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Pigskin

Preview 2026

Game Schedules • Football Team Photos Varsity Cheerleader Photos • High School Band Photos Team Pre-Game Previews A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE ST. CLAIR TIMES

2D Thursday, August 20, 2026

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 3D

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ASHVILLE BULLDOGS

COMING HOME TO BELIEVE Sanders rebuilds Ashville’s fight

Down 28-7 at halftime of their first playoff game in 20 years, Ashville could have folded. Instead, the Bulldogs clawed back to tie the game and nearly pulled off the upset in the closing seconds. “You should have seen the fight in those guys,” Ashville head coach Mark Sanders said. “They settled the nerves, started playing some football, and almost tied it up on the last play of the game.” That fight is exactly what Sanders was chasing when he took over a program that hadn’t made the playoffs in two decades, that just came off a 1-9 season. In year one, he ended that drought. When Sanders arrived in January of 2025, one of the first things he noticed was the lack of consistent strength and conditioning. “Some guys hadn’t worked out since September, and this was January,” Sanders said. “You gotta be kidding me.”

Getting the Bulldogs dialed in the weight room came before anything schematic. From there, the biggest project was rebuilding belief. “They just had this little bit of give-up in them at times,” Sanders said of the team he inherited. “What I knew I had to do was build a family atmosphere, spend time with them, and get them to start believing... to start believing in themselves as a unit.” One turning point in the belief project, Sanders said, was when he told his quarterback, JB Potter who’s now playing college football at Murray State, that he trusted him to read the defense and make play calls himself. “He [Potter] looked at me like I’d just introduced him to running water,” Sanders said. “Guys want to feel a sense of responsibility and ownership. It means so much more to them when you do that.” For himself, the job means a little

more. Sanders grew up around the Ashville program – his father coached there, and he got to be around coaches like Bill Clark, Rush Propst and John Grass – and he always wanted to come back, but he felt he needed more seasoning first. Stops at Victory Christian, Donoho and Westbrook Christian led him home in 2025. Inside Ashville’s field house, a legacy hallways displays photos of the coaches and players who built the program before him, and Sanders walks past it everyday. “It gives me a sense of purpose, just knowing I’m that next guy,” he said. “I want to make some lasting memories for these kids.” Sanders, now in his 14th year coaching, said pressure comes with every season – but his standard for this season isn’t just repeating last season’s playoff push. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PIGSKIN Preview 2026

WHAT’S INSIDE Schools Ashville........................................3D Leeds...........................................6D Moody.........................................8D Pell City..................................... 10D Ragland..................................... 12D St. Clair County....................... 14D Springville................................. 16D Victory Christian..................... 18D Team Profiles by Chris Fernsler Mitchell Davis Shane Dunaway Will Heath Cover photo by Tucker Webb The Daily Home

4D Thursday, August 20, 2026

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The St. Clair Times

ASHVILLE BULLDOGS CLASS 3A, REGION 4 HC MARK SANDERS (205) 405-6620

Week 0, 8/21 at 7 p.m. - vs Springville Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - vs Westbrook Christian Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - vs Talladega* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - @ Childersburg Week 4, 9/18 at 7 p.m. - vs Cleburne County Week 5, 9/25 - BYE Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - @ Handley* Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - @ Munford Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - vs Weaver* Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - @ White Plains* Week 10, 10/30 at 7 p.m. - vs Gaston “The most important thing for me is making sure these guys are learning how to give the best that they can,” Sanders said. “Are they representing their families well? Are they loving each other, holding each other accountable? That’s what I’m looking for.” Ashville graduated standouts from last season, like Potter, but return key playmakers like Jamon Williams and Luke Brewer on both sides of the ball. Sanders also mentioned Brayden Daniels, who he believes will step up into a larger role at outside linebacker and tight end. Replacing Potter will be Jackson Frondorf, who Sanders said has shown the potential to be a good quarterback. For Sanders, success isn’t about the scoreboard – it’s measured by effort. “Success to me is measured by the heart I see in my boys,” Sanders said, pointing back to that playoff comeback. “I’ll take a group of guys that have absolutely nothing left in them at the end of a game any day.” He said he wants the Ashville community to support the Bulldogs the same, whether they go 10-0 or 0-10 — based on how hard the kids work, not just the record. “That’s any coach’s dream,” Sanders said. “That’s when you really start winning as a whole, as a town, as a community.”

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 5D

Good Luck to All Area High School Football Teams!

