Alabama High School Sports

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Region 1

Escambia County Blue Devils (6-4)

Outlook: The Blue Devils won six games last year for only the second time since 2010 but fell just short of getting in the playoffs. Just one more victory would have landed them a playoff spot for the first time since the 2010 football season.

With the addition of Mobile Christian and W.S. Neal to the region things will only get more difficult for the Blue Devils in 2024. Remember Region one also has Jackson and St. Michael residing there.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	58-52 53%	14-28 33%	44-24 65%

Key Starters:

QB Jamarion Robinson will be returning for his junior season after completing 95-of-192 passes for 1,480 yards and 21 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

ATH Jovaughnta Henderson, CB/WR SheMarion Matthews, ATH Marrion Hooks, CB/WR Dallas Owens

Jackson Aggies (11-1)

Outlook: The Aggies 16 game regular season winning streak could be in serious jeopardy with an opening game against 6A Saraland followed by games with 5A Demopolis and 7A Baker.

Coach Flournoy told AHSFHS.org ''Offensively, Jackson is led by South Carolina QB commit Landon Duckworth. The Jr QB will look to improve his numbers and wins by hooking up with UCF commit Keeyun ''Red'' Chapman and returning Seniors King and Payne. Adding the WR corps will be Bama commit Jamarrion ''Juice'' Gordon and Isaiah Gladney. Not to be outdone will be Sophomore running back EJ Crowell who will look to improve on his 1800 yards of rushing last year behind 3 returning offensive linemen led by Team captains and 4 year starters Nylun Williams and Markevian Blake.''

He added ''Defensively, the Aggies will have to replace a stout defensive front from 2023, but still has a lot of speed and experience led by middle linebacker ''Scooter'' Whisenhunt and Jaiden McDonald. Up front, key contributors to last year's team will roll into starting positions like Laraymond Hunt and Jayden Tate and newcomer TR Hodge. On the backend, the secondary will be long and fast, highlighted by Bama commit Jamarrion Gordon and Sr Junior Payne. The Aggie defense will be bolstered by both youth and experience from contributors like Sr DBs Teigh Skanes, Kwun Pugh, Jon Tarleton and sophomore LBs Josh Bryant and Jeremiah McKenzie.''

''Overall, the Jackson Aggies have championship goals in 2024 and look to improve on a 2023 Region championship and a quarterfinal appearance. The 2024 schedule got tougher as the Aggies start the season off at 6A runner up Saraland followed by 5A quarter finalist Demopolis before entering Region play vs. Escambia. Then a trip to 7A Baker before hosting 3A champion and new region opponent Mobile Christian. Next is 5A LeFlore before traveling to St. Michaels for a big 4A region 1 matchup. A tough region slate will finish the season with Orange Beach, Neal, and Satsuma. The only easy week for the Aggies will be Week 10, their bye week, before the playoffs.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	72-43 63%	33-16 67%	39-27 59%

Key Starters:

QB Landon Duckworth will be returning for his junior season after completing 118-of-196 passes for 1,971 yards and 27 TDs last season. He also ran for another 371 yards and 5 touchdowns.

RB EJ Crowell will also be returning for his junior season after rushing for 1,737 yards and 25 TDs last season. WR Junior Payne will be returning for his senior season after catching 28 passes for 452 yards and 3 TDs in 2023.

WR/TE Keeyun Chapman will be back for his junior season after catching 18 passes for 546 yards and 9 TDs in 2023. MLB Laquon Whisenhunt collected 95 tackles (53 solo) including 1 sack and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Sr-OL-Nylun Williams, Sr-OL-Markevian Blake, So-OL-Ivory Beck, Sr-Slot-Junior Payne, Sr-Slot-Omarion King, Jr-QB-Landon Duckworth, Jr-WR-Keeyun Chapman, So-RB-EJ Crowell
DEFENSE: Jr-DB-Jamarrion Gordon, Sr-DB-Junior Payne, Jr-LB-Laquan Whisenhunt, Jr-LB-Jaiden McDonald, Sr-DL-Z'morian Stephens
NEWCOMERS: So-OL-Jaquan Brown, Jr-LB-Jayden Tate, Sr-DE-TR Hodge, Sr-DL-Laraymond Hunt, Jr-DB-JiQuell Armstrong, Jr-DB-Keegan Chapman, WR-Jr-Isaiah Gladney

Graduated Players
1	PK	Jeramie Houston	Sr.
2	DL	Cam Pritchett	Sr.
2	DB	QJ Steele	Sr.

Mobile Christian Leopards (15-0)

Outlook: While the starting quarterback returns in Damien Gatson and their starting back in PJ Brown the Leopards will need to find a couple of capable wide receivers to fill the void left by the loss of Michael Moore to graduation.

The offense will return five starters from last year's players who started in the championship game. They will also return six to the defense along with kicker Carter Lewis.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	48-39 55%	13-11 54%	35-28 56%

2024 Coaching Change

Charles Lawson was promoted to the head coaching job at Mobile Christian in January after the retirement of Coach Cottrell. Lawson was the defensive Coordinator for the Leopards during their 2023 state championship run.

Lawson graduated from Pascagoula High in 1998 and spent two years playing college football at Southern Mississippi. He arrived in Mobile in 2015 as the linebackers coach before being promoted to the defensive coordinator position in 2021.

Key Starters:

QB Damien Gatson will be returning for his senior season after completing 153-of-236 passes for 2,633 yards and 27 TDs last season.

RB PJ Brown will be back too for his junior season after rushing for 1,890 yards and 23 TDs last season. RB Jason Todd will also be returning for his junior season after rushing for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB Damien Gatson, RB PJ Brown, OL Bo Cagle, WR Kentonio Kelly Jr., OL Landyn Gardner
DEFENSE: DT Floyd-Dawens Boucard, DL Jaevin Jenkins, RB/LB Jason Todd, Kicker Carter Lewis

Graduated Players
1	WR	Michael Moore	Sr.
1	OL	Diego Camboia	Sr.

Orange Beach Makos (1-8)

Outlook: The Makos saw the hopes of a promising season spoiled last year by finishing with a 1-8 record. To make matters worse they had to watch their neighbor, Gulf Shores, win a state championship. In only their fifth year of varsity football the Makos hope to forget about last year and build a football program in Orange Beach under the direction of incoming head coach Wade Waldrop.

The school has the resources and is building new facilities so everything is in place to produce a winning football program.

Region One is difficult with the likes of Jackson and St. Michael leading the pack. Now Mobile Christian joins the group making the chances even more difficult to get one of the four playoff spots.

The Makos return five starters on offense and six on defense. Coach Waldrop said he was ''Excited about the future.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	65-45 59%	16-25 39%	49-20 71%

2024 Coaching Change

Wade Waldrop was not retained as the head football coach at Hoover after just two seasons leading the Bucs program. His two seasons produced a record of 16-9 which was not acceptable under Hoover standards. His career has spanned eighteen seasons at Chelsea, James Clemens and Florence with a record of 116-84 and 7-13 in the playoffs.

New facilities being built is always a draw for any new coaching hire. Look for bigger and better things from Orange Beach in the future.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Satsuma Gators (5-5)

Outlook: Satsuma saw major improvement last season and finished with a 5-5 record just missing out on a playoff spot. Region one is difficult with the likes of Jackson, St. Michael and now Mobile Christian in the mix for a playoff spot.

Can the Gators win a couple more games in 2024 and grab one of those elusive playoff spots in 2024? Time will tell.

Coach Jordan told us about this year's team ''Looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and improve on last season's 5-5 record after going a combined 2-18 the previous two seasons.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	60-49 55%	15-26 37%	45-23 66%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: WR Chandler Hall, WR Brayden Williams, WR MJ Wash, RB Zakarias Lamar, OL Mason Steele, OL Parker Sells, OL Seth Parmer
DEFENSE: LB Micah Sullivan, LB KJ Austin, LB Tate Martin, DL Caden Taylor, DB Jesse Byrd, DB MJ Wash
NEWCOMERS: DL Payton Green, DB Duncan Reed, DB Harrison Key

Graduated Players
2	DL	Tristen Abrams	Sr.

St. Michael Cardinals (6-5)

Outlook: The St. Michael Cardinals may have been the best 6-5 team in the state last season. Their losses were to 6A McGill-Toolen, eventual state champions Gulf Shores, Bayside Academy, Jackson and Handley. Those five teams finished last year a combined 49-11.

Make no mistake about it, quarterback Gunner Rivers is the real deal and will slinging the football around for a few more years in Fairhope. He will lead a wide open offense that will put up a ton of points each week. They averaged nearly 40 points a game last year and will likely top that mark in 2024. This will be an exciting team to watch especially if they can get the defense to make some stops along the way.

The Cardinals will unveil a new stadium when they host John Carroll in week two. The team is still young with the Junior class being the largest. They lost three offensive and two defensive linemen but return most of the skilled position players. If they can find players along the defensive line they will be much improved on defense. Coach Rivers thinks they will be deeper upfront but with less experience.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	68-44 61%	24-21 53%	44-23 66%

Key Starters:

QB Gunner Rivers will be returning for his sophomore season after completing 229-of-362 passes for 3,077 yards and 29 TDs last season.

