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SHELBY COUNTY 2026

All 14 Teams Inside

FLYING HIGHER

Calera’s Cameron Smith grows through injury

ALL OF THE LIGHTS Breaking down all 14 teams

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THE BATTLE

BEGINS

Thompson’s Trent Seaborn headlines locals seeking championship glory 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 1

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Briarwood Edition

THE HUNT BEGINS

Briarwood embraces new-look road to state title

INTO THE DEN

Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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RETURN OF THE ROAR Sam Canale leads Lions into new challenges

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Calera Edition

FLIGHT PATH

Eagles shoot for playoffs in new-look region

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BEST OF THE NEST

Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

SOARING HIGHER

Cameron Smith battles back to lead Calera forward

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Chelsea Edition

A NEW ERA

Tad Niblett brings playoff pedigree to Chelsea

THE LATEST BUZZ Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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STING Cohen Jones headlines Hornets to watch

SHELBY COUNTY THE BATTLE BEGINS

2026

Cornerstone Edition

Chargers ready for new challenges in 2026

KNIGHTS TO REMEMBER

Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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Malachi Adams leading Cornerstone’s quest to reclaim title

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Evangel Edition

THE DYNASTY CONTINUES Lightning seek repeat state, national glory

A STORM BREWS Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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RIDE THE LIGHTNING

Eli Black electrifies Evangel for 2026 season

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Helena Edition

STRENGTH OF THE PACK

Huskies seek deeper run in 2026

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BACK IN BLACK

Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

DEFEND THE HILL

Nathan Reid leads Helena with two-way talent

SHELBY COUNTY 2026

DEFEND THE TOWN

Montevallo Edition

Garrett Langer’s Bulldogs prepare for more in 2026

INTO THE DOGHOUSE

Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

BACK FOR

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Montevallo ready for next step with Jordyn McCary

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Oak Mountain Edition

LEADING THE WAY

Jason Kervin preps for first season as Eagles coach

THE EAGLES’ NEST

Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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TAKING FLIGHT

Charlie Vacarella leads Oak Mountain into new era

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Pelham Edition

THE BATTLE BACK

Inside Marcus Arnold’s recovery from injury

ON THE PROWL Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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READY TO

ROAR

Dylan Smith prepares to lead Pelham one last time

SHELBY COUNTY 2026

Shelby County Edition

CONTINUING THE HUNT Wildcats hungry for more after playoff success

INTO THE DEN Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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THE WILDCAT WAY Hunter King brings strength to Shelby County’s line

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Thompson Edition

THE NEXT WAR Thompson seeks another three-peat

BATTLE PLANS Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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THE JOB

Trent Seaborn ready to represent Alabaster one more time

SHELBY COUNTY 2026 Vincent Edition

BRINGING THE FIREWORKS

Jackets’ veteran core charts new path to glory

DEFEND THE NEST

ALL JACKED UP

Vincent ready for more success with Alex Ware

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Season preview, breakdown, roster and more

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Shelby County Football 2026

CONTENTS 7

A NEW OHANA How Thompson quarterback Trent Seaborn found home in Alabaster, Alabama

RELEARN TO FLY Calera safety Cameron Smith battles back from devastating injury to lead Eagles defense

NOW ON DECK The 10 best matchups for the 2026 season

TEAM PREVIEWS 20............... Briarwood 24..................... Calera 30...................Chelsea 36........... Coosa Valley 39............Cornerstone 41...................Evangel 44.................... Helena 52..............Montevallo 58.........Oak Mountain 64....................Pelham 78........ Shelby County 84...............Spain Park 90.............. Thompson 100................. Vincent 2 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PLAYING FROM YOUR LIBRARY