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LEEDS GREEN WAVE

Leeds banks on experience after

SEASON OF GROWING PAINS

eeds took a beating on the injury front last season – a top receiver hurt in the jamboree game, the starting running back lost to injury after game five and a fullback injured on top of it. Despite all that, the Green Wave made the playoffs for the seventh straight year. “I thought the kids did fantastic,” head coach Jerry Hood said. “They continued to compete, and that left good work habits for our kids to emulate this year.” Hood said the injuries forced a lot of young players into significant roles well ahead of schedule – a tough trade in the moment, but one he believes will pay off now. “Once we figured all that out, I thought the kids adjusted to it and challenged themselves pretty well,” Hood said. “I’d always like to win more, and go deeper into the playoffs, but I thought it was a couple years with some great kids.” Leeds is set to return 10 of 11 offensive starters and at least seven defensive starters this season, according to Hood – the direct result of last year’s injury forced experience. Brennen Archer, a quarterback transfer from Springville, is expected to

make an immediate impact on offense. Hood also pointed out his offensive line, a group that returns all five starters from last season, as a line poised to take a step forward, along with the secondary where three of four defensive backs are entering their second year as starters. “I think all of it hitting at one time is a good thing,” Hood said, also crediting simple physical maturity. “When your body catches up, you’re a better football player.” Now entering his eight season at Leeds, Hood said the program’s identity has been built less around wins and more around trust. “I think we’re building for the benefit of the kids,” Hood said. “I’ve been here eight years, and now the parents and kids know what county football is all about. We trust the coaches, and the community has rallied around that.” Leeds has a history of winning at the highest level – holding four state titles in its history, none since Hood arrived – but he said that legacy doesn’t weigh on this year’s team. “That doesn’t change anything about the way

we feel about our kids now,” Hood said. “What happened yesterday is not gonna affect today.” When asked what’s a constant for himself as a head coach, Hood kept it simple. “I’m fair, and I’m always trying to myself so we can provide better opportunities for our kids,” he said. The ceiling is higher for Leeds this season because of the experience returning, according to Hood, but he’s not taking anything for granted in a tough region. “You better be ready to play every week,” he said. “What you do on the field is what matters.” When asked to define a successful season, Hood pointed to growth over win totals. “We are looking to be better tomorrow than we were today,” he said. “That’s the only thing that matters to me. If we can continue to do things better than we did yesterday, the wins are gonna come.” He said what’s given him the most confidence heading into the fall is a group that finally knows its assignments, rather than feeling out unfamiliar opponents like last year.

The St. Clair Times “I think it’s gonna be like, ‘Okay, we know what we’re supposed to do, they know what they’re supposed to do — let’s just play and see how this thing turns out,’” Hood said. “That mentality is the thing that’s different.” His message to the Leeds football community is straightforward. “You got a bunch of respectful, hard-working, tough-minded kids that just play football the right way,” Hood said. “That’s what I want them to say.”“What I tell these people about these kids is they’re true Leeds kids,” Hood said. “They love Leeds, and they’re super hard workers. “So when you come to watch them play, you’re going to be proud to be able to watch that team. They’re going to be physical, they’re going to be smart, they’re going to represent our school well. And I think that’s all you can really ask for.”

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CHEER

Thursday, August 20, 2026 7D

LEEDS GREEN WAVE CLASS 4A, REGION 6

HC JERRY HOOD (205) 516-9352

Week 0, 8/21 - BYE Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - vs St. Clair County Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - @ Sylacauga* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - vs Central of Clay County Week 4, 9/18 at 7 p.m. - @ Anniston* Week 5, 9/25 - BYE Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - vs Moody* Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - @ Jacksonville* Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - vs Alexandria* Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - @ Lincoln* Week 10, 10/30 at 7 p.m. - @ John Carroll Catholic

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8D Thursday, August 20, 2026

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MOODY BLUE DEVILS

Tatum rebuilds Moody

FROM THE STUDS UP

he 2025 Moody Blue Devils need little recap. They ran the table in Class 5A and claimed the program’s first state championship. After former head coach Jake Ganus made the move to Pell City and took some key pieces with him, it was time for newly introduced head coach Kyle Tatum to get to work the moment he entered the building in January. Tatum walked into a defending state champion program, but not one he had built. The foundation was laid out, but by the time he arrived 26 seniors graduated and six players transferred to a new school. 32 players that helped deliver Moody its first state championship in program history, gone. “You aren’t really gonna have the same kind of football team,” Tatum said. “Different guys, different walks of life, different strengths and weaknesses. Totally different.” The previous staff set the standard, Tatum said – state championships. That’s the bar he inherited without the hands that built it. “No pressure, right?” Tatum said. “We walk into the fire.” Since January, Tatum has centered the program around what he calls “protective family,” – shielding a tight-knit, football-hungry community from outside noise while rebuilding from within. He’s dubbed the offseason as “Operation 411,” a detailed approach to

conditioning, situational football and mental toughness. For Tatum, the hardest part of taking over hasn’t been scheme – it’s been earning trust from players who had every reason to be skeptical of a new voice in the building. “The kids are like ‘We can Google this guy, but can I really trust coach Tatum?’” Tatum said. “Trust has been a big deal.” To build it, his staff introduced weekly “power words” over the summer, starting with trust in early June and moving through discipline, adversity, confidence, family and accountability. “That’s part of our identity, part of what our football team does,” Tatum said. “We just want to be the best versions of ourselves.” Tatum’s path — Alabama as a player, then coaching stops at Prattville, Texas State and UAB — shaped how he’s building Moody now. “I really believe God has prepared me for this,” Tatum said. “Each stop along the way, I’ve done something different.” With so much turnover, Tatum said leadership – not just talent alone – will define whether Moody can build something new. He’s asked players to shift their mindset from what football can give them to what they can give back. The staff has also been intentional about building the offense and defense around what his specific roster

