59-50 54%	12-10 54%	47-40 54%

Key Starters:

RB Aaron Mann will be back after rushing for 1,056 yards and 12 TDs last season.

WR Jayden Patton will be returning for his senior season after catching 46 passes for 736 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Other Returning Players:

WR Jayden Patton, RB Aaron Mann, RB/LB Jake Boggs, WR/SS Connor Montgomery, LB Aiden Johnson

J.B. Pennington Tigers (8-3)

Outlook: The Tigers have found success the past four seasons winning at least eight games the past four years. Even with all that success they will be under new direction in 2024. They have also reached the playoffs in each of the past eight years.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-58 46%	7-14 33%	42-44 49%

2024 Coaching Change

Jordan Cantrell resigned his head coach position at Florala and accepted the same job at J.B. Pennington. After ten seasons as a head coach his record is 49-58 at West Limestone, Elmore County and Florala.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
1	DL	Grant Austin	Sr.

Locust Fork Hornets (12-1)

Outlook: No team could put up points like the Locust Fork Hornets in 2023. They scored an amazing 685 points in only thirteen games. That's an average of over 52 points a game. Coach Billy Adams and the staff had our attention at HSFHS.org after just a few games with the way they were playing football in Locust Fork.

Can they keep it up this year? Yes, they probably can score another ton of points behind one of the most dynamic players in the state. Quarterback Dylan Embry will be back after accounting for over 3,100 yards and 52 touchdowns in 2023. He is a magician on the field with every snap.

The move up in classification to 3A should not be a major problem for the Hornets this year as they should be able to compete right away.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-55 47%	11-9 55%	38-46 45%

Key Starters:

QB Dylan Embry will be returning for his senior season after completing 70-of-95 passes for 1,688 yards and 20 TDs last season. Embry also ran for 1,499 yards and 25 touchdowns. He is a dynamic player.

Other Returning Players:

WR/SS Landon Keith, RB Miles Watts, RB Kolby Holt

Graduated Players
1	DL	JJ Boatright	Sr.

Ohatchee Indians (5-5)

Outlook: The Ohatchee Indians will play in a wild region in 2024 with nine total teams and what will most certainly be a fight for those four available playoff spots.

They return a couple of experienced running backs in Nate Jones and Colby Hester along with quarterback Jake Roberson who saw a lot of action in 2023.

The Indians plan on opening it up a bit more on offense with Jake Roberson returning at quarterback and Colby Hester at receiver.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-57 46%	4-15 21%	45-42 52%

Key Starters:

QB Jake Roberson will be returning for his senior season after completing 49-of-106 passes for 894 yards and 6 TDs last season.

RB Nate Jones will be back after rushing for 850 yards and 6 TDs last season. Also returning is RB Colby Hester who ran for 607 yards and 5 TDs last season. He also caught 23 passes for 517 yards.

Other Returning Players:

ALL-COUNTY: Nate Jones, RB, Sr.; Colby Hester, WR, Sr.; Tristan Kiker, OL, Sr.; Jake Roberson, QB, Sr.; Deacon Engle, LB, Sr.; Gus Hunter, TE/DL, So.; Ayden McNair, OL, Sr.; Owen Abernathy, OL, Sr.; Sam Jones, DL, Sr.; Briley Carter, DB, Sr.; Kanyon Cox, OL/DL, Sr.

Piedmont Bulldogs (5-7)

Outlook: At one point last year it seemed the Bulldogs streak of making the playoffs would come to an end at seventeen. But there is too much pride and fight in those Bulldogs to allow that to happen. They won the games they were suppose to win in region play and squeaked into the post season.

The team was young last year but will have more experienced players back this season. Look for a rebound and a few more victories than the five games games they won last year.

The Bulldogs return seven starters from last year's team on offense and five to the defense. Experience will help Piedmont improve on their 2023 season.

Coach Miller told AHSFHS.org about this year's team at Piedmont. ''We return a good bit of our skill guys on offense. Cole Wilson has a year under his belt at QB and played well at the end of the year. Rollie Pinto returns from a knee injury and will be a key contributor. Not as experienced on the defensive side, as we lost several keys guys on that side of the ball. Should be better if we can stay healthy, 2023 was an injury riddled year.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	71-43 62%	26-3 90%	45-40 53%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB- Cole Wilson; RB- Hayes Gunn, Sr.; WR- Ish Bethel; WR- Rollie Pinto, Jr.; OL- Noah Farmer; OL- Chris Parris; OL- Braylen Williams
DEFENSE: LB- Brodie Homesley, Sr.; OLB- Kale Austin; OLB- Caleb Tidwell, Sr.; DB- Davion Stitts; DB- Demetrius Owen, Sr.; K/P- Chase Cardelli, Jr.
NEWCOMERS: DL- Eli Young; LB- Bentley Chandler; LB- Chase Kirkpatrick; DB- Carson Sanders; DB- Ben Dempsey

Graduated Players
1	DL	Chance Murphy	Sr.
1	LB	Luke Rhinehart	Sr.

