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2026 HIGH SCHOOL

F OOT BA L L Join us as we shine a spotlight on 17 players from The Star’s coverage area

The Anniston Star

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 3D

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

CONTENDER OR PRETENDER? Who’s built for the postseason in the

RESHAPED AHSAA BY JARED GRAVETTE Star Sports Editor

he latest round of realignment reshaped the Alabama high school football landscape. The AHSAA’s decision to separate public and private schools for postseason play, coupled with the elimination of Class 7A, triggered widespread movement across the state. Of the 13 AHSAA football-playing schools in Calhoun County, nine will compete in a new classification this fall. Ohatchee, Piedmont, Saks and Wellborn dropped to Class 2A; White Plains to Class 3A; Jacksonville to Class 4A; and Oxford to Class 5A. Alexandria (4A), Anniston (4A), Weaver (3A) and Pleasant Valley (2A) stayed put but will face new competition from larger schools moving down. Donoho and Hope Christian shift into the newly formed Single-A Private classification. Let’s examine where each team in The Anniston Star’s coverage area landed and whether they’re a postseason contender or pretender.

CLASS 5A, REGION 6

THE TEAMS: Clay-Chalkville, Oxford, Pinson Valley, Southside, Springville, St. Clair County

OXFORD

With the new Class 6A now consisting of the 32 largest public schools in the state, Oxford finds itself in 5A for the first time since 2005. The Yellow Jackets are coming off an un-Oxford-like season, which saw them fall in the first round of the playoffs and finish with a 5-6 record. That prompted head coach Sam Adams to change things up, opting to go through fully padded practices during the spring to address “games that got away from us that should have gone the other way.” Oxford must replace Division I signees Jaylin Taylor, Keenan Britt and Caleb Wynn, but the Yellow Jackets return an experienced team consisting of 25 seniors. Oxford remains in the same region as defending 6A state champion ClayChalkville, who Adams referred to as “the standard of high school football,

regardless of class.” Knocking the Cougars from the top spot in Region 6 will be a tall task, but the Yellow Jackets have all the pieces in place to earn the right to host a firstround playoff game at Lamar Field in November. Outside of Clay-Chalkville, their biggest challengers are expected to be Pinson Valley and St. Clair County. VERDICT: CONTENDER

CLASS 4A, REGION 6

THE TEAMS: Alexandria, Anniston, Central-Clay County, Jacksonville, Leeds, Lincoln, Moody, Sylacauga

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria head coach Todd Ginn said it best during Calhoun County Media Day. “We’ve finally got that team that we’ve been talking about that’s been so young for all those years. A lot of these guys that we’ll have this year playing for us had to start as eighth and ninth graders, and now they’re juniors and seniors,” Ginn said. “I personally have been looking forward to this group, then the AHSAA decides they’re going to throw us in a region that is a gauntlet, but what

PHOTO BY SETH MCWILLIAMS, CONSOLIDATED PUBLISHING

Alexandria quarterback Cole Wheeler enters his senior season with three years of starting experience under his belt.

better group to have in this setting.” Region 6 is absolutely loaded — there’s no other way to describe it — which means several talented teams will be left at home when the playoffs begin. Alexandria shouldn’t be one of those. After finishing 10-2 last season, the Valley Cubs return the bulk of an offense that averaged 38.3 points per game. Four starters are back on the offensive line along with quarterback Cole Wheeler, running back JJ Beason and wide receivers Evan White and MJ

See RESHAPED | page 4D

what’s INSIDE Contender or Pretender?................. 3D 2026 Football Schedules................. 6D ASWA Preseason Poll....................... 8D Alexandria....................................... 10D Anniston........................................... 11D Cleburne County............................. 12D Donoho............................................ 13D Hope Christian................................. 14D Jacksonville..................................... 15D Jacksonville Christian...................... 16D Ohatchee......................................... 18D

Oxford.............................................. 19D Piedmont........................................ 20D Pleasant Valley................................ 21D Ranburne........................................ 22D Saks................................................ 23D Spring Garden................................. 24D Weaver........................................... 25D Wellborn......................................... 26D White Plains..................................... 27D Friday Night Sights.......................... 28D Friday Night Sights.......................... 30D

COVER PHOTOS BY: Bill Wilson, Bob Crisp and Jean Blackstone

Page 4D Saturday, August 22, 2026 From RESHAPED | page 3D Morris. With Ginn saying the Valley Cubs are stronger and faster than they’ve ever been, anything less than a state championship would be a disappointment. VERDICT: CONTENDER

ANNISTON

The memories created in 2025 won’t soon be forgotten. The Bulldogs finished the regular season 10-0, capturing their first region championship since 2022. Still, they weren’t satisfied. Anniston rolled through the first three rounds of the playoffs before winning an instant classic against Plainview in the semifinals to reach the state championship game for the first time since 1994. But a lot has changed since then. The Bulldogs must replace all-state standouts on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Damon Pope, running back Jabari Williams, defensive lineman Charles Thomas and defensive back Kyree Lewis have all played their final game in an Anniston uniform. Rico Jackson also walked out the door, taking the head coaching job at Minor. Damien Dorsey takes over a program searching for replacements at several key positions. The Bulldogs do return first-team all-state performers Sharontae Bailey on the offensive line and Elijah Lanier in the secondary, but there will certainly be early growing pains.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW Combine that uncertainty with a daunting start to region play against traditional powers Central-Clay County, Moody and Leeds, and Anniston could face an uphill climb to secure a postseason berth. VERDICT: PRETENDER

JACKSONVILLE

The Golden Eagles dropped back to Class 4A after competing in 5A for the last two seasons, but their path to the playoffs didn’t get any easier. Just ask second-year head coach Jeremy Sullivan. “I’m not real sure how the region could be any tougher. It’s extremely tough,” he said. “But I tell our guys all the time, ‘If something’s easy to get, it ain’t worth having.’” Jacksonville returns a large group of seniors led by do-it-all athlete Qua McNeal, a first-team all-state performer as a junior. Sullivan has big plans for the South Alabama commit, who will be deployed at both wide receiver and running back on offense and defensive back on defense. McNeal will receive some help on the offensive side this fall. The Golden Eagles leaned heavily on the run last season after shifting Kamouri Harmon from wide receiver to quarterback. The arrival of Cross Land, who transferred from Auburn High School this spring, should add a new dimension to the offense by opening up the passing game and making a unit that averaged 22.1 points per game last season more explosive. VERDICT: CONTENDER

CLASS 3A, REGION 4

THE TEAMS: Ashville, Childersburg, Cleburne County, Handley, Munford, Talladega, Weaver, White Plains

CLEBURNE COUNTY

PHOTO BY BILL WILSON, THE ANNISTON STAR

Jacksonville do-it-all athlete Qua McNeal returns for his senior season after scoring 18 touchdowns a year ago.

The Tigers are trending upward. After going 1-9 in head coach Vaughn Lee’s inaugural season, Cleburne County made a jump in Year 2, finishing 4-6. Dropping to Class 3A for the first time since 1983 should only accelerate the rejuvenation of a once-proud program that hasn’t finished above .500 since

2015. The Tigers’ defense should again be the team’s strength after allowing just 17.9 points per game last season. Cleburne County returns nine of 11 starters on that side of the ball, led by three-star defensive lineman Cavin Bates. Offensively, Cleburne County brings back a talented group of skill players, including quarterback Jaylen Baker, wide receivers Cade Shubert and Lyric Ware, and running back Alijah Ware. That unit will look to improve on last season’s average of 19 points per game. If the offense can match the defense’s production, Cleburne County will be a strong breakout candidate. VERDICT: CONTENDER

WEAVER

Weaver has struggled to find sustained success since Daryl Hamby stepped down following the 2018 season. Logan Brooks is the latest head coach tasked with turning around a program that’s won just 13 games over the last seven seasons. Brooks won’t be the only new face on the sideline at Bill Bryan Stadium on Friday nights. After arriving in January, he recruited the hallways and convinced baseball standout Connor Hyatt to join the football team. Hyatt has taken over as Weaver’s starting quarterback, allowing Junior Allen to shift to wide receiver, where he’ll team with Cisco Nira to give the Bearcats a pair of dynamic playmakers on the outside. Caden Green enters his fifth season as a starter and will anchor the offensive line. Brooks’ biggest challenge will be fixing a defense that allowed 43.5 points per game last season. While Brooks seems highly motivated to transform Weaver back into a winner, the rebuilding process is likely to take more than one season. VERDICT: PRETENDER

WHITE PLAINS

White Plains head coach Clint Smith has made a career out of turning around struggling programs. Jacksonville went 4-16 in the two seasons before Smith’s arrival in 2012. The Golden Eagles improved to 5-5

The Anniston Star — but missed the playoffs — in his first season in charge of the program. For the next 12 years, Jacksonville was a mainstay in the postseason field. Smith is attempting to repeat that feat at White Plains. The Wildcats finished 3-7 last season, but after his first full offseason and the program’s move down to Class 3A, the pieces are in place for another Year 2 breakthrough. The biggest of those pieces is 6-foot6, 290-pound offensive tackle Hudson Ingalsbe. The four-star North Carolina commit will lead the charge up front for the Wildcats. One of Ingalsbe’s top priorities will be protecting Crew Martin, who enters his third season as White Plains’ starting quarterback. Martin will have plenty of weapons at his disposal, including Bryson Cheatwood and Will Graham. The White Plains community has been waiting for a special group of athletes capable of ending a playoff drought that has stretched more than 30 years. Smith believes he may have that group. “We’re excited about the season, excited about the new opportunities in our region,” he said. “I’ve got an outstanding group of young men that work extremely hard.” VERDICT: CONTENDER

CLASS 2A, REGION 4

THE TEAMS: B.B. Comer, CentralCoosa, Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend, Lanett, Ranburne, Randolph County, Reeltown

RANBURNE

Reclassification didn’t do the Bulldogs any favors. Ranburne remains in the same region as powerhouse programs Lanett and Reeltown. Just last season, Lanett reached the Class 2A state championship game after defeating Reeltown in the semifinals. With Randolph County dropping down after finishing 9-3 in Class 3A in 2025, Ranburne’s margin for error will be extremely thin. The Bulldogs will win some games in head coach Stephen Bailey’s 12th season, but a playoff berth will be hard to come by. VERDICT: PRETENDER

The Anniston Star

CLASS 2A, REGION 6

THE TEAMS: Gaston, Ohatchee, Piedmont, Pleasant Valley, Saks, Vincent, Wellborn, West End