MOODY BLUE DEVILS CLASS 4A, REGION 6

HC KYLE TATUM (334) 799-6036

Week 0, 8/21 at 7 p.m. - vs Briarwood Christian Week 1, 8/27 at 7 p.m. - vs Helena Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - @ Alexandria* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - @ Anniston Week 4, 9/18 at 7 p.m. - vs Lincoln* Week 5, 9/25 at 7 p.m. - @ St. Clair County Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - @ Leeds* Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - @ Sylacauga Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - vs Jacksonville* Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - vs Central of Clay County* Week 10, 10/30 - BYE

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does well. “We’re not gonna try to shove a square peg in a round hole,” Tatum said. “We’re gonna make sure our offense fits what our players do best.” Two names stood out when Tatum was asked who he expects to lead early: Jalijah Rutledge, a three-star Appalachian State commit who tallied over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns his junior season, and Kaiden Mitchell, who Tatum described as a sideline-to-sideline presence at linebacker. “If we see him [Rutledge] step up as a leader and push this offense to a new height, I think we’ll see big things,” Tatum said. When asked what he wants fans to feel by December, regardless of record, Tatum pointed to effort over outcome. “That we got better week to week. Guys played

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with passion and effort, and they trusted their coaches,” Tatum said. “We want to build a product that the city of Moody can be proud of. I told everybody, the work we put in will be unmatched. I would put our work up against anybody.”

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10D Thursday, August 20, 2026

CONTROLLING THE CONTROLLABLES

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PELL CITY

Kuykendall to lead Pell City through the storm

rik Kuykendall has been coaching alongside Jake Ganus for nearly a decade now, and he stayed loyal to that partnership, and followed Ganus to Pell City in December. Seven months later, Kuykendall was named the interim head coach for the 2026 season amid recruiting violations that left Ganus suspended for the entire season, stripped Pell City games from region standings and barred the Panthers from any post-season play. The Panthers are coming off a 7-4 season that saw them get bounced in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. With the recent reclassification announcements, Pell City was moved to Class 5A Region 6, which Kuykendall calls the toughest region in all of 5A. It’s an unusual position for anyone to step into, let alone a first time head coach. But Kuykendall said the closeness of Pell City’s coaching staff has made the transition smoother than it might be otherwise. “We’ve got a good staff that’s got a lot of continuity, a lot of really good coaches, and there’s not really a lot of ego that seems to exist,” Kuykendall said. “When you have that, a lot of times that’s a big recipe for success.” Kuykendall has spent his career under two of the state’s most respected head coaches – Mark Freeman and Ganus – and said he’s tried to take pieces of both into his own approach, while still finding his own voice in the role. With Ganus unable to coach this season, Kuykendall said the transition hasn’t required him to build a new philosophy from scratch. The two have coached together for nearly a decade, and their approach to the game is already closely aligned. That shared foundation matters more this season than most, given what’s actually on the line for Pell City – or rather, what isn’t. With the postseason off the table and no games counting towards region standings, Kuykendall has leaned on a simple message to keep his team focused week to week: control what you can control. “Really, the good programs I’ve been a part of – whether it was my time under Jim Arnold, Mark

PANTHERS Freeman or Jake Ganus – they don’t focus too much on winning and losing, or chasing championships,” Kuykendall said. “Everything is solely about showing up, being the best version of yourself that day.” It’s a message that he said the team has embraced. Without a playoff berth to chase, Kuykendall said the standard for success this season is built entirely around effort and process – practice habits, film work, recovery, the small things that don’t always show up on a scoreboard. “If you focus on performing the best you can, a lot of times wins and losses take care of themselves,” Kuykendall said. “And if we don’t have control over something, we don’t worry about it.” That message will be tested against a schedule that Pell City had no intentions of softening. Kuykendall said the program still plans to measure itself against some of the top teams in the state, calling it a continuation of a standard he’s learned under Ganus. “We always want to measure ourselves by the best,” Kuykendall said. “We don’t shy away from playing the best.” On the field, he said Pell City lost a significant group of experienced seniors from last year’s team, but pointed to a handful of returners he expects to anchor this year’s roster. Offensive lineman Hudson Bell and two-way standout DJ Verges headline the group, both of whom Kuykendall called two of the team’s top leaders. He also singled out senior JJ Hamby, Channing Beavers, Kemari Love and