Saks Wildcats (1-9)

Outlook: The Saks Wildcats would like to just forget about the 2023 football season and that 1-9 record. They return a group of players with another year of experience so the prospects are good that they will return to their old form of being competitive.

Quarterback Jamorris Young is back to lead the offense in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-51 52%	7-13 35%	49-38 56%

Key Starters:

LB Shannon Noel had 68 tackles on defense and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

ALL-COUNTY: Ja'Quay Judkins, OL, Jr.; Tyler Rucker, LS, Sr.; Lajuan Curry, WR, Sr.; Shannon Noel, LB, Jr.; Tyeshawn Toney, DB, Sr.; Gage Brown, TE/LB, Sr.; Joseph Buggs, DL/OL, Sr.; Nick Mixson, RB/DB, Jr.; Juelz McClellan, KR/PR, So.; Delandas Allen, DL, Jr.; Mason Stevens, OL/DL, Sr.; Justin Cosper, DL, Sr.

Walter Wellborn Panthers (7-4)

Outlook: The Panthers will welcome back running back Jabari Williams for his junior season. He will be an important piece in the offense when the season opens.

Wellborn has qualified for the playoffs in each of the past five seasons and there is not reason that streak will be halted in 2024. The Panthers head directly into region play when they open the season at J.B. Pennington on August 30th.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	47-50 48%	4-7 36%	43-43 50%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

ALL-COUNTY: Raymond Williams, LB, Sr.; Kyle Bright, WB/DB, Sr.; Ethan Carroll, TE/DL, Sr.; Dozier Hayes, OL, Sr.; Larry Armond, LB, Sr.; Zack Pressly, OL, Jr.; Jaxon Newton, ATH, Jr.; Caleb McCurry, DB, Jr.

Weaver Bearcats (4-6)

Outlook: Four win seasons may not seem important at most schools but last year's 4-6 mark was an improvement at Weaver over the previous four seasons when they won a total of just three games. The offense was much improved last year.

This year they move over to Region 6 and back to the North. The fight for one of the four available playoff spots will be intense in this region.

The Bearcats do return a nice group of starters from last year. They will welcome back nine on offense and seven on defense. With such a large group returning the experience should help the Bearcats improve on last year's season.

Coach Cofer said this about the prospects for this season. ''Hoping to gain ground within our football program. it's the second year in these schemes.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	58-52 53%	12-11 52%	46-41 53%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Kaden Gooden -QB; KeShawn Allen -WR; Jr. Allen -WR; Caden Green -C; Tai Thomas -G; Jabarie Clark -T; Brandon Jolliff -G; Hunter Hise -TE; Jordan Reynolds -TE
DEFENSE: Brandon Jolliff -DE; Kaden Gooden -FS; KeShawn Allen -C; Jr. Allen -C; Dino Malloy -Nose; Damerion Welch -OLB; Caden Thornton -OLB
NEWCOMERS: Taylor Green - Soph LB/RB

Westbrook Christian Warriors (5-5)

Outlook: The Warriors have missed the playoffs the past three seasons but most fans believe that streak will end very soon.

Region 6 is joined this year by Locust Fork who makes the jump from 2A making the region one of the most crowded in the state with nine schools. Six schools won at least five games last year and there are only four playoff spots available. This should be a good region to watch in 2024.

Westbrook will open the season with seven starters returning on offense and another eight on defense. So they will have more experience than last season. The off season weight and training program that Coach Smith implemented for the Warriors will certainly have them better prepared in their search for one of the elusive playoff spots in Region six.