OHATCHEE

The odds were stacked against Blake Jennings when he took over at Ohatchee last summer. The Indians had just graduated 16 seniors, leaving Jennings with a roster full of inexperience. Ohatchee took its lumps early but still managed to finish with a 3-7 record, establishing a foundation for the future. The Indians will lean on a strong senior class in 2026, led by fullback/ linebacker Gus Hunter, two-way lineman Braxton Davis, running back/linebacker Jayden Siegler and tight end/linebacker Cayce Tittle. A transfer from Cherokee County, Tittle has brought “fire and energy” to the roster, according to Jennings. Ohatchee also returns senior quarterback Carson Sanders and junior wingback Phoenix Tuiolosega to an offense looking to improve after averaging 20.2 points per game last season. Freshman safety Sawyer Beegle is a player to watch on the defensive side of the ball. After being thrown into the fire as an eighth grader, he’s ready to become an impact player in the secondary. Nothing beats experience, and the Indians have it this year. VERDICT: CONTENDER

FOOTBALL PREVIEW PIEDMONT

If the Bulldogs cared about the publicprivate split, they haven’t shown it. “We feel like we’ve got a good enough team that we can go and compete against anybody,” Piedmont head coach Jonathan Miller said. Piedmont’s last two seasons have followed a similar script. The Bulldogs opened both campaigns with 13 straight wins before running into private-school powerhouse Mars Hill in the semifinals. With that roadblock now gone, Piedmont enters the season as one of the favorites to contend for the Class 2A state championship. The Bulldogs return 10 starters from a defense that allowed just 12.4 points per game last season. Senior linebackers Bentley Chandler, Chase Kirkpatrick and Carson Sanders headline that unit as three-year starters. Offensively, Piedmont must replace dynamic wide receiver Rollie Pinto, but Mason Morrow, Eli Johnson and Carson Cleveland all appear ready to step into larger roles. With senior center Braylen Williams anchoring the offensive line, the Bulldogs should again feature a strong rushing attack led by quarterback Cole Austin and running back Jaxson Howard. Despite all the returning experience, Miller knows nothing will come easy this season. “I know there’s a lot of good teams in our region, a lot of good teams across the state,” Miller said. “So, just because we’re in 2A or things have changed, it’s still going to be extremely hard to be a semifinal team, or be a team that makes it three rounds, or be a team that makes it to the state championship game. “There’s still a lot of things that have to come into play to get that far. At least we have a shot, don’t mean we’ll get there, but I think with the veterans we return on our team on both sides, at least we give ourselves a shot to see what we can do.” VERDICT: CONTENDER

PLEASANT VALLEY

PHOTO BY JEAN BLACKSTONE, SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Cole Austin enters his second season as Piedmont’s starting quarterback after leading the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record in 2025.

Pleasant Valley continues to make history under head coach Jonathan Nix. The Raiders set school records with 464 points scored and 10 wins while earning the program’s first playoff victory

in 2025. Quarterback Braxton Salster turned in the best season of his storied career. The four-star Virginia Tech commit, who will transition to tight end in college, accounted for 2,542 all-purpose yards with 27 rushing touchdowns and 14 passing. Led by Salster and at least seven other seniors with more than 30 games of experience, Pleasant Valley once again has lofty goals. “We’ve had these goals our entire lives. We’re gonna be the group to win that playoff game. We’re going to be the group to change how Pleasant Valley is looked at,” Salster said. “That’s our whole goal. That’s what we’ve been accomplishing, and that’s what we’re going to keep accomplishing.” Pleasant Valley, which stayed put in Class 2A, will face a new set of opponents this fall, including Calhoun County rivals Ohatchee, Piedmont, Saks and Wellborn, which all dropped from 3A.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 5D

PHOTO BY BILL WILSON, THE ANNISTON STAR

Virginia Tech commit Braxton Salster will be the first Pleasant Valley player to sign with a Division I program.

But Salster isn’t focused on who lines up across from the Raiders. “Honestly, in my opinion, it’s just football,” he said. “It’s a game we’re supposed to go out and enjoy, and it doesn’t matter who you’re playing on Friday night.”

See RESHAPED | page 7D

Proud to Provide EMS Service to Calhoun County High Schools

Page 6D Saturday, August 22, 2026

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Anniston Star

2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES By JARED GRAVETTE Sports Editor

ALEXANDRIA

Aug. 21: Open Aug. 28: vs. Coosa Christian Sept. 4: vs. Moody* Sept. 11: at Lincoln* Sept. 18: at Sylacauga* Sept. 25: at Piedmont Oct. 2: vs. Central-Clay County* Oct. 9: at Anniston* Oct. 16: at Leeds* Oct. 23: vs. Jacksonville* Oct. 30: vs. Handley *Class 4A, Region 6 game

ANNISTON

Aug. 21: at Geraldine Aug. 28: at Minor Sept. 4: at Central-Clay County* Sept. 11: vs. Moody* Sept. 18: vs. Leeds* Sept. 25: Open Oct. 2: at Jacksonville* Oct. 9: vs. Alexandria* Oct. 16: vs. Lincoln* Oct. 23: at Sylacauga* Oct. 30: vs. Southside *Class 4A, Region 6 game

CLEBURNE COUNTY Aug. 20: at Etowah Aug. 28: vs. West Point Sept. 4: at White Plains* Sept. 11: vs. Talladega* Sept. 18: at Ashville* Sept. 25: Open Oct. 2: vs. Childersburg* Oct. 9: at Handley* Oct. 16: vs. Munford* Oct. 23: at Weaver* Oct. 30: vs. Springville *Class 3A, Region 4 game

DONOHO

Aug. 20: at Hope Christian* Aug. 28: vs. Decatur Heritage Sept. 4: at Ellwood Christian* Sept. 11: vs. Holy Spirit* Sept. 18: Open Sept. 25: at Gaylesville Oct. 2: vs. Tuscaloosa Academy* Oct. 9: Open Oct. 16: vs. Victory Christian* Oct. 23: vs. Pickens Academy* Oct. 30: at Ragland *Private A, Region 3 game

HOPE CHRISTIAN

Aug. 20: vs. Donoho* Aug. 28: vs. Charles Henderson Sept. 4: Open Sept. 11: at Pickens Academy* Sept. 18: at Victory Christian* Sept. 25: vs. Berry Oct. 2: at Holy Spirit* Oct. 9: Open Oct. 16: at Ellwood Christian* Oct. 23: vs. Tuscaloosa Academy* Oct. 30: vs. Fayetteville *Private A, Region 3 game

JACKSONVILLE

PHOTO BY BILL WILSON, THE ANNISTON STAR

Jeff Smith is entering his 18th season as Wellborn’s head coach.

Aug. 21: at Piedmont Aug. 28: at Oxford Sept. 4: vs. Lincoln* Sept. 11: vs. Sylacauga* Sept. 18: at Central-Clay County* Sept. 25: vs. Cherokee County Oct. 2: vs. Anniston* Oct. 9: vs. Leeds* Oct. 16: at Moody* Oct. 23: at Alexandria*

Oct. 30: Open *Class 4A, Region 6 game

JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN

Aug. 21: vs. Alabama School for the Deaf Aug. 28: at Tuscaloosa Christian Sept. 4: vs. Tabernacle Christian Sept. 11: Open Sept. 18: at Victory Christian (Tuscaloosa) Sept. 25: vs. Russell Christian (Miss.) Oct. 2: vs. Trinity Christian Oct. 9: at Alabama School for the Deaf Oct. 16: Open Oct. 23: vs. North River Christian

OHATCHEE Aug. 21: vs. New Hope Aug. 28: vs. Weaver Sept. 4: at Piedmont* Sept. 11: vs. Saks* Sept 18: at Vincent* Sept. 25: vs. Glencoe Oct. 2: vs. Wellborn* Oct. 9: at Pleasant Valley* Oct. 16: vs. West End-Walnut Grove* Oct. 23: at Gaston* Oct. 30: Open *Class 2A, Region 6 game

OXFORD

Aug. 21: at Gadsden City Aug. 28: vs. Jacksonville Sept. 4: at St. Clair County* Sept. 11: vs. Pell City* Sept. 18: at Clay-Chalkville* Sept. 25: at Mountain Brook Oct. 2: Open Oct. 9: at Springville* Oct. 16: vs. Southside-Gadsden* Oct. 23: vs. Pinson Valley* Oct. 30: Open *Class 5A, Region 6 game

PIEDMONT

Aug. 21: vs. Jacksonville

PHOTO BY BILL WILSON, THE ANNISTON STAR

Damien Dorsey takes over as Anniston’s head coach after the Bulldogs reached the Class 4A state championship game last season.

Aug. 28: at Cherokee County Sept. 4: vs. Ohatchee* Sept. 11: at West End-Walnut Grove* Sept. 18: vs. Gaston* Sept. 25: vs. Alexandria Oct. 2: at Pleasant Valley* Oct. 9: vs. Saks* Oct. 16: at Vincent* Oct. 23: at Wellborn* Oct. 30: Open *Class 2A, Region 6 game

PLEASANT VALLEY

Aug. 21: vs. White Plains Aug. 28: at Ragland Sept. 4: at Vincent* Sept. 11: vs. Gaston* Sept. 18: vs. Wellborn* Sept. 25: vs. Spring Garden Oct. 2: vs. Piedmont* Oct. 9: vs. Ohatchee* Oct. 16: at Saks* Oct. 23: at West End-Walnut Grove* Oct. 30: Open *Class 2A, Region 6 game

RANBURNE

Aug. 21: Open Aug. 28: vs. Wadley Sept. 4: at Central-Coosa*

See SCHEDULES | page 7D

The Anniston Star From SCHEDULES | page 6D Sept. 11: vs. Lanett* Sept. 18: at Horseshoe Bend* Sept. 25: at Woodland Oct. 2: vs. Reeltown* Oct. 9: vs. Randolph County* Oct. 16: at B.B. Comer* Oct. 23: vs. Dadeville* Oct. 30: at Spring Garden *Class 2A, Region 4 game

SAKS

Aug. 21: Open Aug. 28: at Randolph County Sept. 4: at Wellborn* Sept. 11: at Ohatchee* Sept. 18: vs. West End-Walnut Grove* Sept. 25: vs. Weaver Oct. 2: at Gaston* Oct. 9: at Piedmont*

From RESHAPED | page 5D VERDICT: CONTENDER

SAKS

The Wildcats have a new head coach for the third time in four seasons, but this time, it’s a familiar face. Michael Easley takes over the program after spending the past seven seasons as the head coach at Munford. Before that, he spent 14 years as an assistant coach on some very successful Saks teams under Clint Smith and Jonathan Miller. Since Miller left to take the Piedmont job, Saks has fallen on hard times. The Wildcats have won just four games over the past three seasons. Easley and his coaching staff didn’t arrive until June 1, leaving him just a short window to get acquainted with his new players. He spent his first two months on the job establishing accountability and building relationships. With Easley’s late arrival and a young roster featuring just two seniors, Year 1 will be about laying a foundation for the future. VERDICT: PRETENDER

WELLBORN

Jeff Smith enters his 18th season as the head coach on “The Hill,” hoping for better injury luck in 2026. The Panthers started last season