Brody Gossett on offense, along with Parker Davis and Theon Williams on defense, as players who’ve put in work to lead the young roster through an unprecedented season. Kuykendall said he’s also excited about the development of junior cornerback TJ Sanders, a player he believes has a bright future at the position. “He’s about as polished as I’ve seen at the defensive back position in a long time,” Kuykendall said. For Kuykendall, success this season won’t be measured by the results come December, it’ll be measured in what his players carry with them long after this year ends. “When you look back, you don’t determine success by wins and losses,” Kuykendall said. “You have to look back and ask: How did I grow? Was I

The St. Clair Times stretched in a productive way that’s going to prepare everybody for the next phase of life?” That’s the standard he said he wants every player who comes through the program to walk away with, wherever their path leads them. “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude and effort,” Kuykendall said. “If we show up every day with great attitude and great effort, that’s exactly what success looks like.” As for what he wants the Pell City community to take away from this season, Kuykendall kept his answer simple, trust. “I want the community to know that their kids, if they’re wearing a PC uniform, are going to be loved, supported and taken care of,” he said. “We’re going to push them to excel both on and off the field.” And to Panthers fans bracing for

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PELL CITY PANTHERS, CLASS 5A, REGION 6

INTERIM HC ERIK KUYKENDALL (256) 899-9911

CHEER an unusual season, Kuykendall had one final message. “We’re hoping everybody will continue supporting us like they have from day one,” Kuykendall said. “They can look forward to a

team that will play as hard and as passionate as humanly possible. We’re going to lay the foundation this season, and next season, and every year after — we just want to keep accelerating this thing.”

Week 0, 8/21 at 7 p.m. - @ Bessemer City Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - vs Central (Phoenix City) Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - @ Pinson Valley* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - @ Oxford* Week 4, 9/18 at 7 p.m. - vs St. Clair County Week 5, 9/25 at 7 p.m. - vs Saraland Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - @ ClayChalkville* Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - vs Southside* Week 8, 10/16 - BYE Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - vs Springville* Week 10, 10/30 - BYE

Best e t of lluck ck to the he Ashville hville Bulldogs ull og this his season! Play Hard. Play Smart. Play with Pride. Go Bulldogs! Proudly supporting our students, our schools, hools, and our community. - The e City off Ashville sh ille

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RAGLAND PURPLE DEVILS

PERFECT TIMING

Woody resets the standard at Ragland

eondre Woody wasn’t chasing a head coaching job when he took Ragland’s. He ran into the school’s principal – his own former eighth-grade teacher – at a county basketball tournament, and one conversation turned into a job offer by March. “I felt like it was just the right thing to do at the time,” Woody said. “I’ve always had dreams of being a head coach, and I felt like this opportunity presented itself.” Woody is both the head football coach and athletic director at Ragland, a jump from his previous role as St. Clair County Middle School’s athletic director. “I kind of got thrown in the fire a little bit,” Woody said. “Now I’m over everything athletic-wise at Ragland.” That has meant building beyond football, too. Woody pointed to a new girls’ strength and conditioning program as one of the first pieces he put in place this offseason. He said building the culture on his team that he wants starts with the small stuff. “We’ve been preaching doing the right things — popping on the small, minor details over and over,” Woody said. “Being on time, being where you’re supposed to be, wearing the correct gear.”

He was candid about the challenges specific to Ragland’s community, including attendance issues tied to some players working jobs or handling family responsibilities. “It’s not something we complain about,” Woody said. “It’s just something we have to deal with at our level.” One of his biggest priorities has been addressing the facilities gap between Ragland and other county schools. “Our kids deserve the exact same thing,” Woody said, pointing to other schools’ facilities. “I’m a big facilities guy — I want to give our kids something to be proud of.” New LED lights and field house renovations are on the way for the upcoming season. Ragland lost A’ron Lee, a 5,000 yard career rusher, and last year’s starting quarterback Hunter Nolin to graduation, but Woody said the cupboard isn’t empty. He’s excited about freshman Kobe Embry, a multi-sport athlete who’s expected to be a big part of the offense this season, and senior Trey Brothwell, who Woody said is finally realizing his own potential after drawing college interest. There’s a three-way quarterback battle currently between Mason Parker, Kodi Embry and Noah Williamson that will play

RAGLAND PURPLE DEVILS, CLASS 1A, REGION 8 HC DEONDRE WOODY (205) 937-9086

Week 0, 8/21 at 7 p.m. - vs Victory Christian Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - vs Pleasant Valley Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - @ Cedar Bluff* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - vs Valley Head Week 4, 9/18 at 7 p.m. - vs Spring Garden* Week 5, 9/25 at 7 p.m. - vs Southeastern Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - @ Woodville* Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - @ Appalachian* Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - vs Gaylesville* Week 9, 10/23 - BYE Week 10, 10/30 at 7 p.m. - vs Donoho

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CHEER out through the remainder of the offseason. The biggest adjustment for this group, Woody said, will be learning a new system and terminology under an almost entirely new coaching staff. “It’s a lot of information being relayed to them,” he said. “They’re going to have to grow up a lot faster than they may want to.” Woody said a successful first season

Thursday, August 20, 2026 13D

140 Council Dr., Odenville, AL 35120

isn’t only measured by wins. “I just want us to create a standard and a culture that people want to be a part of,” he said. His message to the Ragland community is direct. “It ain’t the same Ragland,” Woody said. “We’re here to stay, we’re gonna put a good product on the field, and we’re gonna do it with some class.”