Coach Smith told AHSFHS.org about this year's team ''The team should continue to improve with a year in the weight room. Work ethic has been great, facilities are on par with the best in the state, support has been great. Looking forward to the season.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	48-55 47%	3-13 19%	45-42 52%

Key Starters:

OLB Max Legg collected 94 tackles and will be back for his senior season in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: OL Cooper Lancaster, Jr., 5'10, 200; OL Eric Kirkpatrick, Sr., 6'4, 315; OL Hudson Lowe, Sr., 6'0, 245; OL Cade Sanders, Sr., 6'2, 250; WR Brodie Johnson, Jr., 5'11, 160; RB Maximus Jones, Jr., 6', 195; RB Brody Wood, Jr., 5'10, 175
DEFENSE: DE Bo Kilgo, Jr., 6'0, 200; NT Jake Haney, Jr., 6'0, 235; ILB Noah Wright, Sr., 6'1, 210; OLB Titus Jones, So., 6'1, 195; DB Jackson Ramsey, Sr., 5'9, 165; DB Maxx Legg, Sr., 5'10, 170; DB Brody Blevins, So., 6'1, 180; K Read Barber, So., 6'1, 185
NEWCOMERS: ILB Brooks Whiteside, So., 5'10, 185; OLB Jaxon Marotz, So., 6'2, 200; DE Taylor Brown, Jr., 6'2, 210; OL Jonah Valentine, Jr., 6'1, 270; QB Sam Sollie, 9th, 6'2, 180; DE Isaiah Hooten, 9th, 5'10, 205; OLB Easton Skaggs, 9th, 6'1, 225; DB Carter Cothran, So., 5'10, 155; WR Luke Thompson, Jr., 6'1, 165

Graduated Players
2	OL	Aiden Brown	Sr.

Region 7

Clements Colts (5-5)

Outlook: The Colts will open the 2024 football season without the services of running back Jayden Gilbert who graduated in the spring along with the 1,691 yards and 23 touchdowns he scored last season.

Clements won five games last year for only the second time since 2009 so there was some improvement. First year head coach Brick Pugh will be coming in this season in hopes of building off the success of last year.

The Colts will return just two starters from last season on offense but will welcome back six to the defense. They will be counting on young players such as Kingston Croft, Torre Pride and Alex Moreno to fill in the gaps when the season opens in August against Ardmore.

First year head coach Brick Pugh simply stated the Colts need to ''Play to our standard.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	54-54 50%	14-18 44%	40-36 53%

2024 Coaching Change

Brick Pugh studied at Belhaven University following graduation from East Limestone High School. He most recently was at Athens High School.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
1	ATH	Jayden Gilbert	Sr.

Colbert County Indians (6-5)

Outlook: The Colbert County Indians have won 683 games in the football program's history which is the 7th most of any school in the state. Recently though they have found themselves winning but not as much as they did in years past. It's been almost ten years since they posted a ten win season and sixteen since the last region championship.

Head coach Scotty Hannah has high hopes of not just winning some games and making the playoffs but winning region championships and competing for titles.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	61-49 56%	22-13 63%	39-36 52%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Colbert Heights Wildcats (1-9)

Outlook: After a string of five consecutive playoff seasons the Wildcats took a step backwards missing the post season each of the past two years. Can second year head coach Tyler Jeffrey get them back to the playoffs and winning more games in 2024?

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-53 50%	9-21 30%	44-32 58%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Elkmont Red Devils (4-6)

Outlook: Top priority this fall will be to find a replacement for graduated starting quarterback John Adam Doner and the 2,150 yards he threw for last season.

The Red Devils have not made the playoffs since 2014 and not won a playoff game since 2011 so one goal as the season approaches will likely be to get to the post season in 2024. Elkmont finished last year 4-6 which was their best season since 2014.

Elkmont will have seven starters from last season back on offense and will welcome back seven to the defense.

Coach Schrenk had this to say about his Elkmont squad in 2024. ''Optimism abounds, we have a chance to have some success early. Our biggest concern is depth and staying injury free. Our future is bright and we are very happy with our kids and how coachable they are. With a little luck we may just surprise some folks.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-55 49%	12-20 38%	41-35 54%

2024 Coaching Change

Joel Schrenk stepped down as the head football coach at Woodland in January. He led the football program the past two seasons with a record of 4-16. He leaves after a dozen seasons as the head coach at Falkville, Hazel Green and Woodland. His overall record stands at 60-66. Schrenk arrives in Elkmont in hopes of turning around a program that has struggled recently.