RB Noah Moss will also be back for his junior season after rushing for 488 yards and 6 TDs last season. RB Nick Russo will also be returning for his junior season after rushing for 385 yards and 1 TD last season.

WR Brody Jones 68 catches 1,125 yards and Tucker Tomlinson 42 catches for 712 yards will both be back for their junior seasons in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

QB Gunner Rivers, RB Noah Moss, LB Deese Thompson, LB Toby Edmiston, WR/TE Cooper Kurth, ODB Brady Zdyb, LB/WR Cooper Helper, DB Robert Watson, Safety Ollie Deese

W.S. Neal Eagles (6-5)

Outlook: The Eagles have made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons under Coach Fountain. Can they continue that success in 2024? Well they may find the going a little more difficult moving up to 4A and joining teams like Jackson, Mobile Christian and St. Michael in their new region.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	64-37 63%	20-14 59%	44-23 66%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
HM	DB	Carter Hodges	Sr.

Region 2

Ashford Yellow Jackets (4-6)

Outlook: The Yellow Jackets have not made the playoffs since 2014 but have a better shot this season with the realignment of region 2. Only two current teams this season qualified for the playoffs in 2023. That alone will give the Jackets a shot. Even with the move up to 4A the Yellow Jackets will be in the running for one of the playoff spots in 2024.

Ashford will return nine starters from last year's squad to the offense so there will be a lot of experience on that side of the football when fall practice opens in August. The defense will also return nine starters.

Coach Stapleton has Ashford on the verge of turning around the football program and getting back to the post season. Their 4-6 record in his first season is promising and we can see if they can build upon that record in 2024. In Region 2 only one team, 3A Straughn, won more games than they lost last season. This will be one wide open region race until November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-51 52%	26-9 74%	30-42 42%

Key Starters:

LB Jay Ragland had 76 tackles on defense and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: AJ Lewis, Braylon Bigham, Tylan Peterman, Coy Paramore, Alex Swain, Zorren Peterson, Fabian Tamez, Wesley McLendon, Eli Hicks
DEFENSE: Eli Hicks, Jay Ragland, Maddox Tillery, Peyton McBride, TJ Morris, Dakari Hymes, Braylon Bigham, Tylan Peterman, Wesley McLendon
NEWCOMERS: Tramonte Brown, Zay Johnson

Dale County Warriors (3-7)

Outlook: The Warriors have not made the playoffs since 2020 but have a better shot this season with the realignment of region 2. Only two current teams this season qualified for the playoffs in 2023. That alone will give the Warriors a shot.

Their non-region schedule is difficult. The Warriors open against Headland and host G.W. Long in week two. Midseason they travel to Ariton. Those three teams finished a combined 23-12 last year. In Region 2 only one team, 3A Straughn, won more games than they lost last season. This will be one wide open region race until November.

The Warriors will be much more experienced in 2024 with most starters returning from last year's squad. Coaches tell us they will return nine to the offense and seven on defense. So fans will be happy to know the Warriors will be in the hunt for a playoff spot when the season opens.

Coach Ballard told us about this year's team at Dale County. ''We have an experienced team returning and we are looking to build off of a strong foundation that was set in year one last year.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	54-53 50%	23-12 66%	31-41 43%

Key Starters:

RB Tristan Smith will be returning for his senior season after rushing for 1,193 yards and 16 TDs last season.

WR/QB Junior Smith will be back for his junior season after rushing for 590 yards and 10 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB: Dallas Hedstrom, RB: Tristan Smith, RB: Damarkus Smith, FB: Stacey Atkins, WR/QB: Junior Smith, OL: Aidan Spotts, OL: Sean Green, OL: Michael Chancey, OL: Gavin Fultz
DEFENSE: DB: Kam Cotton, DB: Tristan Smith, DB: Dallas Hedstrom, LB: Stacey Atkins, OLB: Junior Smith, DL: Sean Green, DL: Gavin Fultz
NEWCOMERS: ILB: Jaylen Griffin (FR), DB/WR: Cody Jaggars, OLB: Clae Camp, OL: Gavin Odom

Daleville Warhawks (3-7)

Outlook: The Warhawks have not made the playoffs since 2019 but have a better shot this season with the realignment of region 2. Only two current teams this season qualified for the playoffs in 2023. That alone will give them a shot.

Their non-region games are against Florala, Wicksburg and Luverne. In Region 2 only one team, 3A Straughn, won more games than they lost last season. This will be one wide open region race until November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-55 48%	19-14 58%	31-41 43%

2024 Coaching Change

Maurice Freeman arrives in Daleville after a great career in Georgia. He has compiled a record of 257-120 at three different schools in Georgia including 196-65 at Brooks County in twenty-one seasons. He led the Trojans to the only two state titles in school history. Between his two stints with the Trojans, he made stops at Southwest Macon from 1998-2001 and Brunswick from 2002-2007.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
2	ATH	Omarion Pinckney	Sr.

Geneva Panthers (3-7)

Outlook: The Panthers have not made the playoffs since 2021 but have a better shot this season with the realignment of region 2. Only two current teams this season qualified for the playoffs in 2023. That alone will give them a shot.

Geneva and Dale County are the only two teams who remain in one of the most shuffled regions in any classification this year. Only one team, 3A Straughn, won more games than they lost last season. This will be one wide open region race until November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	38-55 41%	7-14 33%	31-41 43%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

WR/RB Dalton Mock, WR/DB Dalton Mock

New Brockton Gamecocks (3-7)

Outlook: The Gamecocks have not made the playoffs since 2019 but have a better shot this season with the realignment of region 2.

Only two opponents on the Gamecock's 2024 schedule qualified for the playoffs last season. In Region 2 only one team, 3A Straughn, won more games than they lost last season. This will be one wide open region race until November. Can the Gamecoacks improve enough to grab one of those four playoff spots in 2024?

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	37-64 37%	6-23 21%	31-41 43%

Key Starters:

QB Dawson Peacock will be returning for his junior season after completing 52-of-100 passes for 855 yards and 10 TDs last season.

OLB Bryant Crumpler collected 93 tackles (17 solo) and will be back for his junior season in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

WR/SS Baylon Foster, WR/FS Anthony Silar, MLB/FB Jared Petitt, WR/FS Anthony Silar

Opp Bobcats (4-7)

Outlook: While the Opp Bobcats reached the playoffs last year they finished a disappointing 4-7. Incoming head coach Ed Rigby has a history of winning in the area and will look to quickly get the Bobcats back on the winning track this year.

Only two opponents on the Bobcat's 2024 schedule qualified for the playoffs last season. In Region 2 only one team, 3A Straughn, won more games than they lost last season. This will be one wide open region race until November.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-54 48%	20-13 61%	30-41 42%

2024 Coaching Change

Ed Rigby arrives in Opp as a veteran head coach in the area with hopes of reviving the football fortunes of the Bobcats. His overall record in ten seasons stands at 95-39 with eleven playoff appearances for the schools he coached. Rigby won a state championship at nearby Elba in 2015 with a 14-1 record.

Key Starters:

RB Jaymaryon Allen will be back after rushing for 592 yards and 6 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

WR/DB Damirian Thompson, FB/DL Landon Langley, OL/DL Javion Stoudemire

Pike County Bulldogs (4-5)

Outlook: The Bulldogs missed out on the playoffs last year but have a better shot this season with the realignment of Region 2. Only two current teams this season qualified for the playoffs in 2023. That alone will give them a better chance. Only one team finished last season with a winning record.

After making the playoffs eight consecutive seasons the Bulldogs have not reached the post season in two of the last three years. While the defense was improved in 2023 the offense faltered in a few games getting shutout against Houston Academy and Headland the two best teams in Region 2. But this year they are both no longer in Region 2 as Pike County moved up to 4A over the winter.

The Bulldogs will be a much more experienced team in 2024 with twenty seniors on the squad. That should equate to more victories this season and a return trip to the playoffs.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-56 48%	21-13 62%	30-43 41%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Straughn Tigers (10-2)

Outlook: The Tigers have qualified for the playoffs the past three seasons after a four year drought in post season games. Last year's 10-2 record was great and the fans hope that winning will continue in 2024.

Straughn will return five starters to the offense and eight on defense so this will be an experienced group of players this year. There will also be a few newcomers Coach Windham will count on the contribute early in the season.

Coach Windham said ''The Tigers move into 4A Region 2, after competing in 3A in 2023. The Offense looks to replace all 5 starting OL, but have a big, talented group coming up that should pick up right where the 2023 Region Champion team left off. Defensively, majority of the starters under Defensive Coordinator David Lowery's tutelage return. So, the expectation for both Defense and Special Teams is high. The Tigers play a tough non-region schedule that includes two back-to-back road games with Highland Home and TR Miller, and a home game vs Goshen to close out the regular season. ''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-55 48%	27-9 75%	24-46 34%

2024 Coaching Change

Garrett Windham was first team all-state at Straughn High School prior to his graduation in 2004. He also played football at Chattanooga where he was named Second Team All-SoCon by the leagues coaches his senior season.