35767 US Hwy 231, Ashville, AL 35953 Emergency (205) 369-2391

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2319 Cogswell Ave., Pell City 35125 000314775r1

14D Thursday, August 20, 2026

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY SAINTS ROBINSON’S SAINTS

ready to carry a target

ast season, St. Clair County went 9-1 in the regular season and posted the program’s best season in decades – before the community shut

coach Tyler Robinson hadn’t seen since in his career. said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” That breakout run – from 3-7 and 5-5 in Robinson’s first two seasons – has changed what’s expected of his program. The Saints are no longer sneaking up on anybody. Robinson said the climb from 3-7 to 10-2 wasn’t an accident, it was the product of a young roster maturing “It takes a while to build a foundation,” Robinson said. “This year’s seniors have never known any other When you have somebody for four years, it makes a tight-knit bond, a family.” Even while running the table in the regular season, Robinson said the team wasn’t satisfied with the result. “It was never an easy, settled feeling,” he said. “Our kids just kept showing up, kept fighting, and next thing you know, you’re 9-1.” That success has changed how opponents see the

Saints – and how Robinson prepares for a schedule that doesn’t include any easy-going. “People want to beat us now,” Robinson said. “We’re not going to sneak up on anybody anymore.” Robinson has been part of programs like this before, and said holding a standard once you’ve reached it is a “I don’t really know how to have a losing record,” Robinson said. “That’s not a cocky thing — I’ve been with coaches, with programs, that just know how to win on a consistent basis. That’s what you want to be.” Robinson’s background is mostly in college football, and he said that shows up in how the program is run day to day — organized practice schedules, detailed “The way we operate, from warmups all the way He also pointed to a former player, Lucas Mrachkovskiy, who walked on at Jacksonville State and started in 12 games his redshirt freshman season, calling it proof the program prepares players for whatever comes next. The Saints lost dynamic playmaker Tra Jones, who’s now playing college football at Huntingdon, but returned significant experience. Robinson said the

ST. CLAIR COUNTY FIGHTING SAINTS, CLASS 5A, REGION 6 HC TYLER ROBINSON

Week 0, 8/20 at 7 p.m. - @ Gardendale Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - @ Leeds* Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - vs Oxford* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - vs Springville* Week 4, 9/18 at 7 p.m. - @ Pell City Week 5, 9/25 at 7 p.m. - vs Moody Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - @ Pinson Valley* Week 7, 10/9 - BYE Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - vs ClayChalkville Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - @ Southside Week 10, 10/30 at 7 p.m. - vs Central of Clay County

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 15D

BAND Sound of the Saints Marching Band

defense should be the most physical of his tenure, highlighting a deep secondary and interior defensive line he expects to make noise this season. charge on the other side of the ball. “We’re very fast,” Robinson said. “We’re going to kind of stick with that identity. We’re a fast football team, we’re gonna play at a fast pace. Can you keep up?” When defining success this season for his team, Robinson pointed out the program’s only state title that the Saints

won in 1993 as proof that a deep run isn’t out of reach. “It’s been done before,” he said. “It’s not impossible. It would mean a lot to this community.” As for the locker room itself, Robinson said what sticks with him most isn’t the record — it’s the group he gets to coach. “They cut up in the locker room. They’re a funny group,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s about relationships, building community, and having an everlasting impact on these young men.”

WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF ALL OUR AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS.

HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE YEAR! Work hard to do your best and success will surely come.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion should immediately be removed from play and activity, evaluated right away by a doctor or healthcare professional, monitored and not left alone and not drive a motor vehicle.

To make an appointment, please call 205-638-6921.

Jared B. Arnold Attorney At Law

2109 7th Ave. N. Suite #3 Pell City, AL 35125

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should be taken seriously. Although fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, it is important to understand the dangers and not take them lightly. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

205-338-6565

000306719r1

A concussion is nothing to play with.

ChildrensAL.org/Concussion

16D Thursday, August 20, 2026

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SPRINGVILLE TIGERS LUMPKIN READY TO STEADY

the ship at Springville

eff Lumpkin spent most of his career as an assistant, content playing a role on someone else’s staff. He wasn’t chasing a head coaching job – until Springville made him fall in love with the community first. “I fell in love with the community,” Lumpkin said. “I knew that if I ever had a chance, it would be a situation where I felt like I would fit.” That chance came this spring, following a stint as defensive coordinator and interim head coach at Gadsden City. Lumpkin said years of experience in competitive regions across the state left him more prepared than ever to finally take the job. Lumpkin knew much of the roster already from his time as an assistant at Springville, but said what the program needed most wasn’t new schemes or gameplans, it was stability. “The kids at Springville wanted and needed some stability,” Lumpkin said. “I wanted them to feel like they were cared for, and help them believe in themselves.” Despite the classification shuffle across the state this year, Springville remains in a Class 5A region – albeit a reshuffled one after the removal of Class 7A – and Lumpkin said the level of competition hasn’t changed his approach.