Key Starters:

DE Noah Holt had 59 tackles on defense and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

CB/WR Lincoln Doner, WR/CB Owen Burgess, RB/LB Brock Ferguson, TE/MLB Jake Guthrie, FS/WR Ethan Clay Adams, TE/DE Noah Holt
NEWCOMERS: Reid Bardos -QB, Layton Schrimsher -QB, Justin Aikens -DB, Wyatt Williams -OL

Lauderdale County Tigers (12-1)

Outlook: One of the best seasons in school history came up a little short in 2023 but the Tigers did finish with a 12-1 record before falling to Geraldine in the third round of the playoffs.

They have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past fourteen football seasons and finished with a winning record each year. Coach Mason has the Tigers humming and they will be out to prove last year was no fluke in Rogersville.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	54-55 50%	21-15 58%	33-40 45%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

RB/OLB Jackson Hamm, RB/OLB Brodie Richardson

Graduated Players
2	OL	John David Mason	Sr.
2	DL	Micah Christensen	Sr.

Mars Hill Panthers (10-2)

Outlook: The Panthers of Mars Hill have won at least ten games in each of the past six football seasons. They have won 19 playoff games and a couple of state championships along the way. Even as they moved up in classification from 1A to 3A the winning just continued.

They did see their string of region titles come to an end at five as Lauderdale County took the championship last year. It should be a great season in Region 7 between those two schools as the fight for the right to bring home another region crown in 2024. Over those seven seasons the Mars Hill offense has averaged scoring over 44 points a game.

William Mann is expected to get the call at starting quarterback to replace Griffin Hanson when the season opens. Cam Isbell and William Embry will lead the defense from their linebacker positions.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	66-46 59%	31-7 82%	35-39 47%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
2	ATH	Griffin Hanson	Sr.

Rogers Pirates (4-6)

Outlook: The Rogers Pirates missed the playoffs last season with a midseason four game losing streak in region play. Can they get back to the post season in 2024? The move down to 3A may help a little and they will be fighting Clements, Colbert County and Elkmont for the last two spots after Mars Hill and Lauderdale County.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-54 50%	14-19 42%	41-35 54%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Sheffield Bulldogs (3-7)

Outlook: The Bulldogs have missed the playoffs the past four seasons and have not won a playoff games since the 2016 football season. Veteran Coach Johnny Wright makes his return appearance in Sheffield so things may be looking up for the Bulldogs in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-51 52%	14-17 45%	42-34 55%

2024 Coaching Change

Johnny Wright arrives at Sheffield with 28 years of head coaching experience in Alabama. He a veteran coach with 191 victories under his belt at six different schools. Most recently he was the head coach at Dora (2012-2014). He spent thirteen seasons in Sheffield with a record of 72-70 with nine playoff appearances.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
2	WR	Austin Stutts	Sr.

Region 8

Asbury Rams (1-9)

Outlook: The Asbury Rams have not been competitive on the football field since they first played varsity ball back in 2016. They have won just seven games in eight seasons. Second year head coach Matt Harris will working to turn that record around this season.

Region 8 had a total makeover during the off season. While the AHSAA not only combined Geraldine and Sylvania with Asbury and Brindlee Mountain they moved four schools up in classification from 2A to join them. Fyffe, Collinsville, Holly Pond and Whitesburg Christian will all be united in what is now Region 8.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-62 45%	3-27 10%	48-35 58%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

RB- Trey Childress, Sr.; DB- Tae Moore, 9th; OL/DL- James Lopez Reyes, Sr.; RB/G/LB- Kaiden Stanfield, Jr.

Brindlee Mountain Lions (0-10)

Outlook: The Lions will be out to improve on the 0-10 record from last season. First year head coach is hoping to build a football program at Brindlee Mountain in his first season at the helm. It will take time.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-56 50%	7-22 24%	49-34 59%

2024 Coaching Change

Jake Pittman was promoted to the head coaching position in May following the departure of Joshua Bailey earlier.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

RB- Jacob Izenberg, Sr.; OL- Ambrose Heckenmueller, Sr.; OL- Eli Beard, Jr.; DT- Banyon Peach, So.

Collinsville Panthers (8-3)

Outlook: Following back-to-back 8-3 seasons in Collinsville the Panthers will be out to continue that recent success in 2024. Last year the Collinsville defense allowed 210 points in eleven games but 119 of those points came against two excellent teams in Fyffe and Pisgah. So in reality the defense played well most of the season.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-59 49%	15-18 46%	41-41 50%

Key Starters:

RB Quintavious Rogers totaled 1,759 yards and 26 touchdowns last year and will be returning this season.

QB Mason McAteer threw for 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and will be back to lead the offense in 2024.