Windham returns to Straughn as the head football coach after serving as an assistant coach at Andalusia High School.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: RB Charlie Jordan, WR Jeremiah Toole, WR Mack McIntyre, TE Clark Jordan, TE Clark Gay
DEFENSE: LB Drew Ferguson, LB Mack McIntyre, LB Saxby Radford, DB Cameron Adams, DE Clark Gay, DE Clark Jordan, DB Charlie Jordan, DB Kolton Cauley, DB Jeremiah Toole, DL TD Woods
NEWCOMERS: Jr Brenden Bartholomew, So Brayden Gunter, Fr Eli Grissett, Fr Tate Watson WR Clark Jordan, MLB Drew Ferguson, RB/LB Charlie Jordan

Graduated Players
1	DB	Parker Black	Sr.

Region 3

B.T. Washington Golden Eagles (9-5)

Outlook: The Golden Eagles will need to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Elijah Hall in August if they have hopes of repeating the success of last season. Hall accounted for over 2,800 yards of total offense for the Eagles in 2023 so replacing a star player like that is never an easy task.

They do return a cast of talented athletes scattered around both sides of the football. The Eagles are coming off the best season in school history and Coach O'Neal in three seasons turned the football program in Tuskegee. While he has left for Tallassee the leadership will be in good hands with Deandre Austin at the helm.

Their non-region schedule opens with Eufaula and later they will host Bowdon, Georgia who won a state championship over there in 2023.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-50 53%	23-6 79%	33-44 43%

2024 Coaching Change

Deandre Austin comes from Charles Henderson where he served as the offensive coordinator. Austin is an alum of Alabama State. This will be his first head coaching job as he follows Lawrence O'Neal and works to continue the recent success for the Golden Eagles.

Key Starters:

WR Javis Floyd will be returning for his senior season after catching 24 passes for 420 yards and 4 TDs in 2023.

WR Marquez Daniel will also be back for his junior season after catching 33 passes for 640 yards and 9 TDs in 2023.

SS Javis Floyd playing both ways had 101 tackles (44 solo) including 3 sacks and will be returning for his senior season. OLB Bam Brooks collected 99 tackles (50 solo) including 5 sacks and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

QB Brandon Smith, RB/OLB Buck Thompson, WR/CB Zarrell Lockhart, CB/WR Dylan Purter, OLB Jai Uhuru, G Tramond Hampton

Graduated Players
1	LB	Joseph Phillips	Sr.
1	DB	Elijah Hall Jr.	Sr.

Bullock County Hornets (4-6)

Outlook: The Hornets have not reached the playoffs since the 2019 football season. Could this be the year they break that streak and make the post Season? Coach Vines would like nothing better for his team this year.

With nine starters back they will open the season with some experienced players scattered all over the field. Hopefully it will parlay into a couple more victories and a playoff sport for the Hornets come November. Region 3 will be a little tougher this year as Bullock County is joined by St. James (3A) and Tallassee (5A) but they will not have to face Andalusia or Catholic in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	52-60 46%	14-17 45%	38-43 47%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Caiden Ivey QB/Strong Safety, Ty Wallace QB, G'Marrion Jones RB, Jer'Markis Parker ATH, TaMarkis Anderson OL/ DL, Jakarri Woodgett HB/ Edge, Ckyler Simmons OL/DL, Roberto Hall Jr OL/DL, Titus Smith: OL/LB

Cleburne County Tigers (4-7)

Outlook: The Tigers finished last season with a 4-7 record but did get in the playoffs with a fourth place finish in Region 4. It was their first playoff appearance since the 2015 football season.

Can they build upon last season under first year head coach Vaughn Lee? Time will tell. Two new teams join them in the region with St. James moving up from 3A and Tallassee dropping down from 5A. So the competition for one of the playoff spots will be heated in 2024.

The Tigers return just four players on each side of the football in 2024 so Coach Lee will be counting on a host of younger players to contribute if they have hopes of making a return trip to the post season this fall.

Coach Lee told AHSFHS.org about his 2024 Tigers. ''Cleburne County will rely heavily on their 2 Seniors (Hunter Gore & Austin Mayfield) for leadership of a promising young group. Carter Hughes (Jr.) returns as last years leading rusher and Kendal Miller (Jr.) will be returning from knee surgery at Tight End. Sophomore LB/FB Silas Hunt will carry a huge load for the Tigers. Luke Adams will also be expected to be a 2 way starter at LB/OL.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-58 48%	15-16 48%	38-42 48%

2024 Coaching Change

Vaughn Lee spent his first seven years of his coaching career at Pleasant Valley, Eufaula High, and Hewitt Trussville before becoming the offensive coordinator and head baseball coach at Cleburne County High School in 1998. Over the next 20 seasons his baseball teams amassed a record of a record of 341-220 winning eight area championships. He spent the last two seasons as the head football coach at nearby Central Middle School in Carrollton, Georgia.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

NEWCOMERS: Cade Shubert (Soph.) QB, Lyric Ware (Fr.), Koby Hale (Fr.), Alijah Ware (Soph.), Eric Felipe (Soph.), Camden Beam (Soph.), Cashton Robinson (Jr.), Rylan Hill (Jr.), Hunter Morgan (Jr.), Dylan Hackney (Fr.), Cavin Bates (Fr.), Zander Martin (Jr.), Josiah O'Hara (Soph.), Avery Phillips (Fr.)

Handley Tigers (10-2)

Outlook: How do we describe the Handley Tigers each preseason? Mostly we just say ''They're just Handley.'' What does that mean? It means they are just going to be playing Handley football each and every year and winning games. Coach Strain has had them playing Handley football the past six seasons as they reached the playoffs each year.

Since 1975 they have qualified for the playoffs thirty-two times winning a couple of championships along the way. This year will be no different. Look for the Tigers to be in the hunt for a region title when the smoke clears in late October.

Region 3 should be exciting this year with the addition of St. James and the arrival of B.T. Washington. Add traditional winner Tallassee to the mix and this could be a fun race to watch in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-59 46%	18-12 60%	32-47 40%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

KEY PLAYERS: QB- Cordan Patterson; RB- JaMarcus Daniel, WR- Dquavian Slaughter, WR- Makavian Allen, ATH- Elijah Stegall, LB- Ladarious Tucker, H-Back- Ben Pike, DB- Taevion Houston

Graduated Players
2	RB	Elijah Goss	Sr.
2	LB	Amajah Williams	Sr.

Munford Lions (3-7)

Outlook: The Munford Lions will try to shake off the three win season from last year and move forward with the hope of a better showing on the football field in 2024. They have only reached the playoffs once since 2017 so there is plenty of room for improvement.

Region 3 will be very competitive this year with Bibb County and Pleasant Grove leading the pack along with American Christian and West Blocton following close behind. The Lions will spend a lot of time on the bus traveling to the region games this year.

Amare 'Tank' Edmondson will be back at running back after rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2023. Key focus this off season is to be ''great tacklers in space and play better up front'' according to Coach Easley at media days. Limiting big plays will also be something they will be looking for this fall.

The Lions return their starting quarterback along with two backs. They return about five starters from last season on offense and another five on the defense.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-62 44%	10-20 33%	39-42 48%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

St. James Trojans (11-3)

Outlook: The loss of K.J. Jackson to graduation and college football will make football a little different at St. James in 2024. The bright spot will be the arrival of head coach Aubrey Blackwell.

The Trojans will also open the 2024 football season without the services of running back Cole Anderson who graduated in the spring along with the 1,122 yards and 10 touchdowns he scored last year.

St. James has grown accustomed to winning football games and making the playoffs every season. They have a streak of ten consecutive post season appearances and will most likely find themselves back once again when November rolls around.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	61-55 53%	30-9 77%	31-46 40%

2024 Coaching Change

Aubrey Blackwell was named the head coach in March as he returns to the Montgomery area sidelines. He served as an assistant coach at St. Paul's Episcopal in 2010 and 2011 and followed Perry to St. James a year later to serve as the offensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014. Blackwell was the head coach at Jackson Academy in Mississippi the past two seasons with a record of 17-9.

He built the football program at Catholic Montgomery into a championship team in his six seasons. His teams combined for a 54-19 record including a loss in the state championship game in 2020. Blackwell is a former quarterback at Robert E. Lee in Montgomery so he is very familiar with the area.

Key Starters:

WR Tabor Offord will be returning for his senior season after catching 34 passes for 991 yards and 18 touchdowns.

OLB Wils Johnson collected 139 tackles (56 solo) and will be back for his senior season.

Other Returning Players:

Wils Johnson LB/HB, Pruitt Conner MLB/RB, Tabor Offord WR/CB, CJ Edwards NG/G, Brayden Corley FS/WR

Graduated Players
1	QB	KJ Jackson	Sr.
1	P	Braxton Berrey	Sr.

Talladega Tigers (0-10)

Outlook: To say the Talladega Tigers are struggling is an understatement. They finished the past two seasons 0-20 and have won one game the past three years. They have not won more than six games in any season since 1993.

There is still a lot of work to be done in Talladega to get the football program rebuilt and change the fortunes of the team. It will all begin this year as incoming head coach Damien Dorsey steps in to try and turn the Tigers into winners. They play in a tough region so it will not be an easy task.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	48-63 43%	6-24 20%	42-39 52%

2024 Coaching Change

Damien Dorsey takes over the football program at Talladega to start the 2024 season. He has two years experience as a head coach at Talladega County Central in 2012-2013 where his two teams finished a combined 9-12.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Tallassee Tigers (1-9)

Outlook: The Tallassee Tigers are coming off their worst season since 2003 having finished last year with a 1-9 record. But things could be looking up very soon as Lawrence O'Neal has arrived on the scene and will do whatever it takes to get the train back on the tracks as soon as possible.