“Looking at the opponents we have in the region — Clay-Chalkville, Pell City, Oxford, St. Clair County, Southside, Pinson Valley — it’s going to be a challenge,” Lumpkin said. “But I presented it to our kids as an opportunity. Not everybody gets to play on a big stage like that on Friday night.” Lumpkin promoted Chris Martin, already on staff, to offensive coordinator, and brought in Drew Barnett, a defensive coordinator he’d coached alongside previously at St. Clair County. “I always thought a lot of Drew,” Lumpkin said. “Very professional, very confident, and ultimately a fantastic teacher. I feel blessed to have both these guys as coordinators.” Before Lumpkin arrived, Springville has cycled through coaches in recent years, and he said some veteran players came in with real concerns about the locker room culture. His answer has been an emphasis on accountability, led largely by the players themselves. “The little things matter — holding each other accountable, not letting things go,” Lumpkin said. “It’s been player-led, and the leadership in the locker room has been fantastic.” Lumpkin pointed to receiver/defensive back Franklin Tripp as a vocal leader who’s grown physically and

SPRINGVILLE TIGERS, CLASS 5A, REGION 6

HC JEFF LUMPKIN (256) 454-9367

Week 0, 8/21 at 7 p.m. - @ Ashville Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - vs Priceville Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - vs ClayChalkville* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - @ St. Clair County* Week 4, 9/18 - BYE Week 5, 9/25 at 7 p.m. - vs Hayden Week 6, 10/2 at 7 p.m. - @ Southside* Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - vs Oxford* Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - @ Pinson Valley* Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - @ Pell City Week 10, 10/30 at 7 p.m. - @ Cleburne County

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stepped into a bigger role in the locker room, along with running back Sovante Killian, whose relentless practice habits Lumpkin said sometimes requires him to pull the reins back. Up front, he named Noah Gil, Cason Cornwell, Damian Smith and Jake Morgan as a line that steadily improved during the offseason. On defense, linebacker Colton Hill, outside linebacker Tyler Tatum and linebacker Alec Swallows give the unit an edge, with Tripp playing both ways in the secondary alongside corner Ian Williams. “No matter who the opponent is Friday night, I hope we’re a team that gets after people,” Lumpkin said. “Win

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 17D

BAND or lose, we’re gonna give it everything we got.” After a rough season and significant roster turnover, Lumpkin said he’s not measuring this year by the scoreboard. “Success for us isn’t necessarily going to be wins and losses,” Lumpkin said. “We’re gonna be blue collar, and hopefully it’ll be an easy team for our community to root for.” He said he wants the Springville fans to fill the stands regardless of the record – something the community has already shown to do. “If the Tigers are rolling, those stands are packed,” Lumpkin said. “If it’s

CHEER

not going well, those stands are still going to be packed. That’s the kind of community we have.” As for what fans and opponents alike should know about his team, Lumpkin pointed out a scrimmage that

he believes showed the character and culture the Tigers are building. “Things got a little chippy out there, and we didn’t back down a step,” Lumpkin said. “I think that’s a sign of things to come.”

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VICTORY CHRISTIAN LIONS FROM 22 TO 42

Griffith’s reloading at Victory Christian

hen Matt Griffith took over Victory Christian’s program in 2024, the roster numbered 22 players across grades 7-12. Heading into his third year at the helm of the program, that number has doubled to 42. “Numbers-wise and excitement-wise, it’s come a good ways in the last couple years,” Griffith said. “We’re proud of that, and we hope it can continue.” Last season, Griffith said, Victory Christian had one true returning senior – two of its three seniors hadn’t played football in years before suiting up again. This year flips that script, 11 seniors and 10 juniors, many of them multi-year starters in the system. “We’ve got a lot of returning guys that have been playing now for two years in the system,” Griffith said, pointing to running back Chase Pond and receiver/corner Dwayne Talley, both entering their third year as starters, along with tackle Silas Bynum. Last year’s tough losses came largely to inexperience, according to Griffith, including moving a running back to quarterback and two first-time

linemen learning the position on the fly. The new AHSAA private-versus-public classification split has also reshaped Victory Christian’s schedule, putting the Lions in a region with similarly sized private schools. “It’s gonna make us much more competitive,” Griffith said. Before coming out of retirement in 2024 and taking the Victory Christian job, Griffith spent 19982001 with Pell City and became the second longest tenured head coach in Sylacauga history, spending 15 seasons with the program. He said he’s building the Lions up the same way he did at Sylacauga – running a nearly identical system from seventh grade through varsity, with the varsity staff directly coaching the junior high team, Griffith said. “That way they’re ingrained in it from 12-years-old up,” Griffith said. “They get a little familiarity of the program for when they do get to be that age and playing in high school.” The challenges going from a program like Sylacauga to a small private school, according to