FOOTBALL PREVIEW Oct. 16: vs. Pleasant Valley* Oct. 23: vs. Vincent* Oct. 30: vs. Childersburg *Class 2A, Region 6 game

SPRING GARDEN

Aug. 20: vs. Gaston Aug. 28: vs. Sand Rock Sept. 4: vs. Appalachian* Sept. 11: vs. Gaylesville* Sept. 18: at Ragland* Sept. 25: at Pleasant Valley Oct. 2: vs. Cedar Bluff* Oct. 9: at Valley Head* Oct. 16: Open Oct. 23: at Woodville* Oct. 30: vs. Ranburne *Class 1A, Region 8 game

WEAVER

Aug. 21: at Wellborn

strong, opening with a 5-2 record, but injuries took their toll late in the year. Smith estimated that Wellborn had 10 starters sidelined for its first-round playoff loss to Gordo. “The hardest thing to do in smallschool football, and we’re 2A now, is to keep the players with their edge and being tough and keeping them healthy,” Smith said. Smith has been encouraged by his team’s unity and work ethic, qualities he believes can help push the Panthers to a successful 2026 season. If Wellborn can stay healthy, a 14th postseason appearance under Smith could be within reach. VERDICT: CONTENDER

CLASS 1A, REGION 8

THE TEAMS: Appalachian, Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Ragland, Spring Garden, Valley Head, Woodville

SPRING GARDEN

Class 1A, Region 8 remained almost fully intact, with the only change being Cedar Bluff dropping down from Class 2A to replace Ider. The Panthers took a step back last season, finishing 6-5 after losing a strong 13-member senior class. They still reached the postseason, however, and with second-team all-state performers Brady Ruark and Bryant Williams returning, Spring Garden should reach

Aug. 28: at Ohatchee Sept. 4: vs. Handley* Sept. 11: at Munford* Sept. 18: vs. Childersburg* Sept. 25: at Saks Oct. 2: vs. White Plains* Oct. 9: at Talladega* Oct. 16: as Ashville* Oct. 23: vs. Cleburne County* Oct. 30: Open *Class 3A, Region 4 game

WELLBORN

Aug. 21: vs. Weaver Aug. 28: at Woodland Sept. 4: vs. Saks* Sept. 11: vs. Vincent* Sept. 18: at Pleasant Valley* Sept. 25: vs. North Sand Mountain Oct. 2: at Ohatchee*

the playoffs for the 13th straight season. VERDICT: CONTENDER

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 7D Oct. 9: vs. West End-Walnut Grove* Oct. 16: at Gaston* Oct. 23: vs. Piedmont* Oct. 30: Open *Class 2A, Region 6 game

WHITE PLAINS

Aug. 21: at Pleasant Valley Aug. 28: Open Sept. 4: vs. Cleburne County* Sept. 11: at Handley* Sept. 18: vs. Munford* Sept. 25: vs. Hokes Bluff Oct. 2: at Weaver* Oct. 9: vs. Childersburg* Oct. 16: at Talladega* Oct. 23: vs. Ashville* Oct. 30: at Glencoe *Class 3A, Region 4 game

THE TEAMS: Donoho, Ellwood Christian, Holy Spirit, Hope Christian, Pickens Academy, Tuscaloosa Academy, Victory Christian

for some long road trips, the Falcons’ schedule has weakened considerably. Tuscaloosa Academy went 9-4 in Class 2A last season and will be the odds-on favorite to claim the region title. But no other team finished above .500, giving Donoho a puncher’s chance to reach the postseason. VERDICT: CONTENDER

DONOHO

HOPE CHRISTIAN

SINGLE-A PRIVATE, REGION 3

Just about everything that could go wrong for Donoho last season did. The Falcons dealt with concussions, injuries and even sickness, all of which contributed to an 0-10 record. Head coach Bill Smith believes Donoho will fare better in 2026. “We’re stronger in the weight room, we’re in better shape than we were last year, and now I just need to pray for health,” he said. The Falcons aren’t devoid of talent. The sky is the limit for two-way lineman Daniel Storey, who was an Alabama Sports Writers Association honorable mention selection on the defensive line as an eighth grader. Donoho also returns junior quarterback Luke Farrell and junior wide receiver Noah McClendon on offense, along with senior offensive linemen Boyce Yancey, Dylan Hullett and Donovan Barr. While the public-private split will make

For a football team in its first year of existence, Hope Christian acquitted itself quite well in 2025. The Saints went 5-4 in the regular season and qualified for the AISA playoffs before falling to Wilcox Academy in the first round. Even with a roster full of players with limited varsity experience, head coach Chris Stone didn’t shy away from competition. The Saints went headto-head with AISA state champions Chambers Academy and Abbeville Christian. Hope Christian now faces a new challenge after being approved to join the AHSAA in March. With senior quarterback Kainen Bozeman and senior linebacker Jaxon Coulon leading the way after getting their feet wet last season, that jump doesn’t look too daunting. VERDICT: CONTENDER

Page 8D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION

2026 PRESEASON POLL CLASS 6A

CLASS 3A

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Thompson (20); 11-3; 240 2. Central-Phenix City; 11-2; 167 3. Auburn; 10-3; 132 4. Vestavia Hills; 8-3; 127 5. Opelika; 10-4; 119 6. Hoover; 6-5; 71 6. Spain Park; 9-3; 71 8. Prattville; 6-4; 68 9. Gadsden City; 8-4; 34 10. Carver-Montgomery; 5-5; 28 Others receiving votes: Hewitt-Trussville (8-3) 24, Baker (9-3) 19, Dothan (6-4) 11, Enterprise (6-4) 9, Daphne (9-3) 7, James Clemens (5-6) 7, Mary Montgomery (10-2) 5, Foley (4-6) 1.

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Plainview (16); 13-1; 227 2. Jackson (2); 13-2; 177 3. Geraldine (2); 11-2; 162 4. T.R. Miller; 6-5; 124 5. Handley; 10-2; 123 6. North Jackson; 7-4; 71 7. W.S. Neal; 9-4; 68 8. Opp; 9-2; 51 9. Pleasant Grove; 6-5; 48 10. Corner; 8-3; 37 Others receiving votes: Flomaton (6-5) 17, Cleburne Co. (4-6) 13, Winfield (9-3) 6, Oneonta (5-5) 5, Curry (3-7) 3, Hatton (7-4) 3, Bibb Co. (7-4) 2, Pike Co. (5-5) 2, BTW-Tuskegee (7-3) 1.

CLASS 5A

CLASS 2A

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Clay-Chalkville (20); 15-0; 240 2. Saraland; 13-1; 177 3. Parker; 8-4; 132 4. Benjamin Russell; 12-2; 125 5. Muscle Shoals; 12-1; 102 6. Pike Road; 10-3; 83 7. Homewood; 11-2; 58 8. Austin; 6-5; 36 9. Mountain Brook; 9-4; 28 10. Russell Co.; 10-2; 27 Others receiving votes: Fort Payne (10-2) 26, Boaz (8-3) 18, Oxford (5-6) 18, Gulf Shores (5-6) 16, HillcrestTuscaloosa (6-4) 16, Ramsay (6-4) 12, Hartselle (10-2) 9, Jasper (8-3) 8, Bessemer City (9-2) 5, Florence (6-5) 3, Theodore (8-4) 1.

CLASS 4A

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Williamson (18); 13-1; 225 2. Vigor; 12-3; 177 3. Central-Clay Co.; 11-2; 134 4. West Morgan (1); 11-1; 118 5. Alexandria; 10-2; 113 6. Scottsboro; 9-5; 80 7. Moody (1); 13-2; 65 8. Hamilton; 11-1; 48 9. Leeds; 6-5; 45 10. Northside; 11-1; 39 Others receiving votes: Anniston (14-1) 24, Jacksonville (6-6) 14, Andalusia (8-4) 10, Woodlawn (3-7) 9, Good Hope (10-3) 8, Guntersville (9-2) 8, Priceville (8-4) 7, Cherokee Co. (7-4) 4, Eufaula (6-5) 4, Fairview (12-1) 4, Selma (3-7) 4.

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L-T; PTS 1. Piedmont (9); 13-1; 201 2. Fyffe (4); 8-3; 154 3. Luverne (2); 12-1; 146 4. Reeltown (2); 10-4; 112 5. Pleasant Valley; 10-2; 94 6. Southside-Selma (2); 13-1; 93 7. Lanett (1); 12-3; 72 8. Collinsville; 8-3; 70 9. Cottonwood; 7-4-1; 65 10. Pisgah; 11-3; 57 Others receiving votes: Ariton (9-2) 29, Vincent (9-3) 22, Gordo (11-2) 16, Lamar Co. (3-7) 5, Colbert Co. (8-4) 4.

CLASS 1A

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Maplesville (20); 15-0; 240 2. Wadley; 13-1; 150 3. Addison; 12-2; 146 4. Hubbertville; 12-1; 124 5. Appalachian; 11-1; 108 6. Leroy; 13-1; 105 7. Southern Choctaw; 9-4; 94 8. McKenzie; 12-1; 34 9. Red Bay; 9-3; 28 10. Loachapoka; 8-4; 27 Others receiving votes: Winterboro (8-2) 23, Elba (3-8) 21, Spring Garden (6-5) 14, Sweet Water (6-4) 14, Woodville (7-4) 7, Georgiana (5-6) 2, Florala (4-6) 1, Hackleburg (8-4) 1, University Charter (9-2) 1.

PHOTO BY BILL WILSON, THE ANNISTON STAR

Piedmont head coach Jonathan Miller and the Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 in Class 2A in the Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason poll.

DOUBLE-A PRIVATE

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. McGill-Toolen (12); 6-5; 187 2. St. Michael (6); 13-1; 179 3. Briarwood (1); 7-6; 146 4. Madison Aca. (1); 9-3; 139 5. Catholic-Montgomery; 8-5; 87 Others receiving votes: St. Paul’s (6-4) 77, John Carroll (3-7) 13, UMS-Wright (6-5) 12.

SINGLE-A PRIVATE

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Bayside Aca. (13); 13-2; 205 2. Westbrook Chr. (4); 10-2; 168 3. Montgomery Aca. (1); 11-2; 142 4. Cottage Hill; 10-2; 81 5. Mobile Chr.; 7-4; 72 Others receiving votes: Mars Hill Bible (1 first place) (15-0) 64, Tuscaloosa Aca. (9-4) 40, Providence Chr. (9-4) 31, Trinity (9-3) 16, Bayshore Chr. (1 first place) (1-7) 12, Coosa Chr. (13-2) 9.