Look for a marked improvement in the 2024 Tigers as they drop down to 4A this year and join Handley, St. James and B.T. Washington in a hunt for one of the four playoff spots.

QB Kevin Mason transferred from Southern Prep over the off season. Last year he threw for 3,102 yards with 43 touchdowns and rushed for another 1,369 yards and 14 touchdowns. He will be a great addition to the team this season.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	60-54 53%	19-14 58%	41-40 51%

2024 Coaching Change

Lawrence ONeal arrives in Tallassee after turning around a struggling football program in just three short seasons in Tuskegee at B.T. Washington. In those three years his teams set numerous team records for wins in a season with nine in 2023 and winning the first playoff game in school history in 2022.

This could be one of the best hires this off season for the Tigers.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Region 4

American Christian Patriots (8-3)

Outlook: With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Not all of those teams will make the post season this year.

The Patriots have reached the playoffs every year since 2015 and have won at least eight games the past seven seasons so winning is a way of life at American Christian.

The Patriots will return starting quarterback Kai Young who will lead the offense in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	57-53 52%	17-16 52%	40-37 52%

Key Starters:

QB Kai Young will be returning after completing 128-of-206 passes for 1,826 yards and 22 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB Logan Morris, WR/FS Eric Hines, WR/MLB Cade Durrett, RB Christian Davis, C/MLB Connor Noland, LB Evan Lightsey

Graduated Players
2	WR	Davis Dare	Sr.

Bibb County Choctaws (10-2)

Outlook: With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Not all of those teams will make the post season this year. The Choctaws have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past eleven seasons and sixteen of the last seventeen years.

The Choctaws return six players on offense including most of the skilled players from a 10-2 season in 2023. The defense returns seven players who started games last year and will be a strong point for Bibb County. They open the season against 6A Chilton County and go on the road the next week to Gordo. Their other non-region opponent is 6A Northridge so the Choctaws will play a difficult schedule this season.

Coach Matt Geohagan told us ''Bibb County is excited to enter into the new 4A region 4. There are several returning starters at skill positions on both sides of the ball. The leadership on this team has been outstanding year in and year out and many new players are adjusting to this role well. Bibb County always plays a competitive schedule and will always put a good product on the field on Friday nights.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-53 51%	17-15 53%	38-38 50%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE:Antonious Steele-WR, CJ Morrow-WR, Kavon Holman-QB: Jordan Leverette-RB Jay Harris-OL: Camden McCarty-OL
DEFENSE:Demarco Taylor-DB, Antonious Steele-DB, Brayden Cash-DB, CJ Morrow-DB, Luke Thompson-LB, Jacob Steele-DL, Xavier Rhine-DL
NEWCOMERS: Grant Burkes-OL, Bodie Giddeons-OL, Jay Lagrone-RB/DB, Daniel Stringfellow-LB, McCain McMillan-DB/WR, Brenden Tate-LB/DE, Kizyus Clark-RB/DB

Fairfield Tigers (4-7)

Outlook: The Fairfield Tigers have made the playoff in each of the past four seasons but may find the going a bit tougher in 2024 even though they drop down in classification to 4A.

With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Not all of those teams will make the post season this year. With the likes of Bibb County, American Christian, Pleasant Grove and West Blocton the competition for the four playoff spots available will be intense this year.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	47-60 44%	3-27 10%	44-33 57%

Key Starters:

QB Jumaria Hamilton will be returning after completing 84-of-157 passes for 1,631 yards and 19 TDs last season. He added another 487 yards rushing.

RB Justin Murray will be returning for his junior season after rushing for 1,291 yards and 11 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB Justin Murray, QB Jumaria Hamilton, WR Cade Austin

Graduated Players
HM	WR	JeDan Gilbert	Sr.

Holt Ironmen (1-9)

Outlook: The Ironmen have gone 25 consecutive seasons without finishing a single year winning more games than they lost. Could this be the year they break that long standing streak? It is highly unlikely in Coach Newton's second season. But hopes are high he can use this year to build upon the football program.

Holt returns seven players who started or saw significant playing time last season on offense and five to the defense. Coach Newton will also be counting on a few young players to fill in the gaps left by graduation in 2024.

Coach Newton said. ''Holt will be young, but improving from years past.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	52-56 48%	5-25 17%	47-31 60%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Orion Jackson, John Hall, Omar King, Kalix Grisby, TJ Harris, AJ Cockrell, Demarcus Hutton
DEFENSE: TJ Harris, Markeyth Jackson, AJ Cockrell, Kaden Simpson, Daitwan Jordan
NEWCOMERS: Jaelan Wilson, Antwan Long, Jaylon Scott, David Murphy

Oak Grove Tigers (6-5)

Outlook: With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Not all of those teams will make the post season this year. The schedule seems manageable for the Tigers and although the region had a bunch of playoff teams from last year it is possible for Oak Grove to grab one of the four spots available come November.

The Tigers will return six players to the offense and nine on defense. So it would appear their strength will lie on the defensive side of the football in 2024. A returning quarterback and a couple of good running backs will spark the offense.

Coach Musso stated briefly ''10 new opponents! Playing in the south.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	52-55 49%	10-20 33%	42-35 54%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: QB Noah Chapman, OL Caden Broadhead, OL Jack Scott, RB Jay Fuller, RB Braxton Yocom, RB Makhi Martin
DEFENSE: Kyler Pollastrini DB, Braxton Yocom DB, Evan Carlin DB, Wiley Hicks DB, Ethan Jones, Connor Brooks LB, Know Parten DL, Bain Morris DL, Jackson Bonnett DL
NEWCOMERS: Jackson Hyde LB, Anthony Pearce OL, Andrew Nix OL, Zy Hubbard RB, Seth Wooten WR, Brooks Covin LB

Graduated Players
HM	ATH	Collin Pate	Sr.

Pleasant Grove Spartans (10-2)

Outlook: The Spartans lost staring quarterback Eric Handley to graduation and the 3,215 yards he threw for last season. Finding a replacement will be goal number one at Pleasant Grove. The good news is they slip back to 4A for the first time since 1997 so the chances of making a deep playoff run will be improved.

Retuning starters at running back and receiver will give stability to those positions. The Spartans have won at least ten games in each of the past five football seasons but have yet to get that elusive state championship. They came close losing in the title games three straight seasons.

All that was in 5A. Now they will test the waters in 4A starting this season. This could be very interesting and this team could be something special. Keep an eye on Pleasant Grove in 2024 they just may be still playing football in December.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	50-47 52%	12-9 57%	38-38 50%

Key Starters:

RB Collin Moore will be returning for his senior season after rushing for 1,087 yards and 10 TDs last season. RB Jordan Smith will also be back for his junior season after rushing for 561 yards and 11 TDs last season.

WR Tremell Washington transferred over from Ramsay after catching 67 passes for 1,139 yards and 11 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

KEY PLAYERS: QB- Kaleb Freeman, OL- Jakobi Williams, OL- Caleb Rose, WR- Tremell Washington, RB- Collin Moore, DB- Ethan Everson, DB- Malachi Williams, DB Jordan Hawkins, LB Kobe Hawkins

Graduated Players
1	QB	Eric Handley	Sr.
1	OL	Jordan Foy	Sr.

Tarrant Wildcats (3-7)

Outlook: The Tarrant Wildcats have not been to the playoffs since 2018. Since not fielding a football team during the Covid year of 2020 they have won five games in three seasons as they try to play catchup with everyone else. They are on their fourth head coach since then too.

Second year head coach Matt Stockton will do everything he can to rebuild the football program. Moving up to 4A will only make the task even more difficult.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	61-49 56%	16-16 50%	45-33 58%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

West Blocton Tigers (6-5)

Outlook: With the AHSAA realignment region 4 has six teams that qualified for the playoffs last year. Not all of those teams will make the post season this year.

While the Tigers from West Blocton have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past ten football seasons they have not come away with a single playoff victory since 2014. They have also finished 6-5 the past four years. They have won between four and six games each of the past nine years.

Incoming head coach Chris Wilson will be out to break that playoff losing streak in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-53 51%	14-18 44%	42-35 54%

2024 Coaching Change

Chris Wilson comes to West Blocton with eight years of experience as a head football coach at three different schools. Wilson began his coaching career at Washington County (2010-14), then Straughn (2015-16) before spending one season at Mary Montgomery (2017). His overall record stands at 65-35 over the course of his career. This past season he served as an assistant coach at Hoover.

Key Starters:

MLB Robert Levi Carey collected 81 tackles (38 solo) and will be back for his junior season.

Other Returning Players:

RB/MLB Cooper Deerman, G/DT Jamarkus ONeil

Region 5

Cordova Blue Devils (2-8)

Outlook: The Blue Devils have not made the playoffs since the 2019 football season which is their longest drought since 2002. They have also not won more games than they lost since 2015 so some rebuilding will take place over the next few seasons in hopes of getting back to the glory days some 15 years ago in Cordova.