Other Returning Players:

ALL-COUNTY PLAYERS: Quintavious Rogers, sophomore; Mason McAteer, freshman; Gavin Lang, freshman; Kyler Beene, freshman; Shaun Stewart, junior; and Jeremiah Killian, freshman

Fyffe Red Devils (14-1)

Outlook: Out of the starting lineup from the 2A Super 7 Game from last year the Red Devils lose a guard and a linebacker. Everyone else will be returning to the lineup for 2024.

Logan Anderson, one of the best and toughest players in any classification, will lead the way. The question this year is can Fyffe win a championship in Class 3A? Absolutely they can. Actually they won one in 2020 as a 3A school. Will they win it all in 2024? The prospects look pretty good with their starting lineup.

The Red Devils open the 2024 season with a streak of 27 consecutive winning seasons on the line. That streak appears to be safe at least for the upcoming football season. Coach Benefield is tied for second place on the all-time list of coaches with the most wins with Steve Smith at Westbrook Christian with 351 victories. ''Senior Logan Ashley will be expected to help fill in the hole at tight-end on the offense. Senior Brody Badgett will look to help bolster the offensive line.''

''Fyffe is returning 19 of 22 starters from last years championship team, including the 2A Lineman of the Year in Senior Tucker Wilks and Senior 4-Star running-back/linebacker Logan Anderson who has garnered national attention at linebacker this offseason. After graduating 6 seniors from last years team, Fyffe will have 11 on the 2024 squad, a number which is expected to be a quarter of the roster as they make the move back to 3A. With statistically almost all of the yardage and point getters back, Fyffe looks to be a strong contender for the 3A State Championship in 2024.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-51 52%	21-8 72%	35-43 45%

Key Starters:

RB Logan Anderson will return after rushing for 2,864 yards last season. On defense he added 34 tackles, including five for a loss.

QB Blake Dobbins will also be back after completing 19-of-33 passes for 926 yards and 16 TDs.

Junior OL/DL Tucker Wilks is a two-time finalist for lineman of the year and will anchor the line of scrimmage in 2024.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: LT- Noah Guinn, LG- Jacob Butts, C- Jay Carter Lyles, RT- Tucker Wilks, WB- Everett DeBoard, HB- Simon Hicks, QB- Blake Dobbins, RB- Logan Anderson, RB- Ryder Gipson
DEFENSE: DE- Tucker Wilks, NG- Anthony Mil, DE- Weston Evans, OLB- Ryder Gipson, MLB- Simon Hicks, OLB- Logan Anderson, DB- Bryce Totherow, DB- Everett DeBoard, DB- Maddox Doss, DB- Blake Dobbins

Geraldine Bulldogs (12-2)

Outlook: The Geraldine Bulldogs have it going on under head coach Michael Davis. They won a school record twelve games in 2023 and look to continue that success in the seasons to come. The offense scored 552 points last year including at least 30 in each of their last nine games.

The Bulldogs will search for a replacement for All-State player Carlos Mann. Last year he accounted for 2,575 yards and 42 touchdowns. They will return fifteen seniors in 2024 so there will be some experience back when the season opens.

The offense will have six starters back with five returning to the defense in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-58 48%	16-16 50%	37-42 47%

Key Starters:

Junior DL Joe Garcia had more than 20 tackles for loss including five sacks and 118 total tackles last year and will beack this season.

Other Returning Players:

STARTERS: DL- Joe Garcia, Jr.; WR- Eli Schlageter; OL/DL- Collin Willis, Jr.; DB- Eli Schlageter, So.; DL- Kenneth Watson, So.; DL- Collin Willis; DB- Jon Beck Wade

Graduated Players
2	OL	Jayse Cook	Sr.
1	DL	Jaxon Colvin	Sr.
1	ATH	Carlos Mann	Sr.

Holly Pond Broncos (2-8)

Outlook: Another coaching change at Holly Pond can not be good for the football program. It will mean they have had six different head coaches in the past six seasons.

First year head coach Will McDaniel said. ''Backfield Trio of Sawyer Olinger (SR QB, 19 total TDs and over 1100 rushing yards in 2023), Zayne Faulkner (SR RB, over 1000 yards rushing in 2022), and Boston Gibbs (JR RB, over 800 rushing yards and 5 TDs ) return in force for the Broncos, who averaged 21.7 PPG in in the 2023 campaign. Paving the way for the Broncos will be four returning starters on the offensive line in Diego Arreguin (SR), Brayden Ivey (JR), Levi Kelso (SR), and Xander Grazer (SR), along with Tight End Cade Allbright (JR) and Wing Back Brody Howard (SR).''