AISA

TEAM (FIRST-PLACE VOTES); 2025 W-L; PTS 1. Chambers Aca. (17); 12-2; 231 2. Patrician (1); 11-1; 175 3. Lowndes Aca.; 10-3; 159 4. Abbeville Chr. (2); 12-1; 134 5. Morgan Aca.; 5-6; 129 Others receiving votes: Autauga Aca. (8-4) 6, Wilcox Aca. (9-3) 6.

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Page 10D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

ALEXANDRIA’S

PARKER NEMETH Sports Editor, jgravette@annistonstar.com

his is the season Alexandria head coach Todd Ginn has been building toward. Forced to throw several freshmen into the fire in 2023, Ginn and the Valley Cubs endured a 1-9 campaign that laid the foundation for what followed. Among those freshmen was two-way lineman Parker Nemeth, who helped Alexandria improve to 8-4 in 2024 and 10-2 last season. Now a senior, Nemeth has his sights set on helping bring the Class 4A state championship trophy back to the School of Champions. Ginn knows what it will take to get there. “Play a physical brand of football with good football players that are happy to put on the Orange and Black,” he said. Nemeth embodies that mentality. He recently spoke with The Anniston Star about Alexandria’s championship aspirations, the value of experience and what it means to be a Valley Cub.

QUESTION: What do you guys want to accomplish this year? What are the goals? ANSWER: Our goal, since freshman year, is to go win it. That’s been my goal since I was a little kid. Alexandria is a winning school. We haven’t etched our name in that history yet, but we’re looking to do that this year.

Q A

: What do you feel like the strength of this year’s group is?

: I think we’re more mentally tough than we’ve ever been. At practice last year, coach would get onto you, we’d have guys in their feelings,

the whole practice after it. This year, we make a mistake, and we’re back to it. We’re rolling. If the offense makes a mistake, we fix it the next play, and we’re good.

: The skill guys get talked about a lot — Cole Wheeler at quarterback, JJ Beason at running back, MJ Morris and Evan White at receiver. What’s it like blocking for those guys?

: They make it easy on you. They don’t make our job hard. They know where to run the ball. They know how we block. We’ve been blocking for them for years. We played little league — we came up together. … The experience is helping a lot, because we’ve played together for years.

Q A

: You mentioned experience. How much is that going to help?

: It’s going to help. I’m going to rely on my guys. My guys are going to rely on me. I know when it’s fourth-and-2, and we’re running QB sneak with Cole, I know Cole’s going to get the first down. The O-line is going to get the job done, Cole’s going to get the first down, and then we’re gonna go score. I believe in our offense. I believe in our defense. We’re going to be a good team.

Q A

: What are your expectations on the defensive side of the ball?

: This year, I feel a lot more confident in our D-line, and in our secondary, too. I feel like our defense is going to be one that’s going to be hard to score on, and that’s how we’re going to win games.

PHOTO BY JARED GRAVETTE

BY JARED GRAVETTE

Q A

: What does the Alexandria community mean to you?

: They mean so much to me, man. One-and-nine season, we’re selling out tickets. Stands are packed, and we’re getting our heads beat in. Bad. Getting killed. And, I mean, they showed up. It’s crazy because we’d go to other places, and they’re not even filling out their stands. They might not have been having the best season, but, I mean, 1-9? And we got the whole stands filled out.

I’m like, “Wow.” It’s crazy to me.

: I know you have a lot of pride in Alexandria. What’s it mean to put on that Orange and Black on Friday nights?

: It’s an honor. It really is. The guys before us, they laid the foundation, and we’re just keeping it going. I love to put on the Orange and Black. It means a lot to me. I’ve been here since kindergarten. So, I mean, I bleed Orange and Black.

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 11D

ONE ON ONE WITH

ANNISTON’S

JAMORRIS YOUNG Sports Editor, jgravette@annistonstar.com

t’s finally Jamorris Young’s turn. After spending his freshman season at Saks, Young transferred to Anniston and spent the past two years learning behind starting quarterback Damon Pope while the Bulldogs made one of the best runs in program history. Anniston started the 2025 season 14-0 before finishing as the Class 4A state runner-up, reaching the championship game for the first time since 1994. Now, the Bulldogs have a new head coach in Damien Dorsey, a new starting quarterback in Young, and a new set of weapons at the skill positions. But the expectations remain the same. Young recently spoke with The Anniston Star about last season’s historic run, the Bulldogs’ 2026 goals, what he learned from Pope, and Dorsey’s “brick by brick” philosophy.

QUESTION: What made last season

so special?

ANSWER: Last season was really

special. We didn’t really even realize it until after — going on that run, winning that many games — that we really had built a brotherhood. We believed — we really had faith in the whole coaching staff, all the players — and it was really fun winning every game. It was special going to state because — even though we lost — you don’t see that often. It’s really hard to go to state.

: It really seemed like the community got behind you guys during that run. What did that mean to you?

: It was really big. Leaving before the playoff games, the whole

community, they’d be lined up at the school, and it just motivated us. We’re like, “We gotta do it for them.”

Q A

: What’s the goal for this season?

: We got to make it back to state. Once you get there, you want to go back every year. I’ve been pushing that to everybody. We got to get back there and get everybody on the same page.

: You sat behind Damon Pope the last two seasons. What did you learn from him?

PHOTO BY JARED GRAVETTE

BY JARED GRAVETTE

: He was really calm no matter what. He knew how to get through adversity. Like, in the fourth round when we were playing (Plainview), he fumbled, and we thought it was over with, but he kept his head up. He picked up the whole team, and he scored (the game-winning touchdown). He was a really good leader, and I took notes from him, and learned how to get through to the team.

: You’ve got a new head coach, Coach Dorsey. What have been your first impressions of him?

: He treats us like his own sons. It’s deeper, because he’s from Anniston too, so he tries to make sure we’re good. Like, if you want to come to the fieldhouse, he’ll have it open, so we can put work in. He’s a good coach.

really want to get. Like, you’ve got to grind, be on the grind all summer. We’ve been on the grind, brick by brick, like we’re building something.

that?

: You guys have a tough schedule this year. Are you guys embracing

: Coach Dorsey uses the motto “brick by brick.” What does that mean?

: Oh yeah. It really motivated us to work harder. We’ll be doing sets or running, and we’ll do one more for Geraldine, one more for Minor. We’ve been embracing it, and it’s motivating us to push harder, because we’ve got a harder schedule. It’s not going to be like last year.

: It means you’ve got to start somewhere and build what you

: Is there one game on the schedule that you’re looking

forward to more than the others?

: I’d say Alexandria. Last year, it was a really close game. That was probably our closest game in the regular season, so I feel like we’ve kind of got something to prove playing against them. They’re probably one of the best teams in the region too, so we really got to stamp it when we play them.

: What’s it mean to you to put on that Anniston uniform on Friday nights?

: It means everything. The history behind Anniston, all the players to come through, you’ve got to carry yourself a different way. There’s a standard at Anniston.”

Page 12D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

CLEBURNE COUNTY’S

LYRIC WARE Sports Editor, jgravette@annistonstar.com

yric Ware has already established himself as a star on the basketball court at Cleburne County High School. He’ll look to do the same on the football field this fall. Entering his junior season, Ware is expected to contribute at both wide receiver and defensive back for a team that has its eyes set on a breakthrough season. The Tigers have shown steady progress under third-year head coach Vaughn Lee. After going 1-9 in Lee’s first season in charge, Cleburne County took a big step forward last year, finishing 4-6. The Tigers last reached the playoffs in 2023 and haven’t posted a winning record since 2015, when Michael Shortt was still roaming the sideline at L.E. Bell Field. Now in Class 3A following the latest round of reclassification, Cleburne County enters the season as one of the top contenders in Region 4. Players like Ware are a big reason the Tigers believe they can return to the playoffs and snap their decade-long drought without a winning season. Ware recently spoke with The Anniston Star about the goals the Tigers have set for 2026, what making the playoffs would mean to the team, and why Friday nights at L.E. Bell Field are unlike anywhere else.

QUESTION: How has preseason

practice been going?

ANSWER: It’s been going great.

These past couple days, the energy has been great, since we got in pads. It’s been way better than last year.

: Speaking of last year, you guys won four games, which was a big improvement. What do you guys need to do to make another jump this season?

: We should have had more than four wins. We’ve got to work on finishing games, coming out of the half stronger.

Q A

: What’s the goal for this season? : Get a region championship.

Q A

: What would it mean to you guys to make the playoffs?

PHOTO BY JARED GRAVETTE

BY JARED GRAVETTE

: It would mean a lot. None of us here have really gotten to play in a playoff game. Like, we were all moved up on the team that made it, but we never got to play, for real, so it would mean a lot to us.

Q A

: What’s your favorite thing about playing for Coach Lee?

: He doesn’t give up on us, no matter how hard it gets. We went 1-9, and he never gave up on us, not once.

: What does it mean to you that Coach Lee sees you as one of the leaders on this team?

: Oh, it means a lot. It means everything to me. I’ve always been a leader growing up, but it’s always been under my dad. I’ve never had other coaches call me a leader.

: What’s special about playing a game at L.E. Bell Field on Friday nights?

: It’s great. Nobody around here has seen the atmosphere we have. The adrenaline rush that comes whenever you score a touchdown or when we’re running out before we start, and the lights are just flicking on and off, that’s great. It feels amazing.

: Is there one game on the schedule that you’re looking forward to?

A Q

: Handley.

: Why Handley?

: We’ve got to beat ’em. They’ve been beating us bad for as long as I can remember, and I’ve never beat ’em. I’ve played them three times, and I’ve never beat ’em, so I gotta get at least one.

: I know you’re a big basketball guy. I saw some of your games last season, and you guys had a really good team. How do you carry the momentum you built on the basketball court over to the football field?

: Most of the football players, we’ve grown up a lot. We grew up together, and we all play the same sports. So, we just keep the same mentality throughout the season.

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 13D

ONE ON ONE WITH

DONOHO’S

DANIEL STOREY Star Sports Writer

aniel Storey surprised everyone as an eighth grader suiting up for the Donoho Falcons on Friday

nights. After earning honorable mention honors as a defensive lineman on the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 1A all-state team, Storey is entering his freshman year of high school with his sights set on earning first- or secondteam all-state recognition. More than personal accolades, he wants to see his team improve. Donoho went winless last season despite Storey’s dominance at defensive tackle, and this year he wants the Falcons advance past the regular season. Donoho enters a new era in 2026 following the AHSAA’s decision to separate public and private schools for postseason play. The Falcons move into Single-A, Region 3, alongside similarly sized private schools, providing a new opportunity to compete for a region championship. Despite the change, Storey hasn’t altered his mindset heading into his freshman season. He recently spoke to The Anniston Star about his personal goals, his team’s aspirations and much more.

QUESTION: The public-private split

has shaken things up a bit in Alabama. How do you feel about it and does it change the team’s mentality?

ANSWER: It does change things. You’ve got to develop around new schemes and find new ways to win. But we’ve still got to go out there and work, gotta want it.