Coach Maner said at Media Days ''We just want to get better every day.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	46-60 43%	15-16 48%	31-44 41%

2024 Coaching Change

Brian Maner returns to Cordova for the third time. He was the head coach there between 1993-95 and 1997-1999. His 1995 squad captured the 3A state championship. His overall record in a dozen seasons as a head coach stands at 63-68 with stints at Cordova, Thompson and Buckhorn.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Curry Yellow Jackets (1-9)

Outlook: The Yellow Jackets have gone 27 consecutive seasons without finishing a single year winning more games than they lost. Curry has won only three games the past five seasons and had 10 different head coaches during their losing season streak. Could this be the year they break that long standing streak?

Their non-region opponents offer opportunities for a couple of victories possibly as they take on 3A Carbon Hill, 2A Cold Springs and 2A Winston County.

Coach Cordell wants to instill a new attitude at Curry starting this season. The Jackets have a brand new sports facility on campus and have been working hard to improve the football program. Cordell said at media days ''We want to be better at the end of the season than at the beginning.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	41-64 39%	9-21 30%	32-43 43%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Dora Bulldogs (8-3)

Outlook: Back-to-back eight win seasons are the best consecutive seasons in Dora since 2012. The Bulldogs have made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons and there is no reason to believe they will fall short this year.

They will need to get a little more consistent on offense to make a playoff run. Last year in their three losses they did not score more than 20 points in any of them. In seven of their eight wins they scored more than forty points in each game.

The Bulldogs return six players to the offense but only three starters from last season will be back on defense.

Coach Williams said ''We have some key players returning in important positions.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	40-66 38%	15-17 47%	25-49 34%

Key Starters:

QB Colby Key will be returning for his sophomore season after completing 53-of-98 passes for 1,061 yards and 10 TDs last season.

RB Jayden Griffin will also be returning for his senior season after rushing for 1,433 yards and 18 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Jayden Griffin-RB, Cade Channell-OL, Cam Richardson-OL, Carson Davis-OL, Gage Hogland-OL, Cleveland Jones WR
DEFENSE: JaCoby Foster-DB, Cade Channell-DL, Julian Satterfield-DL
NEWCOMERS: Khaleb Brown-RB, Caden Boshell-OL, Grayson Stephenson DB/RB

Graduated Players
HM	DB	Josh Williams	Sr.
2	ATH	Kesean Pryor	Sr.

Fayette County Tigers (6-5)

Outlook: After two years in 3A the Tigers make the move back to Class 4A this season. They have qualified for the playoffs in eighteen of the past nineteen football seasons so that is a streak they value and would like to see continued in 2024.

Their non-region schedule is as tough as any other team in 4A as they open with games against Gordo and South Lamar on the road then play a midseason game against Winfield. The Tigers should be able to compete for one of the four playoff spots in Region 5 this year.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-55 50%	28-8 78%	27-47 36%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
2	DB	Hollis Strawbridge	Sr.

Fultondale Wildcats (4-7)

Outlook: The Wildcats won four games last season which is more than they had won in the three previous seasons combined so Coach Handley saw some improvement in his first year at the helm. Can they continue that success in 2024? It just might be possible. The region is good at the top but there are several teams the Wildcats could beat.

They do return a good quarterback and a running back with some experience.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	42-52 45%	13-7 65%	29-45 39%

Key Starters:

QB Brandon Woodall will be returning for his junior season after completing 93-of-173 passes for 1,324 yards and 11 TDs last season.

RB Jeremiah Jackson will be back too for his senior season after rushing for 558 yards and 7 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

WR/CB Eric Brown, FS Michael Yafondo, FS DJ Brooks, RB/CB Jaylon Fells, TE/MLB Jaden Gordon, MLB/RB Nedarius Davis

Graduated Players
2	LB	Matthew Yafondo	Sr.

Good Hope Raiders (3-7)

Outlook: After winning 38 games in four years the Raiders have fallen off a bit the past two seasons going 5-6 and 3-7 last year. Can they get back to that old form from a few years ago? It just may be possible.

Region 5 is not one of the strongest from past performance. Only Dora and Haleyville won more than six games last year so this could shape up to be a wide open race for one of the four playoff spots in Region 5.

Coach Scott told us ''We are moving into a new region this year. There are several teams in the region with great traditions of winning games and their coaches are second to none. Hopefully we can bounce back from a disappointing 2023 and compete each week.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	52-56 48%	22-11 67%	30-45 40%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Ayden Black, Brayden Cofer, Tyler Cone, Mason Drake, Parker Johnson, Tucker Malin, Jathan Smith
DEFENSE: Landon Bagwell, Tyler Byrd, Hank Hudson, Callahan Lindsey, Hunter Miller, Isaiah Owen, Carter Rutherford, Cody Stevens
NEWCOMERS: Ross Clark, Eli Drake, Ryker Hancock, Karson Hollis, Cooper Johnson, Triston McMullen, Tucker Screws, Asa Williams

Haleyville Lions (8-4)

Outlook: Has Coach Culver found a home in Haleyville? While he has been a head football coach for a dozen seasons he has never stayed at one school more than three years in a row. This will be his third season with the Lions. Both seasons the Lions have finished in second place behind Dora. Can they break through this year and grab a region championship? The last one they won was back in 2016.

Haleyville will return a bunch of starters from last season especially on offense. Shifting a few around will help the offense this fall. They will also be counting on a few younger players to step up and fill positions on defense.

Coach Culver had this to say about his Lions in 2024. ''We have an incredible group of hard-working young men. They understand what our standard is and what they have to do day in and day out in order to maintain that standard. I could not be prouder or more excited to see how they progress. God Bless and Roar Lions.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	39-66 37%	14-18 44%	25-48 34%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: OL- Landon Lovett, OL- Brock Rushing, OL- Titus Hood, OL- Mason Tidwell, OL- Even Howard, WR- Eli Cagle, WR to QB- Evan Cagle, TE- Grayson Goddard, H-back to RB- Jacob Barnwel, QB to WR- Cooper McNutt
DEFENSE: ILB- Fisher McCombs, OLB- Austin Walker, CB- Eli Cagle, ILB- Jacob Barnwell
NEWCOMERS: DE- Dylan Yarbrough, WR/DB- Fysher Seymour, WR/DB- Pete Reynolds

Graduated Players
1	WR	Brett Coleman	Sr.

Hamilton Aggies (1-9)

Outlook: Four losing seasons in a row is not something the Hamilton Aggies are accustomed to. The last time that happened was 1934. They also only won two games the past two seasons. That's the fewest in consecutive seasons since 1933.

This football program has won 631 games since 1912 which is the 21st most in state history. They will not stay down long. There is too much tradition and support for the program to allow it to falter very long. Look for the Aggies to rebound very soon.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	48-60 44%	16-17 48%	32-43 43%

Key Starters:

QB Mason Holloway will be returning for his sophomore season after completing 35-of-79 passes for 642 yards and 5 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

RB Blake Vaughn, OLB/RB Eli Harris, WR/CB Kel Battle

Region 6

Alexandria Valley Cubs (1-9)

Outlook: The Valley Cubs finished last season with a 1-9 record which was their worst showing in any season since 1969 when the went 1-8-1. They also missed the playoffs for only the second time since the 2002 football season. Do not look for the recent lapse to continue in Alexandria. This is a proud football program that will rebound quickly under Coach Todd Ginn.

For the first time in ten seasons the Cubs will be back in 4A which could make their turn around a little smoother. They open the season against 5A Jacksonville then begin region play the next week against White Plains, Anniston and Oneonta. That will be a difficult opening month for Alexandria.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-55 50%	19-14 58%	36-41 47%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Elijah Hunter, RB, Sr.; Ryan Brown, OL/LB, Jr.

Anniston Bulldogs (6-4)

Outlook: The Bulldogs return seven players to the offense and six to the defense. So the nucleus of last year's team is still there with a solid backfield and two returning wide receivers. They should be fighting with Cherokee County and Oneonta for that top spot in region six.

Anniston has qualified for the playoffs in each of the past six seasons and that trend should continue in 2024. Look for Anniston to be improved in 2024 and make another of their patented playoff runs come November.

The Bulldogs return enough starters from last season to be very competitive in 4A. They also picked up a couple of transfers in RB Jabari Williams from Walter Wellborn and QB Jamorris Young from Saks.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	57-56 50%	26-10 72%	31-46 40%

Key Starters:

Jabari Williams rushed for 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns last season as a sophomore at Walter Wellborn and has transferred to Anniston this summer.

QB Jamorris Young also transferred from Saks after completing 51-of-136 passes for 801 yards and 10 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Damon Pope (Jr.)- QB; Andrew Nelson (Sr.)- Center; Sharontae Bailey (So.)- OL; Jamarco Rudolph Jr. (Jr.)- OL; Quintavious Cunningham (Jr.)- RB; Jakorie Carr (Jr.)- WR; Jaden Dobbins (Sr.)- WR
DEFENSE: Khamar Holder (Sr.)- DE; Jalon McElderry (Sr.)- LB; Kevionte Johnson (Sr.)- LB; Dakyus Baker (Jr.)- Corner; Jaden Dobbins (Sr.)- Safety; Jaylne Henderson (Jr.)- DT

Graduated Players
1	DB	Jayden Lewis	Sr.