Griffith, is the talent drop off from the ones to the twos. The drop off between those two groups make it difficult to simulate real competition in practice. That’s where summer OTAs (Organized Team Activities)and 7-on-7’s come into play. “You can’t do that in practice at a 1A school,” Griffith said. “The OTAs and 7-on-7s in the summer, playing against other schools, has just really benefited us.” When asked about a non-negotiable no matter the program, Griffith didn’t hesitate: work ethic and the weight room. “That’s where programs are built, where your football team is built, where unity is built,” Griffith said. “With football, you can work your way onto the field. You can’t say that about basketball or baseball — those take more raw ability.” Griffith is counting on Pond and Talley again as offensive centerpieces, as well as Jack Crow, a linebacker back healthy from injuries, and Mason Lee anchoring the secondary on defense. Sophomores Will Dial at quarterback and Nolan Tate

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 19D

Backing Our Local Schools Every Yard of the Way. At USB, we believe in the power of teamwork, dedication, and community spirit— on and off the field. We’re proud to support our local athletic teams and the traditions that bring us together. Here’s to a season full of heart, hustle, and hometown pride.

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VICTORY CHRISTIAN LIONS, SINGLE A, REGION 3

HC MATT GRIFFITH (205) 215-5467

VARSITY FOOTBALL

Week 0, 8/21 at 7 p.m. - @ Ragland Week 1, 8/28 at 7 p.m. - vs Spring Garden Week 2, 9/4 at 7 p.m. - @ Tuscaloosa Academy* Week 3, 9/11 at 7 p.m. - vs Ellwood Christian* Week 4, 9/18 - BYE Week 5, 9/25 at 7 p.m. - @ Verbena Week 6, 10/2 - BYE Week 7, 10/9 at 7 p.m. - vs Pickens Academy* Week 8, 10/16 at 7 p.m. - @ Donoho* Week 9, 10/23 at 7 p.m. - @ Holy Spirit Catholic* Week 10, 10/30 at 7 p.m. - vs Horseshoe Bend

CHEER at running back/linebacker round out a group that Griffith calls talented but thin in depth. “I thought Will got much better every 7-on-7 as a 10th-grade quarterback,” Griffith said. “We’re gonna have to get better up front on pass protection to give him time to throw.” His biggest concern heading into the

fall? Team speed. “We’re not a very fast football team,” Griffith said. “We’ve got a couple fast guys, but overall, no.” His bar for success hasn’t changed since his Sylacauga days. “Your first goal should be to have a winning season and make the

playoffs,” Griffith said. “If those two things aren’t accomplished, to me, it’s not a successful season.” Beyond wins and losses, Griffith said he wants the Victory Christian community to see effort, discipline and character on display every Friday night. “I want them to feel like our kids are giving great effort, that they’re well

coached, very disciplined, and that they show Christlike characteristics in everything we do,” Griffith said. He added one last thing that he wants people to know about his team as a whole. “I think what’s happening at Victory is the best kept secret around St. Clair County,” Griffith said.

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PIGSKIN PREVIEW

Thursday, August 20, 2026 21D

7 BENEFITS OF CHEERLEADING Cheerleading captivates millions of participants. Statista Research says roughly 3.8 million Americans age six and older participated in cheerleading in 2023, which was up from 3.5 million a year earlier. According to Cheer Canada, the nation’s governing body of cheerleading, the sport has more than 400 schools and clubs and roughly 25,000 participants across the country. While competitions and supporting school teams are the main objectives of cheerleading, there are many additional benefits of being involved in the sport. 1. Teaches sportsmanship: Cheer helps to teach athletes how to accept defeat gracefully, be proud of successes and maintain respect for fellow competitors or teams no matter a game’s final outcome. 2. Encourages teamwork: Cheerleading is a team sport that takes into consideration participants’ strengths to achieve the best outcome for the

team. Squads that are inclusive of all skill levels and athletes have the best environment for success. 3. Promotes physical fitness: Cheerleading is hard work that pushes the body through cardiovascular exercises as part of high-energy routines. Choreography can include dance, tumbling, jumps, and other stunts that necessitate stamina and strength. 4. Fosters discipline: Practices, showing up on the sidelines for football games and other sports and competing against other cheer squads all are part of the cheerleading experience. Cheerleaders need to prepare and focus to be at the best of their abilities, and that preparation fosters a sense of discipline. 5. Helps to build confidence: As participants make new friends and develop their skills, their confidence levels grow. Performing in front of an audience helps cheerleaders adapt to being in the public eye, which also boosts their confidence. 6. Improves self-awareness: Cheerleaders

need to be aware of their movements both individually and as part of the squad. This involves being in tune with what their bodies are doing in the air and on the floor in relation to others. 7. Connects participants with their community: Not only are cheerleaders part of the team, they often act as ambassadors for schools and programs. This may take them to various events where they get to mingle with the community and spread good cheer. Cheerleading benefits participants in a number of significant ways.