: You earned Class 1A honorable mention all-state honors as an

eighth grader. Do you have your eyes set on better this season?

: Yes, sir, I do. Got to keep climbing and get higher. I’m always hoping for better, but I know I’ve got to stay humble. It felt great to put my name out there a little bit too.

: What’s the team’s mindset headed into the new Single-A private classification?

: Do better than last year, go out there and work. We’ve got very determined players. We’ve got three seniors and some people coming back. Same O-line as last year, same D-line as last year. Gotta go out there and work. Experience coming back means a lot for this team.

Q A

PHOTO BY AUSTIN TACKETT

BY AUSTIN TACKETT

: What are your goals for the team this season?

: The goal for this team, of course, make it to the playoffs, do better than last year, get stronger, faster and become a team.

Q A

: What about goals for yourself?

: I want to get stronger and faster. Maybe get a couple offers in there soon, but I want to make second- or firstteam all-state. I’m trying to get 15 sacks. I think I can do it.

: You surprised a lot of people last year. Are there any of your teammates you think will have that same impact this season?

: Luke Farrell, Hudson Stone, Dylan Hullett. They just go out there and want it, like I do.

Q A

: What would a successful season look like for Donoho this year?

: First-round playoffs, more than five wins and just going out there and wanting it.

Q A

: What’s the culture like in the locker room?

: We’re family. Everybody gets to know everybody. People get rides home, everybody’s willing to put in a helping hand.

: Is there a game you or your team are looking forward to this season?

: Hope Christian Academy. Everybody’s talking. We got the

game of the week Thursday night.

Q A

: Is there a player you model your game after?

: Aaron Donald. I grew up watching him. I always wanted to be like him. I’ve never been an offensive type of player; I always liked defense.

Q A

: What’s your why? Why do you play?

: My why is my mom. My whole family played football, my grandpa played football, but my mom really put me into it. She’s always been a major football fan, Crimson Tide all the way. I really want to see her happy, and football makes her happy.

Page 14D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

HOPE CHRISTIAN’S

JAXON COULON BY JARED GRAVETTE

season?

ope Christian cleared the first hurdle in program history by reaching the AISA playoffs in its inaugural football season. Now the Saints face a new challenge. After finishing 5-5 under head coach Chris Stone in 2025, Hope Christian was approved for membership in the Alabama High School Athletic Association in March and will compete in Private Class A, Region 3 this fall. Despite entering last season with limited varsity experience, players like tight end and linebacker Jaxon Coulon grew into leadership roles. Now a senior, Coulon believes the lessons learned in the Saints’ inaugural season have them prepared for the jump to the AHSAA. Coulon recently spoke with The Anniston Star about Hope Christian’s first season, the transition to the AHSAA, the team’s goals for 2026 and embracing his leadership role on defense.

QUESTION: Last year was Hope Christian’s first football season. What did you guys learn from that?

: We’ve got a lot of seniors, a lot of varsity experience this year, more than we had last year, so I just think it’s going to help us go out there and win a lot more games.

Q A

: What excites you guys about moving up to the AHSAA?

: For me personally, it’s probably going to be playing in December at South Alabama. But also, you know, just looking forward to every game up to that point. The AISA, some people say it’s like more of a downgrade. So, just AHSAA, you get to play on better fields. You’ll get better referees.

Q A

: What does your team want to accomplish this season?

: Well, first of all, we want to win our region. Go undefeated is a big one, too, and just make it all the way to that Super 7, or Super 6 now, I guess, whatever they call it.

Q A

: What do you feel like the strength of the team is?

ANSWER: For me personally, it was just getting varsity experience. That was my first time ever playing varsity, so that was a big thing for me. Learning how to run a football team, it’s brand new to us, but we modeled it after what we’ve seen before, and we make our culture and tradition, because being a first-year team, there’s so many years to come after this. It’s so important that we as players make sure that we set that foundation for all the people to come.

: Our biggest strength is just our leadership. We’ve got a lot of seniors this year, and they all play a core role. We all play a core role in mentoring the younger kids and just showing them how it’s supposed to be done, and just shaping the team as a whole.

: This year you and your team have more experience. How do you think that’s going to help this

PHOTO BY JARED GRAVETTE

Sports Editor, jgravette@annistonstar.com

: Quarterback Kainen Bozeman mentioned you as the leader of the defense. What does it mean to you to be considered a leader? : It’s just such an honor, because I only started playing football as a freshman, first time ever playing in ninth

grade. So, I had to learn. Back then, I didn’t even know what a first down was, so I had to come a long way to learn everything I do now. You know, a lot of people consider me the smartest on the team when it comes to that, so it just means a lot, making it all this way.

Q A

: What do you like about playing for Coach Stone?

: I like his intensity. His intensity, and also, he knows what he’s talking about. He knows how to run a football team, because he’s done

it before himself, playing at Arkansas State, Division I ball, four-year starter. He’s building it the way you want to see to prepare kids for not only a future in football, but for the rest of their lives.

: Is there a specific game on the schedule that you are looking forward to?

: Not really any game in particular, but always that first game. You know, you look forward to that, finally getting the pads back on and kicking off, hopefully, getting a win.

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 15D

ONE ON ONE WITH

JACKSONVILLE’S

JACK KADLE BY RIP DONOVAN

football.

QUESTION: What are Jacksonville’s goals as a team for the 2026 season?

eremy Sullivan’s first season as head football coach at Jacksonville was an unqualified success. The Golden Eagles returned to the playoffs as the No. 3 team from Class 5A, Region 6 by virtue of a 30-7 win over Leeds. Jacksonville opened the playoffs with an overtime win on the road over Ramsay. A loss to Fairview in the second round completed the Eagles’ season at 6-6. Reclassification and realignment placed Jacksonville in Class 4A this year but in a region that makes Calhoun County rivals Alexandria and Anniston region opponents and puts perennial powerhouse Central-Clay County on Jacksonville’s region slate. No doubt all of Sullivan’s 2026 players want to return to the playoffs, but it’s particularly important to senior Jack Kadle. If the Golden Eagles reach the championship game, he will be the third member of his family to achieve that goal. His father, David Kadle, played for Saks in the 1996 5A title game against Blount and his grandfather, Paul Kadle, played on the Saks team that faced Russellville in the 1968 3A championship contest. Jack Kadle was an undersized offensive lineman until last year when he successfully transitioned to tight end. He’s also an end on defense. “He’s one of the smartest kids that I’ve ever coached,” Sullivan said of the youngest Kadle during the Calhoun County Quarterback Club’s high school football media day July 31. Kadle recently spoke with The Anniston Star about the Golden Eagles’ team goals, his transition from offensive line to tight end, and his future after

ANSWER: Coach just said our goal is individual growth and growth as a team. Working all through the summer – in the weight room, at practice – every day be better than you were yesterday. He always tells us if you aren’t better than you were the day before then you got worse.

PHOTO BY TUCKER WEBB

Star Sports Correspondent

: If Coach Sullivan told you that you could only play on one side of the ball but that you could decide which side, would you pick offense or defense?

: I would pick tight end because I caught on to it a lot faster. I’ve been playing defensive end since I was a freshman and I’m still trying to learn how to play it. I moved to tight end last year and I’m still learning how to play it, but I feel more confident in that position than I do defensive end.

: How difficult was the change from offensive lineman to tight end and how productive do you feel you can be this season?

: There for a while I was basically a sixth lineman. I never ran out for a route. (Later, I caught) at least three passes total. I want to catch a few more than that this year. (No specific number), just get past three and see.

: Do you expect the offense generally will involve more passing in 2026?

: We’ve practiced a lot in our passing game. We went to several 7-on-7s this (summer). We went to three or four (Jacksonville State,

Sand Mountain, Cherokee County and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at McClellan) and were able to actually come through and win two. We were very effective. We’re very excited about our chances there.

: Do you think of yourself as a good student who also plays football or do you think of yourself as a football player who happens to be a good student?

: I’d like to be thought of as a good student who happens to be a football player because I understand that is my future. What I do in class and what I learn is how I’m going to make it through life. Football has obviously taught me a lot of things, too, but … I want to be an engineer. I understand that any type of math or science (I take), I have to understand fully.

Page 16D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN’S

BRYSON DOWDEY Star Sports Editor Emeritus

acksonville Christian lost its coach and star quarterback from a year ago, but the Thunder has a good set of leaders returning, including allsports standout Bryson Dowdey. He shines in football, basketball and baseball and is looking forward to a year full of sports. He’ll do it without longtime coach Tommy Miller, who has retired as Jacksonville Christian’s principal and coach of the football players, who compete in eight-man football under the banner of Faith Temple. This group won the 2024 Alabama Football Christian Association state championship and placed runner-up last year. Rod Cates, an assistant football coach the last three years, is now the head coach. With quarterback Noah Lee graduating and now playing for Jacksonville State, Cates is asking Dowdey and his teammates to step up. Dowdey is a wide receiver and running back, as well as a defensive standout. At the recent high school football media day hosted by the Calhoun County Quarterback Club, Dowdey took a few minutes to discuss the upcoming season, including his return from an arm injury that slowed him at times last year.

QUESTION: You dealt with an injury to your right arm last year and required surgery. Can you describe how you had to handle that? ANSWER: So, two years ago, I started having arm problems, and insurance kept denying MRIs left and right. Couldn’t figure it out. Finally, after

six weeks of physical therapy, and still nothing happening, we finally got an MRI approved. It showed I had a torn UCL (ulnar collateral ligament), so I’ve been playing with a torn UCL for two years now. I had a UCL repair, so it wasn’t the full replacement, and I’m already almost back to 100 percent.

Q A

: What was it like being able to finally have an answer?

: It was good. I just felt happy that I was finally figuring it out, and I wouldn’t have that pain any more, because it was a big problem during baseball season. I mean, I wanted to be there for the team. I wanted to do that, but my body just wasn’t letting me. Most of the time I was able to push through, but I’m going to be honest, there were some games I’d come off the field crying because of how much pain I was in.

: What’s it like going into your senior year feeling much better? You’re an important part of the football and basketball and baseball teams. Just a full year of sports. You must really be looking forward to it.

: I’m looking forward to it. I’m trying not to think about it ending too much, because my life has pretty much revolved around sports since I was 4 years old. When I was crawling, I was playing with baseballs and stuff like that. It feels great, but it also feels weird. Like, I’m ready to explore the next chapter in my life, but I don’t want this one to end. So, I’m enjoying it while I can.

: What do you think the next chapter of life will be?

PHOTO BY MARK EDWARDS

BY MARK EDWARDS

: I’ve been thinking a lot. Hopefully, I can go to college and play ball somewhere. Either sport (football or baseball) doesn’t really matter. I’d be happy with either one. But, if that doesn’t work out, then probably just going to go find a job somewhere.