Ashville Bulldogs (0-10)

Outlook: Ashville football fans would prefer to forget about the 0-10 season last year and move forward. The Bulldogs have not made the playoffs since 2005 but first priority for Coach Shepard will be to simply win some football games.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	45-63 42%	8-23 26%	37-40 48%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Cherokee County Warriors (13-2)

Outlook: The Warriors came up short of preseason expectations in 2023 as injuries at quarterback took its toll in the playoffs. Replacing a player like Jacob Cornejo is next to impossible as he was once in a generation type star. Carson Tittle will be back healthy at quarterback so that will be a plus for the Warriors in 2024.

Coach Kelley says he expects ''Keyshawn Woods to replace the 4A Back of the Year''. He also said ''TE Nate Black gained 20 lbs. in the offseason and has looked great and 6'-7'' offensive tackle Asa Holbert will replace all-state LT Zach Gaylor''.

Coach Kelley also told us ''The senior class is eight wins away from being the winningest group in program History. #BeAboutIt''.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	41-63 39%	17-15 53%	24-48 33%

Key Starters:

Junior DL Tae Diamond had 33 tackles for loss and 22 sacks last season.

Junior LB Tristan Brown collected 164 tackles, including 35 for a loss and 11 sacks last year.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: WR Ben Frampton, WR Carson Chesnut, WR Luke Young, QB Carson Tittle, OL Landon Ransum, OL Dylan Duncan, TE Ben Moseley, RB Keyshawn Woods, PK Ben Frampton
DEFENSE: DE Tae Diamond, DL Caleb Harbour, CB Tripp Davis, DL Asa Holbert, LB Tristan Brown, OLB Carson Chesnut, OLB Tyson Woods
NEWCOMERS: RB Keyshawn Woods, TE Nate Black, OT Asa Holbert

Graduated Players
1	RB	Jacob Cornejo	Sr.
1	OL	Zack Gaylor	Sr.
2	DB	Jace Turner	Sr.

Etowah Blue Devils (3-8)

Outlook: The Blue Devils saw a big drop off last year finishing with a record of 3-8 and making a midseason coaching change. It was their first losing season since 2009. One bright spot was that they did not break their streak of making the post season as they qualified for the playoffs once again. It is something they have done every year since 2009.

Coach Peavey said they have about 51 players out for summer workouts and 16 seniors on this year's team. Some players will be moved around to different positions in an attempt to get more production on both sides of the football. He also said the team has tremendous speed.

Don't think these Blue Devils will stay down long. Look for a quick bounce back and turnaround at Etowah this season.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-54 51%	22-12 65%	34-42 45%

2024 Coaching Change

Scott Peavey arrives at Etowah after spending the last seven seasons as the head football coach at Haralson County in Georgia. His teams finished a combined 40-34. Before moving to Georgia he was the head coach at Walter Wellborn (1999-2001), Haralson County GA (2002-2004) Ashville (2005) and Madison County (2009-2015).

In twenty-one seasons as a head football coach he has an overall record of 112-115.

Key Starters:

QB Jameson Scissum had 1,847 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 925 rushing yards and 6 TDs last year and will be coming back in 2024.

Other Returning Players:

QB Jameson Scissum

Hokes Bluff Eagles (5-6)

Outlook: The Eagles got back to the playoffs last year after a three year absence. They move back up to 4A after spending four years in 3A. They can wave goodbye to teams like Geraldine, Piedmont, Plainview and Sylvania and look forward to region games against the likes of Etowah, Anniston, Cherokee County and Oneonta.

The Eagles will play a rather difficult non-region schedule in 2024 with games against Southside Glencoe and Randolph County.

Hokes Bluff had a good summer with 64 players out this fall including twelve seniors. Coach Robertson said at media days they will return about five or six starters from last season on both sides of the football. The players have set a goal of playing a home playoff game in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-56 49%	21-12 64%	32-44 42%

Key Starters:

Sophomore QB Bryce Whitaker accounted for 1,656 all purpose yards last season.

Other Returning Players:

Oneonta Redskins (7-3)

Outlook: How do you replace a player like Da'Marion Bothwell? All he did last year was rush for 3,112 yards and score 41 touchdowns. The simple answer is you don't. The Redskins will open the season against Locust Fork with hopes of filling in the vacant positions along with the loss of their star running back to graduation.

What started out as a promising season last year ended with a wild and crazy loss to Brooks 56-42 in the first round of the playoffs. The Redskins have a great football program and a history of winning for the past few decades. Coach Phillips is doing a great job but they would like to get past the first round in 2024.

The Redskins will return six starters from last season to the offense including QB Keilyn Rhetta. The defense will welcome back five starters.

Coach Phillips is counting on a big group of newcomers and younger players to contribute early in the season. He said. ''Very inexperienced at all skill positions. Return some depth up front. Seem to have a good mix of old and young working together. Off season has been good so far. Tough tough region with no weeks off. All 3 non region games tough as well. Hopefully we find a way to be ready.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	54-59 48%	24-12 67%	30-47 39%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: RB- Makhel Montgomery; OL- Blake Teal; OL- Pate Pass; OL- Logan Wester; OL- Dillon Goodemoot; QB- Keilyn Rhetta
DEFENSE: DE- Pate Pass; DT- Kason Kyle; LB- Aidan Ousley; LB- Makhel Montgomery; DE- Brooks Clowdus
NEWCOMERS: WR/DB- Aidden White; OL/DL- Carson Harper; WR/DB- Carter Clyde; WR/DB- Ben Vincent; WR/DB- Jag Johnson; FB/LB- Mason chambers; OL/DL- Mason Bailey; WR/DB- Maddox Byrd; OL/DL- Dawson Self; RB/DB- Santana Lofton; TE/DL- Eli Ragsdale

Graduated Players
1	RB	Fluff Bothwell	Sr.

White Plains Wildcats (2-8)

Outlook: The White Plains Wildcats have not won more games than they lost since 2003 when they finished 6-4. They have also not made the playoffs since 1994 and that was the only season they have ever played a playoff game in school history. Can second year head coach Blake Jennings get the Wildcat football program in a place where they are competitive in 4A Region 6?

Jennings told us about this year's team. ''Many freshman played last season and contributed valuable minutes to the 2023 season. Most notably was starting tailback PJ Holloway, starting QB Crew Martin, OT Hudson Ingalsbe, and defensive back Bryson Cheatwood.''

''White Plains only had 2 seniors last year. Under Jennings first year, the Wildcats were an overtime away from punching their spot into the playoffs for the first time since 1994. The players expect to make the playoffs this year as we return 9 starters on offense and defense along with other role players who played a lot last season. PJ Holloway (10th) looks to have a break out season at tailback. ''

''Rodney Peery (11th) looks ready to lead the passing game from the slot position and out of the backfield. Defensively the secondary returns all starters and looks to be led by Bryson Cheatwood (10th), Rodney Peery (11th), and Bryson Cheatwood (10th). Up front on both sides of the ball, the Wildcats will be led by two seniors, Ty Roberts and Dalton Luker. ''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	43-65 40%	8-23 26%	35-42 46%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

P.J. Holloway, RB, So.; Bryson Cheatwood, DB/K, So.; Dalton Luker, OL, Sr.; Ty Roberts, OL, Sr.; Ashton Wallace, LB, Sr.; Ethan Turner, WR, Sr.; Patrick Sams, LB, Sr.; Rodney Peery, DB, Jr.; Hayden Barksdale, DB/KR, Jr.; Logan Laube, DL, Jr.

Region 7

Brooks Lions (8-5)

Outlook: The Lions will need to replace thousand yard rusher Noah Gregg but most of the skilled players on offense will be returning for the 2024 football season at Brooks. Quarterback Garrett Burroughs is a dynamic player who will once again lead the offense onto the field this season.

The offense can score a ton of points as they demonstrated last season but for the Lions to be a serious threat in 4A the defense will need to step up and slow down some of the potent offense in North Alabama. While the offense scored 520 points last year the defense allowed 463 including over forty in four of the last five games.

This very well could be one of the best teams in 4A north this season. They will certainly be fun to watch on offense once again.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	63-49 56%	19-6 76%	44-43 51%

Key Starters:

QB Garrett Burrough will be returning after completing 108-of-174 passes for 1,880 yards and 17 TDs last season. He also rushed for 1,609 yards and 22 touchdowns.

WR Saelor Pinegar will be returning after catching 19 passes for 419 yards and 7 TDs in 2023. LB Charlie Buttram collected 130 tackles (23 solo) and will be back for his junior season.

LB Saelor Pinegar collected 119 tackles (54 solo) on defense and will be back for his senior season. OLB Lucas Oakley gathered in 96 tackles (28 solo) including 2 sacks and will also be returning.

Other Returning Players:

RB/MLB Lucas Pinegar, RB/LB Bam Campbell, WR Slade Vandervelde, TE/MLB Braxton Johnston, DT/T Marquez Johnson, CB Brooks Moore

Graduated Players
2	OL	Carson Wheeler	Sr.
1	ATH	Noah Gregg	Sr.

Central Florence Wildcats (6-5)

Outlook: The Wildcats have managed to qualify for a playoff spot in each of the past six seasons which is very good. The one negative is that they have not won a playoff game since the 2013 football season.