Here’s H ere’s to oaG Great reat S Season eason for or t the he Ashville A shville H High igh S School chool Football Fo tball Team! eam! Go Go Get G t Em’ Em’ Bulldogs! Bulldogs!

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GET READY FOR SCHOLASTIC SPORTS SEASONS Students have plenty of reasons to participate in school sports and many of them confirm what the experts say regarding the benefits of such pursuits. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) indicates some of the main benefits include: • Building relationships through the team • Developing care and empathy • Maintaining strong physical fitness • Understanding limitations and how to push past them • Listening to and learning from coaches Millions of children participate in scholastic sports and recreational leagues across the country. Young athletes can take certain steps to prepare for the upcoming season. Most sports programs will not enroll participants without a recent sports physical. Physicals typically must be updated every year. Students and parents should check the date on athletes’ most recent physical examination and be sure that they schedule one prior

CREATE A PORTAL ACCOUNT

Schools now rely primarily on technology to organize the acquisition of health records and other pertinent information so that students can participate in play. Services like Student Central and GoToMySportsPhysical enable schools to aggregate forms and sports clearance information in one place. Usage of these systems typically requires setting up both parent and student accounts and then populating the information and digitally signing as needed. In addition to uploading sports physical forms, the portal may ask users to sign waivers and to confirm that they have read information regarding injury risk.

CHECK GEAR

Student athletes should confirm which gear they may need for the upcoming season. Check last season’s gear to ensure it still fits and remains in good working order.

GET IN SHAPE

Some athletes continue with their training regimens all year long. Others may take breaks between seasons. It may be necessary to create a new exercise plan so athletes can start acclimating their bodies to the demands of the sport.

UNDERGO A CONCUSSION BASELINE TEST

Some schools require a concussion baseline test prior to sports participation. It is a specific questionnaire for each player that will create baseline data regarding processing speed, symptoms, pain levels, balance, and physical abilities, according to CognitiveFx. Should a sports injury occur, the test will be repeated and the results can be compared to assess depth of injury. The new scholastic season may be beginning shortly and student athletes need to take certain steps to ensure they’re eligible and able to play when practices start.

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to the start of the season. Remember to bring along any athletic forms that will need to be filled out and officially signed by health care professionals.

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 23D

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

WHAT YOUNG ATHLETES CAN DO TO REDUCE INJURY RISK Exercise is great for the body. Scholastic and recreational sports is one of the primary ways children and adolescents get the exercise they need. Even though sports participation is relatively safe, there’s no guarantee athletes won’t suffer an injury. However, there are ways for student athletes to reduce their risk of getting hurt while playing the games they love. • Maintain flexibility. Mount Sinai says it is extremely important for athletes to perform dynamic stretches before starting any activity. Cold muscles are vulnerable to injury, so it’s best to do some sort of physical warm-up, including jumping jacks, butt kicks, running in place, or arm circles. • Practice proper technique. Athletes should learn and implement the proper techniques for whatever sport they are playing to lower their injury risk. • Don’t push through pain. Pain is one way the body communicates that something isn’t right. At the first sign of pain, an athlete should take a break and be assessed by a medical professional. Playing through pain can make an injury worse and sideline athletes

for longer than expected. • Wear the right gear. Johns Hopkins Medicine emphasizes using proper, well-fitting gear. Certain gear may be cumbersome and athletes may be tempted to forego it, but that can result in greater injury risk. • Get a sports physical. Most programs mandate an updated sports physical examination. This preparticipation physical allows for the screening, prevention and treatment of any conditions that can affect play and contribute to injury. • Gradually increase training intensity. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine indicates athletes should always build up their training gradually. One way to do so is to follow the 10 percent rule, which advises against increasing training activity, weight, mileage, or pace by more than 10 percent per week. • Rest and take breaks. Athletes who play sports year-round have a greater tendency than others to suffer overuse injuries because their bodies are

not given an opportunity to rest and recover. Athletes should take at least one season off per year. • Play different sports. By participating in different sports, an athlete can avoid using the same muscle groups all the time. For example, the muscles used for swimming may be different from those used for playing field hockey. Utilizing different muscles reduces the risk for overuse injuries. • Strengthen the core. Mount Sinai notes a strong core, which is the abdominal area of the body, can help athletes avoid injuries. Exercises that strengthen the core can improve balance, stability and strength. Student athletes may want to get ahead in the sports they play, but it should never be at the expense of putting their bodies at a greater risk for injury.

Wishing the Saint Clair County n High School Football Team a Winning g Season! ea Go Saints!

Down Home, Down The Street.

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