: You’ve been at Jacksonville Christian since daycare. What makes the school special to you?

: Growing up, my mom worked there. She was the lunch lady at JCA. Now, she’s a K-through-4 teacher. The people there (are special). They’ve always been so calm, helped me with my work. They’ve always helped me, helped walk me through step by step till I understood it. Growing up, I had really bad ADHD, and we couldn’t find a medicine for it. The teachers were very patient with me. They helped me through it, and I’m very thankful for that.

: I know you must miss Coach Miller, and you must miss Noah as a quarterback. How does it feel any different?

: It feels a little different because I’d always ask Noah if I had questions. I’d be like, “Hey, Noah, wait!”

I’d be like, “Can you help me right quick? Which way do I block? What do I do right here?” I actually went to Coach (Miller), too. A lot of people think he’s a scary man. He isn’t scary. I mean, he did scare me, but he wasn’t so scary that I wouldn’t go up to him and ask him questions. There would be practices where I’d ask him like 15 or 20 questions. I’d start to think he’s getting fed up with me.

: What about Coach Cates? Do you find yourself asking him as many questions?

: Coach Cates is a good coach. He’s an easy coach to go to and talk to and ask questions. And I’m very thankful that Dr. Miller left the job with him. I feel like he is a good coach for it, and I’m looking forward to playing this year with him.

: One last question: What can we expect from JCA this year in football? Can you guys go far again?

: I feel like we can, if we buckle down and we start practicing hard. We can make it pretty far. We’re a young team, but I see the heart, and I see when we put in effort. I see it. We’ll be a pretty good team.

FIRST ON THE FIELD.

First isn’t just in our name. We really were the first bank to open our doors, help grow the local economy and invest in our communities. We’re proud to have been this area’s hometown team for nearly two centuries. We have — and always will be — FIRST on the field to support our neighbors and customers.

fbal.bank |

Page 18D Saturday, August 22, 2026

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Anniston Star

ONE ON ONE WITH

OHATCHEE’S

GUS HUNTER Sports Editor, jgravette@annistonstar.com

us Hunter believes Ohatchee’s growing pains will pay off. The Indians ushered in a youth movement in their first season under head coach Blake Jennings, finishing 3-7 and missing the playoffs. “It’s not a turnout you want to have, you know, 3-7,” Hunter said. “You want to win as many football games as possible. That’s always the goal.” With most of last year’s starters returning after gaining valuable experience, Hunter, Ohatchee’s senior fullback and linebacker, believes the Indians are poised to take a significant step forward in 2026. Hunter recently spoke with The Anniston Star about Ohatchee’s goals, the importance of working hard in the weight room, and Jennings’ emphasis on vocal leadership.

QUESTION: You guys have a lot of experience coming back this year. How much will that help? ANSWER: It’ll help a lot, just because we all know each other. We only had a few seniors graduate last year. A lot of players were playing out of position, and now everybody’s kind of finding their slot in the team. … We have a good setup, and everybody understands their position in the team, and I think that helps a lot because everybody knows the game now.

Q A

: What’s the goal for this season?

: I think his work ethic and his ability to hold everybody to a standard. I mean, it doesn’t matter if it’s me or a seventh grader. … It doesn’t

matter if I make the same mistake as a seventh grader, he’s going to hold me just as responsible as he would that seventh grader or eighth grader or ninth grader, just because he keeps that same discipline with every single person.

: Coach Jennings has always been big into the weight room. How important is that to you?

: It’s huge. We just got that new one down there. It’s so nice, man. … We got racks up and down the walls. We got pictures everywhere and stuff like that — “Be a champion” up over the top. And I mean, we’re lifting like crazy. We’re getting out there every single day. We got a lot of guys hitting a lot of big squat goals, a lot of big bench goals. We got Braxton Davis in the 500s in squat. We got Jayden Siegler in the 500s, got me in the 600s. Like, it means so much just to be able to go in there and work hard and be around the team.

PHOTO BY JARED GRAVETTE

BY JARED GRAVETTE

: Coach Jennings is also big on vocal leadership. Could you talk about that?

: When Coach Jennings came in, he changed the tempo. He said, “Hey, if you’re not being a vocal leader, then you’re really not doing the most you can to help this team, and you’re letting the standard down.” If you’re not leading by vocal leadership, it’s letting down the standard that you have to have. One of the things he brought in was a vocal leadership that I didn’t have, and it’s really worked on me the last couple years.

: What does it mean to you to be able to take the field on Friday nights at the Creekbank?

: It means everything. It means everything in the world. … Everything’s just close-knit. … I have known all my teachers since kindergarten, and they’re all still here. It means so much to be in this tight-knit community. It’s just, it’s so important. … My whole family’s been here. I’ve been here. … I remember playing with a little football when I was 8, 9 years old in the back of the end zone during playoff

games. It means so much because of how tight-knit this community is.

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 19D

ONE ON ONE WITH

OXFORD’S

JIYEZ FLEMING Star Sports Correspondent

xford was 5-5 in the regular season in 2025. One of the losses came against undefeated Class 6A state champion Clay-Chalkville. The Yellow Jackets also lost to 5A state champion Moody. Then, Oxford fell to A.H. Parker in the opening round of the 6A playoffs and finished 5-6. This spring, head coach Sam Adams took the unusual — for him — step of having 10 days of practice. By AHSAA rule, that required Oxford to start practice later in August. “I thought for this particular group that we needed as much full-contact, tackle-to-the-ground … football practice as possible. In the games that didn’t go our way last year, I thought we had some deficits there, that we needed to make up some ground there pretty quickly. … I think we made some huge strides from practice one to practice ten,” Adams said at the Calhoun County Quarterback Club media day on July 31. One of players Adams will build Oxford’s 2026 defense around is senior Jiyez Fleming. Fleming will start at linebacker for the fourth season when Oxford opens the 2026 season at Gadsden City on Aug. 21. Academically, he’s on track to graduate in December and enroll at the college of his choice in January. “I was always told that student comes before athlete so I’m going to get down with my schoolwork then football is my next priority,” Fleming said in response to a media day question. Fleming recently spoke to The Anniston Star about his goals on the football field and the importance of academics off of it.

QUESTION: Did you set personal goals for yourself in addition to the team goal of winning the 5A state championship? ANSWER: My goal is, I’ve got to be better than I’ve ever been these past three years.

: Oxford has had some outstanding linebackers in recent years. Who do you remember watching before you started playing varsity?

: I started off watching Kwon Alexander, Roc Thomas and all of them. I played running back in middle school but linebacker is what I fell in love with. It didn’t stop with Roc. I watched KJ Britt. Last year, me playing beside KJ Britt’s little brother (Keenan Britt), it showed me how far football could take me if you really love the sport and you want to dedicate your life to the sport.

: At media day, you talked about academics coming before athletics. How long have you felt that way?

: I heard that when I was playing PARD – fifth grade, fourth grade. … I played for KJ Britt’s dad (Kenneth Britt) on a little PARD team. He was asking what we wanted to do outside of football. I said I wanted to play football all of my life. He was like, “It’s more than just football. You’ve got to stay on top of your grades, your body. You’ve got to watch what you do outside of football.” It always stuck with me from there.

: Will this be an Oxford team where the defense needs to carry the offense or the offense needs to carry the defense?

PHOTO BY MARK EDWARDS

BY RIP DONOVAN

: I feel this team is going to be one of those teams where we get it done on each side of the ball. I feel like with this group of men everybody wants to play.

Q A

: What’s it like to play for Coach Adams?

: Coach Adams doesn’t care what your last name is, what your first name is. You could have five stars (as a recruiting rating or no stars). If that week you come out there and you’re practicing like you’re ready to play that Friday, you’re going to play that Friday. But if you’re out there sluggish and just think

you can do this and that, no. I just feel like our team doesn’t have any of that this year. We’re all fighting for one thing and that’s to get that blue map.

Page 20D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

PIEDMONT’S

CARSON SANDERS Star Sports Writer

arson Sanders has never known Piedmont football as anything but a winner. The senior linebacker has spent four years in the Bulldogs’ program under head coach Jonathan Miller, embracing a standard established long before he ever put on a Piedmont jersey. Now, entering his final season, Sanders is tasked with carrying that standard forward — even as the landscape around him shifts. Piedmont dropped from Class 3A to 2A in the latest AHSAA reclassification cycle, a move that reshaped the Bulldogs’ schedule, creating more frequent matchups with Calhoun County opponents. Some outside the program have assumed the drop makes things easier for Piedmont, but Sanders isn’t buying it, and neither is anyone else in his locker room. With region and state championship aspirations on the table, Sanders says the goal isn’t personal statistics or accolades — it’s finding a way to win every week and still be playing meaningful football in December. He recently spoke with The Anniston Star about reclassification, Piedmont’s culture, and the games he’s most looking forward to this season.

: You guys dropped from Class 3A to 2A amid AHSAA reclassification, what does that change for you?

: I mean, it changes opponents — our schedule changed. We’re gonna be playing a lot more games where we’re going to be playing in the county. I don’t think we travel farther than an hour in the regular season. So it changes that, but I think a lot of people saw Piedmont went down to 2A and thought that we had it handed to us, and there’s nobody in our locker room that thinks that. It’s gonna have to be earned for sure.

: How do you handle the expectations that come with being a Bulldog?

PHOTO BY AUSTIN TACKETT

BY AUSTIN TACKETT

: I’m a senior in high school now, so I’ve been with the high school program for four years, and then junior high and all that. It’s all the same. That’s one thing about Piedmont football, you want to try to instill what you want the standard to be. That’s what Piedmont has done for me. It’s all gas, no brakes.

Q A

: What are your expectations for the team this season?

: You want to win the state championship. That’s always an expectation, but, region championship QUESTION: Coach Miller has first. That’s gonna be first and foremost. found success everywhere he goes, but You wanna win the region first, then after especially at Piedmont. What is he asking that, it’s just win every week, no matter of you guys to keep that up this season? how, just win every week and be playing ANSWER: It’s nothing different than in December. it’s been since he got there. I know we : And for yourself? had that first hiccup the first year he was there, but the standard at Piedmont has been established before I was even : I don’t want to be chasing there. Just take it week by week. statlines or nothing like that,

Q A

because it’s not about me. It’s about what we can do as a team. If I can do my part, and everybody else does their part, we just rely on each other, and that’s how you’re gonna win.

want to win, we want to compete and everything like that.

Q A

: I don’t circle anybody out or anything, but definitely the Jacksonville game that’s coming up is highly anticipated, and then we play Cherokee County after that, which is our long rival. And then Alexandria too, but you can’t overlook the region. Pleasant Valley had a great season last year. They bring back a lot of guys. They’ll be a good football team and that’ll be a good game.

: What’s the culture like in the locker room?