Last year the Wildcats were great on offense scoring an amazing school record 456 points. The problem was the defense allowed 407. In each of their four losses they gave up over forty points. With Palmer returning at running back and a quarterback with experience they will have the nucleus of what could once again be a good offense that can put up points.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	64-49 57%	18-6 75%	46-43 52%

Key Starters:

QB Jackson Brewer will be returning after completing 41-of-78 passes for 838 yards and 9 TDs last season.

RB Hunter Palmer will also be returning after rushing for 1,892 yards and 31 TDs last season. RB Bryant Hanback will be back too for his senior season after rushing for 1,024 yards and 14 TDs last season.

OLB Eli Wood collected 120 tackles (49 solo) including one sack and will be back for his senior season.

Other Returning Players:

CB Logan Galliano, RB/MLB Donevin Farris, RB/LB Eli Wood, RB/CB Manny Davis, WR/DE Brody Cole, TE/MLB Reed Bruce

Danville Hawks (3-7)

Outlook: The move up to 4A will not do much to help the Hawks win more games in 2024 because the competition will just be a little rougher. Region 7 is loaded with playoff quality teams and that is not a plus for them either.

Coach Williams told us a little about this year's team at Danville. ''We have 10 guys returning from last year on offense. Had no seniors on last years team. Also have nine starters from last year back on the defense.''

''We expect Ben Ellenburg, Jace Glenn, Cristian Roderiquez, and newcomer Donald Walker to be the skill guy to help produce points offensively. Blocking for these guys will be Ryder Reeves, Caden Flowers, Cole Flowers, Landon Hanserd, Mitchell Owens, and TE John Salvia. Mentally is where we feel we're better than last year overall.''

Look for the Hawks to be improved in 2024 with a much more experienced team of players.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	54-56 49%	5-15 25%	49-41 54%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Deshler Tigers (8-4)

Outlook: The Deshler Tigers are a quality football program. No doubt about it. After two early season losses they won eight of their next nine games last year and finished with a record of 8-4. In their four losses the defense allowed no less than 35 points in each of them.

The offense has been great the past two seasons but they will need to shore up the defense to get back to making deep playoff runs once again in 2024. They open the season against an excellent Russellville team this year before jumping right into region play in week two. Region 7 is loaded with playoff quality teams so every region game will be important this year for the Tigers.

The Tigers will be very experienced this fall with eight starters from last year's squad returning and six on defense. That should equate into another playoff run in 2024 and possibly more.

Coach Malone said this about the 2024 Deshler Tigers. ''A young team with just a handful of seniors. Coming off an 8-4 year in 2023, Deshler has a lot to prove in the newly aligned 4A Region 7.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	59-52 53%	15-8 65%	44-44 50%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: Josh Smith (Center); Price Thornton (QB); Camden Fuller (WR); Garrett Reid (Wingback); Q Harden (Tailback); Ayden Noyola (TE); Dylan Morgan (OT); Jett Kerr (Guard)
DEFENSE: Warner Johnson (Safety); Linkin Brown (Safety); Garrett Reid (Corner); Jovi Jackson (Corner); Ayden Noyola (MLB); Dayton Sanford (OLB)
NEWCOMERS: Eli Edwards (Wingback/OLB); Armani McClendon (Fullback); Brycen Williams (Safety/Wingback); Kendrick Gunn (Safety/Tailback); Korrian Anderson (Noseguard); Phoenix Carpenter (Defensive Tackle)

Graduated Players
1	OL	Jamarian Acklin	Sr.

East Lawrence Eagles (2-8)

Outlook: The Eagles have not reached the playoffs the past four seasons and will be working hard over the summer to make a return trip in 2024. Just four years ago the team won nine games but only won five the past three seasons since Coach Culver left the program.

Region 7 is going to be tough for all the teams. With nine schools in the region and only four playoff spots available it will be intense come late October.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	56-55 50%	6-15 29%	50-40 56%

Key Starters:

Cayne McClure as a freshman had 292 yards on 79 carries and scored 3 TDs. He also had 229 yards on 12 receptions and 7 more TDs. He will be back in 2024.

Alex Newman with 10 tackles for loss, six being sacks also had two fumble recoveries and 39 tackles and will return this fall.

Other Returning Players:

OL/DL Solan Marks

Hatton Hornets (7-4)

Outlook: Hatton will do something no other team has ever done previously. They will make the jump from 2A all the way up to 4A. It is to be determined if they can compete at this level. The Hornets have been competitive in 2A but have not won a playoff game since 2002 in 2A.

Returning quarterback Tasean Love will add a spark to the offense. Last year he accounted for over 2,100 yards of total offense. Some experience at running back and receiver will also help the cause.

Region 7 is loaded with playoff caliber teams so this should be a great region race to keep an eye on in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	65-50 56%	20-6 77%	45-44 51%

Key Starters:

QB Tasean Love will be returning for his junior season after completing 94-of-188 passes for 1,525 yards and 13 TDs last season. Love also rushed for 636 yards and 12 touchdowns.

WR Kenyon Suggs will be returning for his senior season after catching 33 passes for 645 yards and 10 touchdowns.

RB Karvieon Black will be back for his sophomore season after rushing for 683 yards and 10 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

WR Kenyon Suggs, QB Tasean Love, RB Karvieon Black, OL/DL Trace Hill, DB Zairyon Long, OL Taegen Burleson, OL Wes Steadman, Kole McMillian, Pierce Wilson, Owen Brackin

West Limestone Wildcats (5-5)

Outlook: West Limestone has high hopes of breaking the streak of three consecutive 5-5 seasons in 2024. They have been one victory away from a playoff spot each of those seasons. Is this the year they get over that hump and get close to the 11-2 record of 2020? If things go as planned it could be a very good season at West Limestone.

The Wildcats return five starters on offense and seven on defense according to Coach Shelby Davis. He also has a cast of young players he hopes will contribute early in the season.

Region seven will be very competitive in 2024 with the likes of Brooks, Deshler and West Morgan competing for that top spot. If the Wildcats can get past Central and Hatton they may just grab that fourth playoff spot.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	55-55 50%	8-12 40%	47-43 52%

Key Starters:

LB Preston Moore collected 80 tackles (38 solo) and will be back for his senior season.

Other Returning Players:

LB Preston Moore RB/LB Travis McCluskey, WR Dawson Mewbourn, WR/OLB JT Winter, WR/LB JT Winter
NEWCOMERS: Preston Moore, Dawson Mewbourn, Brady Crawford, JT Winter, Trey McWilliams

West Morgan Rebels (12-1)

Outlook: West Morgan will open the 2024 football season without returning starters at quarterback, running back and receiver. And these three were not just starters, they were the nucleus of the offense last season. They graduated 17 seniors from last year's team, including nine who signed to play college football.

The Rebels of West Morgan will need to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Braxton Peters in August if they have hopes of repeating the success of last season. They must also find a replacement for departed running back Jalen Fletcher who ran for over 1,500 yards last year. Ti'Airrius Mosley also graduated with his 1,300 yards receiving.

Coach Drew Phillips will be seeing a lot of new faces when August rolls around. The Rebels will be looking to players like Sophomore quarterback Titan Partlow and senior running back/linebackers Ty Jones and Jaylen McGuire to fill some of the gaps left by graduation.

The Rebels want to prove that last season was not just a one time deal and they have a program that can and will compete in 4A each and every season.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-59 46%	11-12 48%	40-47 46%

Key Starters:

MLB Ty Jones collected 132 tackles (72 solo) and will be back for his senior season.

Other Returning Players:

CB Tyshon Tucker, CB Shone Tapscott, FS Shone Tapscott, WR/Kicker Jacob Johnston

Graduated Players
2	QB	Braxton Peters	Sr.
1	WR	TiAirrius Mosley	Sr.
1	OL	Melvin Carrillo	Sr.
1	LB	Shamarvion Mosley	Sr.
1	ATH	Jalen Fletcher	Sr.

Wilson Warriors (1-9)

Outlook: The Warriors of Wilson have struggled on the football field in recent years. Over the past six seasons they have won exactly nine football games and finished the past four seasons 1-9. There is no place to go but up for second year head coach Trey Lane in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	62-50 55%	11-11 50%	51-39 57%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Region 8

D.A.R. Patriots (0-10)

Outlook: The Patriots suffered through the worst season in school history finishing a dismal 0-10 last season. Can a new Coach right the ship this year at D.A.R.?

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	49-62 44%	1-19 5%	48-43 53%

2024 Coaching Change

Matt Putnam

Key Starters:

QB Gage Davis will be returning for his sophomore season after completing 171-of-378 passes for 1,950 yards and 9 TDs last season.

Other Returning Players:

WR Alex Rice, WR DB Blakley Childress

Madison Academy Mustangs (14-1)

Outlook: The Mustangs lost a lot of talent at the skilled positions when they walked on graduation day back in May. Their leading passer, rusher and receiver all will be missed this season.

Top priority this fall will be to find a replacement for graduated starting quarterback Jake Poldiak and the 2,157 yards he threw for last season. They will also be without Ken Cherry and his 2,546 yards rushing when the season opens. They also lost Jackson Reece at receiver. Place kicker Neil Radak returns after missing last season with injury.

Their 18 game regular season winning streak could be in serious jeopardy with games against the likes of Mars Hill to open the season and with Randolph and Arab later.