''Defensively, the Broncos return two-way starters Faulkner (SR LB), Gibbs (JR LB), Xander Grazer (SR DL), Allbright (JR DL), and Howard (SR LB), along with Kyrian Grazer (SR DL), Aiden Motsinger (JR LB), Conner Cothren (SR DL) and John Garcia (SR DB).''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-57 50%	9-21 30%	47-36 57%

2024 Coaching Change

Will McDaniel arrives in Holly Pond after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Hanceville. He has eleven years of experience as an assistant coach and will get his first shot as a head football coach in 2024.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB- Sawyer Olinger, Sr.; RB- Zayne Faulkner, Sr.; RB- Boston Gibbs, Jr.; OL- Diego Arreguin, Sr.; OL- Brayden Ivey, Jr., OL- Levi Kelso, Sr.; OL- Xander Grazer, Sr.; TE- Cade Allbright Jr.; Wing Back- Brody Howard, Sr.
DEFENSE: LB- Faulkner, Sr.; LB- Gibbs Jr.; DL- Xander Grazer, Sr.; DL- Allbright Jr.; DL- Howard Sr.; DL- Kyrian Grazer, Sr.; LB- Aiden Motsinger, Jr.; DL- Conner Cothren, Sr.; DB- John Garcia, Sr. NEWCOMERS: WR/DB- Jackson Wilkins, Sr.; OL/DL- Braxton Yarbrough, Fr.; WR/DB- Miguel Garcia, So.

Sylvania Rams (10-3)

Outlook: After back-to-back ten win seasons where do the Rams go from here? A new head coach and a cast of new players will be out to prove the Rams are here to stay and a force to be reckoned with in 3A once again in 2024. It's only the second time ever the Rams have won at least ten games in consecutive season.

Region eight will be tough as always but a little more so with the arrival of Fyffe. Look for Sylvania to make a run for the region crown again.

Coach Nelson tells AHSFHS.org ''We are returning 6 starters on offense and 3 starters on defense. We will play in a tough region. A tough non-region schedule playing North Jackson, Plainview, and Pisgah. We are excited to develop and continue to improve going into the season.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	58-57 50%	19-16 54%	39-41 49%

2024 Coaching Change

Tanner Nelson has been named the Sylvania High football coach. He arrives after serving the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator of Collinsville.

Key Starters:

QB Griffin Turner will be returning for his senior season after completing 92-of-159 passes for 1,630 yards and 15 TDs last season.

RB- Aiden Parham will be back for his senior season rushing for 2,532 yards and 14 touchdown in 2024.

WR Roman McKeehan will also be back for his senior season after catching 35 passes for 521 yards and 1 touchdown.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB- Griffin Turner #3, RB- Aiden Parham #2, WR- Roman McKeehan #1, OL- Will Gant #50, OL- Colby Buttram #54, OL- Luke Tuttle #77
DEFENSE: DB- Landon Pritchett #0, DB- John Robert Dixon #12, LB- Travis Owens #15
NEWCOMERS: OL/DL- Tanner Haynes #58, OL/DL- Seth Cline #76, WR- Clayton Brown #5, TE/DE- Holden Henegar #4, LB/RB- Seth Ledford #6

Graduated Players
1	OL	Ashdon Cooley	Sr.

Whitesburg Christian Warriors (2-8)

Outlook: Veteran Coach Jere Adcock arrives at Whitesburg Christian this year in hopes of building a football program. Last year's 2-8 record was step backwards.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	52-61 46%	5-25 17%	47-36 57%

2024 Coaching Change

Jere Adcock returns to the sidelines after sitting out a year of retirement. Adcock spent 27 seasons as the head football coach at Decatur High School with a record of 187-120. His teams qualified for the playoffs twenty-one of those seasons and won seven region championships along the way.

The Warriors of Whitesburg Christian are still building their football program after just four seasons in the AHSAA and Coach Adcock may just be the person to lead that progress in the future.

Key Starters:

QB Kaleb Robinson will be returning for his senior season after completing 80-of-152 passes for 960 yards and 6 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

WR/DB Brady Davis, RB/LB Tobin Jaeger, WR/LB Micah Patz, WR/DB Brady Davis, RB/DL Crews Cole, WR/DB Andrew Bolton