: We have a lot of relationships outside of the locker room. It’s not like you’re in the locker room with a bunch of guys that you don’t really talk to or nothing like that. Everybody knows everybody, it’s good connections, so that helps. But culture wise, you step into that field house and it’s the standard that we

Q A

: Is there a game you’re looking forward to most this season?

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 21D

ONE ON ONE WITH

PLEASANT VALLEY’S

COOPER DOUGAL Sports Editor Emeritus

ootball players come in all different sized packages, and Pleasant Valley’s Cooper Dougal is proof of that. The senior stands only 5-foot-7 and weighs 135 pounds, but even with the lack of height and weight, he’s a twotime all-state performer. As a sophomore, he made honorable mention. Last year as a junior, he landed on the second team as a defensive back. He plays wide receiver as well. He shines in basketball and baseball, too, having made all-county in both. Now, as a senior, he’s adding team leader to his list of responsibilities. He and senior quarterback/linebacker Braxton Salster are two of the guys expected to take charge for Pleasant Valley, which has big expectations. A year ago, the Raiders set a school record with 10 wins, which broke the previous mark of eight victories. Both the 1984 and 2024 squads reached that total. Last year’s team also won a playoff game before falling in the second round. That was Pleasant Valley’s seventh playoff appearance in the school’s football history but the first postseason victory. At the recent high school football media day hosted by the Calhoun County Quarterback Club, Dougal took a few minutes to discuss the upcoming season and why height isn’t always necessary to thrive in football.

QUESTION: Your teammate, Braxton Salster, says that because of your size, you might get told you can’t do certain things. Clearly, your size isn’t holding you back. What is it about you that makes

you the type that’s not just good in football, basketball and baseball, but you also just thrive?

ANSWER: I’ve been told from a very young age, that just because I was smaller and shorter than everybody, that I couldn’t compete. So I’ve just used that as a thing for my whole life. Just because I’m the shortest person on the field doesn’t mean that I can’t compete at the highest level.

: You’ve made all-county in football, basketball, and baseball. Do you have a favorite sport, or do you just love them all?

PHOTO BY MARK EDWARDS

BY MARK EDWARDS

: It kind of rotates depending on how I feel each and every season. Like right now, it’s football season, so it’s going to be football. Basketball is going to be basketball, and baseball is going to be baseball for sure.

Q A

: Do you have hopes of playing in college?

: If the Lord gives me that opportunity, then I will definitely take it. But if not, then I’ve got a plan set up to where I can succeed in my life without sports.

Q A

: What is your plan?

Q A Q

: You must be quick. : (Smiling) Yes, sir.

: Pleasant Valley football had an excellent year last season with 10 wins. What’s the goal for this year?

: We’re looking to make a deep : I’m looking to go to college to be playoff run. We know that in business management, sports we’ve got the guys and we’ve got the management, to try to make some plans experience to really make a deep playoff for Braxton in case he goes pro one day, run this year. and I can help him out with that, too.

Q A

: How tall are you, and how much do you weigh? : I’m about 5-foot-7, and I weigh 135 pounds.

: Individually, you’ve had a pretty good taste of varsity football. You know what’s up, and you’ve proven you can succeed. What’s your goal as an individual?

: I’m just looking to be the best player I can each and every week. If the ball comes my way, I’m going to catch it. I’m going to make a move with it. But if not, I just got to be the best teammate I can be each and every week.

: As a senior, you’re expected to be a leader. Sounds like that kind of comes naturally to you. Could you talk a little bit about that?

: It just all comes from our coaches, from players like Braxton. You know, it’s just how we can all be a better leader each and every week and lead some of the younger kids. But we’ve got a big varsity group, and so we all just lead together as one.

Page 22D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

RANBURNE’S

LEVI COLE Star Sports Writer

evi Cole is used to being counted on up front, but this season his coach handed him a different kind of responsibility — representing Ranburne as the team’s voice. The senior lineman doesn’t take that lightly. Cole sees himself as one of the leaders on this Ranburne team, and he’s aiming to make an impact on both sides of the ball while pushing the Bulldogers toward a deep playoff run. Ranburne stayed put in Class 2A, Region 4, amid the AHSAA’s latest reclassification cycle, meaning many of the same familiar foes — Lanett and Reeltown, chief among them — are still standing between Cole and his goals. Both teams handed Ranburne a loss last season, and Cole isn’t shy about wanting a shot at payback. With improved communication up front and a locker room he says has traded last year’s negativity for better energy, Cole believes this Ranburne team is built to play fast, score often, and still be competing in December. He recently sat down with The Anniston Star to talk about his role as a leader, Ranburne’s strengths, and what a successful senior season looks like.

QUESTION: What are your goals for yourself this season? ANSWER: I want to be a pretty big leader on the team. I want to have a pretty big impact on defense, and be ready to just lead us to the playoffs.

Q A

: What about some goals for the team? : First, the playoffs. It’d be really nice to beat either Lanett or

Reeltown this year, cause they whooped us last year. Just make a deep run.

: What does it mean for you for your coach to choose you to represent the team?

: It means a lot. I think he thinks pretty highly of me. He thinks I’m a pretty good leader, and I think I am too. So it feels pretty good.

Q A

: In your opinion, what are the strengths of this Ranburne team?

: Our communication’s been really good. Our line’s been talking a lot, we’ve been moving good, we’re a lot more confident this year on our cues. Been moving fast and playing fast.

Q A

: What should fans be looking forward to this season?

: We’re gonna have really good energy, No. 1. We’ll be racking up a lot of points. We’re not gonna have as much negativity on the team as we did last year. So, I think our energy, and we’re just gonna have fun out there.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

BY AUSTIN TACKETT

: You guys stay put in Class 2A, Region 4, amid the AHSAA classification changes. What’s the team’s mindset heading into a new look 2A, Region 4?

about this season?

: Didn’t Piedmont drop down? They’re some dogs. Really, the same teams we played last year are probably gonna be the same teams that are gonna be making a deep run, like Reeltown or Lanett, and we’re in their region. Just hoping we can kind of prove ourselves against them and just make it deep.

: Is there a teammate out here that you think people should be talking

: Caden Benton. He’s gonna be our left guard. This is his first year

playing varsity football, but he’s pretty huge, he moves good.

: What would a successful season look like for Ranburne to you in

your senior season?

: A deep run in the playoffs. Doing good, maybe playing football in December, and just going deep.

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 23D

ONE ON ONE WITH

SAKS’

JACORY JACKSON Star Sports Writer

acory Jackson has seen plenty of change at Saks during his four years in the program, but this offseason brought something different — a fresh start under first-year head coach Michael Easley, a name already familiar around the Wildcats’ program. The buy-in was immediate. According to Jackson, the Saks’ locker room committed to Easley’s vision from the very first meeting, and it’s shown up in the little things since. Jackson has seen full attendance at workouts, consistent effort in the weight room, and a level of daily discipline that genuinely caught the senior receiver off guard. That culture shift comes at a pivotal time. Saks opened last season with a win before dropping nine straight games, and Jackson isn’t interested in moral victories this time around. His goals are straightforward — improve on last year’s record and help set a new standard for Saks football, one built on effort from everyone in the program, not just a few standout names. He recently spoke with The Anniston Star about the new coaching staff, the culture at Saks, and what a successful season looks like for the Wildcats.

QUESTION: What’s the mindset going into a new classification and region (Class 2A, Region 6)? ANSWER: It’s the same mindset I’ve always had. Just hard work and dedication, and we can go wherever we want to go.

: What’s been the biggest difference day-to-day under Coach Easley?

: Under Coach Easley, it’s surprising me, everybody has been showing up to workouts, everybody’s been showing up to practices, everybody’s been putting in the work that they need to be putting in. And it’s just great to see.

Q A

: Does his history at Saks make it a little bit easier to buy in?

: We bought in since we met him, really. Ever since he came and talked to us the first day, we’ve been bought in. Just got to be looking forward.

Q A

: What are your goals for the team this season?

: Just do better than we have in years past and really set the standard for the new Saks football team.

: What’s the biggest change or improvement for you, as well as the team, since last season?

PHOTO BY AUSTIN TACKETT

BY AUSTIN TACKETT

: Just everybody showing up. Everybody’s been putting in effort, been in the weight room, practicing, just things like that.

Q A

: What would a successful season look like for you guys?

: Everybody doing everything that anything that makes it unique? they can, on both sides of the ball. : I can’t really think of anything That’s really all I can ask for. specific that would make us : Who are some teammates that special, everybody just gets in there and have stepped up that people does what they have to do. We have a lot might not be talking about yet? of fun, but when it’s time to put in work, everybody is just locked in and ready to : I can’t really give any names, go. because I would say everybody.

A Q

: What’s the culture like in the locker room at Saks? Is there

: Is there a player you model your game after?

: Well, I don’t really know. There are people that I look up to, you know, as a receiver. Justin Jefferson, I’ll say Ryan Williams and people like that, you know what I’m saying? Just people like that.

Q A

: Do you have any personal goals for this season?

: Not really. Just doing all I can do for my team and putting us in a position to succeed, that’s it.

Page 24D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

SPRING GARDEN’S

BRADY RUARK Star Sports Editor Emeritus

ourth-year Spring Garden head coach Barrett Ragsdale and his staff will spend August settling on who will play each position, but the Panthers definitely are set at quarterback. Brady Ruark, a Class 1A second-team all-state performer last year, is back for his senior season. With Ruark in charge of the offense, Spring Garden posted a 6-5 record and advanced to the state playoffs. While that’s not the standard the Panthers want year-in, year-out, consider they lost 13 seniors from the previous season, and that can be devastating for a smallschool program. Standing only 5-foot-8½ and weighing 155 pounds, Ruark “plays like he’s 6-5,” according to Ragsdale. He rushed for 155 yards on only eight carries and scored three times in a win over Cedar Bluff. Against Valley Head, he pulled down two interceptions on defense. He led a team that finished third in 1A, Region 8 and averaged 30.5 points a game. “He’s able to not only execute the plays, but he’s also very good being a field general and putting people where they need to go,” Ragsdale said. “If somebody has a question, he’s on the fly answering and moving people. So that is invaluable to have, you know, when you’re 30 yards away on the sideline and you call a play, and somebody goes, ‘I forgot what I do on that.’ I can see him grab somebody as we’re breaking the huddle, and he pushes them the right way as he’s barking orders to them.” This year, Ruark is hoping his team can add to its total of six region

championships, all of which have come in the last 10 years. Before a recent practice, he sat down to discuss the upcoming season and his hopes for success.

QUESTION: Coach Ragsdale says you’re not the biggest guy to play quarterback but you make it work for you. Where does that come from? ANSWER: Having brothers and getting beat up all the time.

: This is your second year as the quarterback. What do you think you learned from last year that’s going to help you this year?

PHOTO BY MARK EDWARDS

BY MARK EDWARDS

: I need to learn to lead the offense more, get everybody more involved, and make sure everybody knows what they’re doing and stuff. So that’s the biggest thing I learned last year.