Coach Godsey said ''Madison Academy returns a solid nucleus of leaders from last year's Super 7 run. Success this season will depend on how quickly the Newcomers to Watch can play to form. This will be the youngest Mustangs roster in Coach Godsey's 6 seasons. Expectations are always high at Madison Academy and this year is no different as they look to be in the hunt come playoff time.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	52-57 48%	18-5 78%	34-52 40%

Key Starters:

RB Joshua Williams will return after rushing for 1,624 yards and 23 TDs in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: RB Josh Williams, WR Jaiden Etienne, Ajay Seaton, AJ Rice
DEFENSE: LB AJ Rice, Keaton Watson, LB Josh Williams, Michaell Wiggins, Maurice Scott
NEWCOMERS: Zyan Williams, Jack Doyle, WR Daniel McCauley, Alex Crider, Cam Williams

Graduated Players
1	RB	Ken Cherry	Sr.
1	WR	Jackson Reece	Sr.
1	OL	Reese Baker	Sr.

Madison County Tigers (2-8)

Outlook: The Tigers missed the playoffs last year after getting in the previous four seasons. A 2-8 record is the worst for the school since the 2004 football season. First year head coach Chris Hancock hopes to turn things around quickly and get the Tigers back to the post season very soon.

The Tigers will be young but talented in 2024. They only return three starters from last year's team on offense and three on defense. They will rely on a host of young players who will be counted on to contribute early in the season.

Coach Hancock said about this year's team at Madison County ''A very young experienced talented team that will have to build game experience starting from game one of the fall season. A team that could surprise some region competition throughout the season.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-60 47%	7-15 32%	46-45 50%

2024 Coaching Change

Chris Hancock spent the past six seasons as the defensive coordinator at Huntsville and previously coached at Buckhorn, Sparkman, and Columbia.

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: OL- Kyle Smith; TE- Braden Reed; RB- Keontae Hill
DEFENSE: DL- Damian Rorem; DL- Jamin Brake; SS- Carter Poblete
NEWCOMERS: Offensive: WR- Brody Snider; WR- Zach Montgomery; QB- Junior Towns; OL- Logan Morris; QB- Jackson Hastings Defensive: LB- Jace Tomlin; RB/DB- Marlon Jones; DB- Kaleb Harbin; OL/DL- Jackson Martinez

New Hope Indians (4-6)

Outlook: The New Hope Indians have not reached the playoffs since the 2015 football season. The past three years they have finished 4-6 each season. Can incoming head coach Michael Harper get the Indians to that next step and win a couple more games to get that coveted playoff spot in Region 8?

Quarterback Terry Lucas returns and the Indians do have some experience at running back and receiver so the skilled players on offense will give them a lift.

With Plainview and Madison Academy joining them in the region a playoff spot may be more difficult to come by the next two years.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	53-58 48%	9-11 45%	44-47 48%

2024 Coaching Change

Michael Harper was the Whitesburg Christian head coach for the 2020 season and most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Hazel Green in 2023.

Key Starters:

QB Lucas Terry will be returning for his sophomore season after completing 132-of-195 passes for 1,551 yards and 13 TDs last season.

RB Layton Pohl will be back too for his junior season after rushing for 660 yards and 9 TDs last season. WR Dawson Cambron will be back for his senior season after catching 74 passes for 928 yards and 7 TDs in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

DT Dominick Scott, RB Christian Hargrove, QB/WR Dawson Cambron, WR/FS Gavin Rundlett

North Jackson Chiefs (4-7)

Outlook: The North Jackson Chiefs will open the 2024 football season with a couple of tough non-region games as they travel to Sylvania and host Scottsboro in week two. That's all before jumping into region play the next week.

Region 8 has nine teams in it making it one of the largest in any classification. Just making the playoffs will be more difficult with so many teams striving to get in. The Chiefs will need to win a few more games to have a shot in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	62-52 54%	18-6 75%	44-46 49%

Key Starters:

RB Diego Holt will be back too for his senior season after rushing for 596 yards and 11 TDs last season.

WR Nick Price Jr. Chapman will be back for his sophomore season after catching 15 passes for 177 yards and 1 TD in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

Plainview Bears (3-7)

Outlook: Dale Pruitt enters his 38th season as a head coach in Alabama. He has 296 victories under his belt and even though he would not admit it he would really like to get to that 300 win mark this year.

The Bears have missed the playoffs the past two seasons. It marked the first time they have not reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 1988.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	67-51 57%	22-5 82%	45-46 50%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

ALL-COUNTY PLAYERS: Trey Rutledge, junior; Brody Hodges, sophomore; and Owen Hope, sophomore, Tristan Thurmond, junior; Gage Brown, sophomore OTHERS: RB/SS Kristopher Sandlin

Randolph Raiders (6-5)

Outlook: The Raiders finished last season 6-5 losing in the first round of the playoffs. Region 8 added Madison Academy and Plainview so the chances for a playoff spot will be diminished slightly for all the teams in the region.

They return quarterback William Mitchell who was 4A Region 8 Offensive Player of the Year and accounted for 2,962 total yards 33 touchdowns. That is a great starting point when putting a winning team on the field come August. Having Noah Grant back to catch those passes will also be beneficial for the Raiders. The offense will be very good, the question may be can the defense stop opponents and give the ball back to that potent offense?

Randolph will return seven starters from last year to the offense and five on defense.

Coach Lloyd is optimistic about the Raiders playoff chances in 2024. ''We play a pretty tough schedule with at least 3 preseason Top 10 teams in West Morgan, Madison Academy, and Pisgah. We return a great core group of players and a good bit of experience on both sides of the ball. We should be in the race for a playoff position. The goal is to win our first region title and earn a playoff spot for the fifth consecutive year.''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	66-51 56%	24-3 89%	42-48 47%

Key Starters:

QB William Mitchell will be returning after completing 112-of-160 passes for 1,484 yards and 14 TDs last season. Mitchell accounted for 2,962 total yards and 33 touchdowns. He was the 4A Region 8 Offensive Player of the Year

WR/FS Noah Gaunt accounted for 806 all purpose yards including 25 receptions and 457 yards.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE: William Mitchell -QB; Graham Batey -RB; Noah Gaunt -WR; Hunter Wiggins -TE; JP Christopher -OL; Bradford Hall -OL; Gibson Smith -OL
DEFENSE: Bradford Hall -LB; Graham Batey -DB; Park Strickland -LB; Hunter Wiggins -DE; Jonathan Billions -DB
NEWCOMERS: Tyler DeOrio -WR/DB; Walker Mitchell -WR/DB; Ben Shannon -LB/RB; Mihai Stroe -OL/DL

St. John Paul II Falcons (4-6)

Outlook: The Falcons will need to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Luke Songy and his 1,734 yards passing. But Coach Creehan thinks he has one in junior Joey Ross. The Falcons return five starters on offense and five on defense plus a few newcomers who will be counted upon to contribute.

St. John Paul II has seen six head coaches over the course of the past six seasons so stability at the top is going to be important for the future of the football program. The Falcons finished fifth the past two seasons so they were only one win away from a playoff spot both years.

Coach Creehan told AHSFHS.org ''After back-to-back 4-6 seasons, the Falcons are looking to take the next step in the growth of the program. Replacing the loss of an All-State QB and other key seniors will be critical to the team's success. ''

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	51-60 46%	7-13 35%	44-47 48%

2024 Coaching Change

Kevin Creehan will be the fifth Falcons head coach in five seasons. His hope is to first bring some stability to the coaching staff before embarking on building a football program for the Falcon fans. He comes from a coaching family and has coached for seven seasons at the collegiate level. He served last season as an assistant coach for the Falcons.

Key Starters:

WR Austin Porter will be back for his senior season after catching 20 passes for 566 yards and 7 TDs in 2023.

WR Mark Andrzejewski will be back for his junior season after catching 23 passes for 364 yards and 4 TDs in 2023.

Other Returning Players:

OFFENSE:RB - Austin Porter (Sr.), WR - Mark Andrzejewski (Jr.), WR - Parker Kummer (Sr.), G - Alexis Duran (Sr.), C - Logan Roth (So.)
DEFENSE: DT - Jerry Leslie (Jr.), DT - Andrew Lang (Sr.), DE - Christian Maroyka (Jr.), OLB - Austin Porter (Sr.), FS - JonLuc Bechen (Jr.)
NEWCOMERS: QB - Joey Ross (Jr.), TE/LB - Isaac Lee (Jr.), WR/DB - Kemper Hopkins (Sr.)

Graduated Players
HM	PK	Tyler Greges	Sr.
2	ATH	Luke Songy	Sr.

Westminster Christian Wildcats (11-3)

Outlook: The Wildcats will need to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Brandon Musch in August if they have hopes of repeating the success of last season. He accounted for over 4,400 yards of their offense in 2023.

Westminster finished last season with an impressive 11-3 record which ties the school record for wins in a season. The offense put up 586 points which is remarkable. But the defense allowed 445. The defense gave up less than 27 points in only three games.

Without Musch who totaled 4,015 yards and 63 touchdowns the offense will drop off more than likely so the defense will need to see some improvement for the Wildcats to once again find themselves back in the playoffs in 2024.

	All Games	Non-Region	Region
Schedule	47-61 44%	10-11 48%	37-50 42%

Key Starters:

Other Returning Players:

Graduated Players
1	ATH	Brandon Musch	Sr.