Q A

: Any particular goals for you individually for this season?

: Win the region. That’s about it. Win the region. Go from there, week by week.

Q A Q

: How does last year’s result motivate you guys? : Just do better than last year. Don’t get worse.

: Talk about this team. What do you think this group can do, and what do you see?

: I think last year we were just young, and this year we’re more ready than we were last year. I think we can put it together this year, week by week.

A Q

: Spring Garden will start the : It looks like you’re a good fit regular season with four home at quarterback. What is it about games in four weeks: Gaston, Sand Rock, playing quarterback that you like? Appalachian and Gaylesville. It’s always : I just like touching the ball every nice to be at home. What does that mean time, giving it to everybody. to you and the guys? : It just means you got to travel more later in the season.

(Defensive coordinator Draevan Bowman in the background: “That’s a good answer. Have you heard somebody say that before?” Ruark: “Yeah.”)

Q A

: When did you start playing quarterback?

: Coach Ragsdale was saying the guys had a pretty good offseason, and did some work. What did the team do and what does it mean?

: We just took the weight room real seriously. We put in the work on the field. We did conditioning and stuff. We worked real hard this summer.

: Last question. It’s about Coach : They started me at quarterback Ragsdale. What does he mean to in my ninth grade year in junior you guys: high, and then I was behind Noah Barber, and then he graduated in 2025. So I : He’s great. picked up where he was.

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saturday, August 22, 2026 Page 25D

ONE ON ONE WITH

WEAVER’S

CADEN GREEN Star Sports Correspondent

urmoil off the field in 2025 led to a coaching change for Weaver this season. New head coach Logan Brooks inherited a team that finished 2-8 overall and 2-6 in Class 3A, Region 6. He also inherited senior Caden Green, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound lineman who bench presses 315 pounds and squats 600 pounds. Green will start on offense for the fifth season this year and has started on defense almost that long. He plays left guard on offense. On defense, his starting role will vary between end and tackle, depending on each opponent’s tendencies and personnel. Green’s 4.0 GPA puts him in the top 10 of his senior class and has drawn the attention of some Ivy League schools. He’s also taken online college-credit courses through the University of Alabama. He hasn’t decided on a major in college yet. “I plan on attending the college that best offers what I am willing to study with great academics and a good football team,” Green said. Green recently spoke to The Anniston Star about why he prefers playing on offense, how much his team has improved over the summer, and what goals he’d like to accomplish during his senior season.

QUESTION: If Coach Brooks said

you could only play on one side of the ball, but you could pick the side, which would you pick and why?

ANSWER: I would pick offense most

definitely. Offense has always been my main side from little league to now. I love being violent and tackling on defense, but offense is a different feeling than

defense. Personally, I love to see how many pancakes I can get each game and throughout the season. Something about putting people in the ground pushes me more towards the side of offense.

Q A

: Can you describe the difference in the feeling on offense?

: On offense you have to look your opponent in the eye before the snap is even gone. You have to think that you have to protect the quarterback, the running back or whoever has the ball and the only way to do that is absolutely demolishing the person in front of you.

PHOTO BY MARK EDWARDS

BY RIP DONOVAN

: What do you do to prepare your body and maintain your body for being on the field throughout an entire game?

: I have a goal each day to drink a gallon of water. Even if I reach over a gallon I still try to drink as much as I can. I try to put (lots of) electrolytes in my body, especially before a game. I work out throughout the week as well to stay prepared. I try to eat and drink certain items all throughout the week to prevent cramps.

: How much better do you feel Weaver football is today than it was on June 1, 2026?

: We have worked our tails off this summer and we have competed and done everything we can to prepare for this season. As a leader for Weaver, I can proudly say not just me but others have taught discipline and hard work and dedication. From June 1, 2026, to present day we are a completely different team. We are a different Weaver this year.

Q A

: What are the team’s goals for the season? : One of our goals as a team was to come together and be more

disciplined. … Another goal is to host playoffs on our home field and we work hard every day to not win just a couple of games but to take it all. Lastly, another goal is that we want our name out there. We want Weaver to be known. We work every day for these goals.

: In addition to the desire for more pancake blocks, have you set any

other personal goals for yourself?

: I want to be a better team leader for the team. I also want to lead the team in tackles as well. Each day I work harder and harder to achieve each goal and accomplish everything I can.

Page 26D Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Anniston Star

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ONE ON ONE WITH

WELLBORN’S

ZANE HILL Star Sports Editor Emeritus

ellborn football coach Jeff Smith says he can’t work senior running back/ defensive back Zane Hill too hard. Smith discovered that when Hill was in junior high and playing football for the coach’s son, Jett Smith. Jett told his father to keep an eye on Hill and see how hard he worked. Smith saw that Hill went hard on every play, even though it was practice — not a game. “It was maxed-out effort every time,” Smith said. Now a 5-foot-10, 180-pound varsity star, Hill has kept it up. Even a foot injury late last season that forced him to miss a game didn’t slow him much. Smith said Hill worked as hard as anybody in the off-season to get back to 100 percent and beyond. Heading into the new season, Hill and his teammates have hopes of improving on last year’s result. The Panthers went 5-5 and placed fourth in Class 3A, Region 6. They made the playoffs, too. Wellborn had hopes for something more after a 5-2 start, but a load of injuries torpedoed the Panthers. At the recent high school football media day hosted by the Calhoun County Quarterback Club, Hill took a few minutes to discuss the upcoming season and his team’s goal of finishing stronger than it did last year.

just twisted my ankle. I missed one game because of it.

: What have you done in the offseason to try to get better and make sure you’re ready and healthy to go for this season? PHOTO BY TUCKER WEBB

BY MARK EDWARDS

: I’ve been to PT (physical therapy) all summer. I’ve been doing my own physical therapy at home, just extra stuff to make sure I stay healthy.

: It sounds like you’re in great condition now. How has that helped make a difference for you?

: I think it helps me push longer and just be able to really sustain myself the whole game.

are, and a rival. It’s just going to be a fun experience.

: What was it like last year? You guys had a good team but weren’t able to come up with a record you wanted because so many people got hurt at some point during the year. What did that do to you guys’ mindset?

Q A

: We just really took the weight room more seriously, building our bodies better.

: What’s the goal for this year? Because it looks like you guys have a chance for a good team this year, too.

A Q

: Go deep into the playoffs.

QUESTION: Coach Smith said that you worked really hard this off-season to try to get healthy and improve. Could you tell us about the injury?

: The first game is against Weaver. Could you talk a little bit about the excitement of a big game right off the bat?

ANSWER: Well, it was kind of just a freak accident at practice. I was catching punts, and I was running one back and

: We can’t wait. Finally, we get to play somebody on our home field. They’re a small-town school, just like we

: Do you have any brothers and sisters who went to Wellborn? : I have a twin sister, Grace.

: What’s it like being a twin? I guess she probably knows things you’re about to say before you even say it.

you.

Q A Q A

: It’s just like having someone to always talk to, just be there with

: Does she play sports, too? : She wrestles.

: Could you beat her wrestling, or could she get you? : (With a smile.) She wishes she could beat me.

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WHITE PLAINS’

BRYSON CHEATWOOD great skill set,” Smith said. “He’s there every day in practice. Just a really good person.” sked for a word to describe At the recent high school football senior wide receiver/defensive media day hosted by the Calhoun back Bryson Cheatwood, White County Quarterback Club, Cheatwood Plains head coach Clint Smith had no took a few minutes to discuss the trouble coming up with one. upcoming season and why he’s such a “It’s ‘competitor,’” Smith said. “He’s competitor. a competitor. Everything that he does, he does it full speed. We’re really QUESTION: You made some blessed to have Bryson, and he’s been nice catches in the Piedmont 7-ona really good leader for us. He just does 7 competition. Do you think that the everything the right way.” offense will be a little more pass-oriented this year? Cheatwood is one of the leaders of a White Plains team that is aiming to make ANSWER: Yes, sir. Playing all last some history. season, we made some big plays, and The Wildcats haven’t had a .500 have a coach that does so much like that, season since 2013 when they went like Coach (Jamison) Edwards. He’s so 5-5 under Heath Harmon, the current offense-oriented. We have (quarterback) executive director of the Alabama High Crew Martin, who makes plays and School Athletic Association. They haven’t reads. He’s gotten so much better. finished above .500 since Michael Altman’s 2003 squad went 6-4. The last : I’ve been told I should ask you time they made the state playoffs was about being a competitor. It seems like you’re a competitor in everything. 1994 under Darvin Poole. Could you talk about where that comes Cheatwood, a quick and hard-playing senior, is aiming to end all three of those from? streaks. : That mainly comes from what White Plains is going to have to get I grew up doing. I was always through a competitive Class 3A, Region competitive with my brother (2022 White 4 schedule to reach those goals. There Plains graduate Layton Cheatwood) all are eight teams: Ashville, Childersburg, the time. He and I would go at it all the Cleburne County, Handley, Munford, time, so that’s where I learned everything Talladega, Weaver and White Plains. from, honestly. While Handley has enjoyed plenty of : Were you the little brother trying recent success, the other seven have to keep up? had recent dry spells, which makes everyone hungry for an opportunity to : (Smiling) I was keeping up, rise to the top. though. Smith is pleased he has a solid player like the 5-foot-10 Cheatwood, an all-state : Was there anything about him performer in basketball, to help lead the that maybe he taught you, or he team. showed you, or you just picked up from him that helped? “He’s an outstanding athlete with a

BY MARK EDWARDS Star Sport Editor Emeritus

Q A Q

PHOTO BY MARK EDWARDS

: Mainly, I just picked up what he was doing. Honestly, he was always competing the same way I am, and he never backed down from anyone. So yeah, that’s what I learned from him.

: At White Plains it’s been a while since you guys have had some success, but it seems there’s a different vibe in Coach Smith’s second year. Can you describe what it’s like?

: Could you talk about Coach Smith and what he does to make you guys better?

: He’s awesome. He’s talking to us all the time. He’s the best coach I could ask for. Even in the off-season, he helps us so much. He knows what to do. He’s been doing it for a long time, and he’s got such a good coaching staff behind him. That’s where he’s helped us a lot, too.

: We have a completely different mindset about everything. We’re not living in the past anymore. And : You seem like the type of person having a winning mindset is something who’s got a good head on your that we haven’t had for a long time. shoulders. What about past high school? That’s what we’re going to have this year. What are you hoping to do once you’re done with high school? : What are you most looking

Q A

forward to about football season?

right?

: Week one. I’m ready to start. Why look past the first game,

: If I get an opportunity to play somewhere, I may go, but my head’s not there right now. And I’ve still got a year to think about it.

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Clinton M. Ray, MD

Jeffrey D. Lawler, MD

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