Fall 2026

Countdown to Kickoo Shelby County Schools

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08:20

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 3

From the Editor As a wise man once said, the only constant is change. That’s certainly the case as we dive into the 2026 Alabama high school football season. By nature, high school sports are built on change. Everyone’s high school days must eventually end, and new faces come in each year to replace those who have graduated. Coaches once again changed as Oak Mountain hired Jason Kervin and Chelsea welcomed in Tad Niblett. This year though, the changes extend further than that. It’s another reclassification cycle, one that moved Spain Park into the largest classification with Thompson and Oak Mountain and left everyone’s regions changed. On top of that, the AHSAA “restructured” the classifications to separate public and private schools from region and postseason play, creating Double AA for the 16 largest private schools, including Briarwood, and Single A for the remaining 29. There are now only six public school classifications, and for fans of Class 6A, they’ll get the first taste of a 24-team playoff. No, not the seemingly-inevitable College Football Playoff version, but one where Thompson, Oak Mountain and Spain Park will compete for six playoff spots in Region 3, including two first-round byes. Since those decisions came in January, it’s felt like an eternity. Football is at its worst when backroom politics subsume everything and off-field turmoil takes center stage. As for football at its best? Well, we’re about to see that. Once the calendar flips to Aug. 20, we’ll see players and coaches take the field and give their all in heated competition, fans, cheerleaders and bands line the stands to create boisterous atmospheres and communities join together for 10 games,

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STAFF and maybe more if they’re lucky, to support their own, rekindle rivalries and create unforgettable memories. There is truly nothing like a high school football Friday in Alabama. Whether you were born in your school’s colors or discovered this community later in life like myself, high school football remains the best way to see everything that this state has to offer, from small towns to big cities. Whichever camp you fall into, this magazine will help you as we embark on another wild four months. As always, it has season previews on each of our 14 teams, complete with the latest intel from coaches and myself on position battles and player skillsets, rosters, schedules, the best games of the year and even some predictions that will surely age well. It also has four feature stories designed to bring you closer to our county’s biggest stars. This year, the spotlight is on Thompson quarterback Trent Seaborn finding his home in Alabama, Calera’s Cameron Smith and Pelham’s Marcus Arnold and their battles with devastating injuries and Helena’s Nathan Reid’s do-itall skillset. Our coverage doesn’t stop here. Follow us along on X each week for live updates and shelbycountyreporter.com for scores, stories, photos and videos from all the action. We pride ourselves on having boots on the ground across the state to spotlight your hometown team each week. The path may be different. The opponents may be different. Even the destination may be different, since Mobile will host the AHSAA state championships for the first time. However, the newspaper that’s guided you through it since the sport’s inception is still the same. See you on the sideline.

Andrew Simonson, Sports Editor

Andrew.Simonson@ShelbyCountyReporter.com

EDITORIAL Michaela Bankston Anna Grace Breedlove Dave Domescik Andrew Simonson Noah Wortham

PRODUCTION Sydney Allen Jamie Dawkins Morgan Lockhart Lavens Maginnis Miles Maginnis

MARKETING Evann Campbell Octavia Campbell Rachel Henderson Junaid Khan Rhett McCreight Lauren Morris Tori Smith

ADMINISTRATIVE Amanda Boothe Carlee Chappell Mary Jo Eskridge Alec Etheredge Stacey Meadows Kayla Reeves Leslie Reeves Jennifer Robertson Brittany Schofield

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A new Ohana How Trent Seaborn found his home in Alabaster, Alabama Written by ANDREW SIMONSON | Photos by CAROLINE SIMMONS AND FILE

As a senior in high school, Trent Seaborn has a lot on his mind. Graduation, college, one last year with his classmates. As a four-star quarterback committed to Alabama though, some of those thoughts are very unique to him. One of those thoughts was about his college locker. Alongside his name and number, he’ll get to list his hometown. For someone like Seaborn, that decision is more nuanced than most. He was born in Hawaii, spent multiple years in Colorado and now lives in Alabaster. However, in his heart, it wasn’t a question. “I’d probably put Alabaster, Alabama on there because that’s the place where I feel like that is home

to me,” Seaborn said. Now, that kid from Hawaii is ready for one last chance to represent his home of Alabaster by chasing a fourth state championship in five years and give one last gift to the city that welcomed his family with open arms.

WE KNOW THE WAY Seaborn was born in Hawaii and spent much of his formative years there. He vividly remembers his time in Waialua on the north shore of Oahu. “I just really loved how country it was up there, wasn’t very busy at all,” Seaborn said of Waialua. “It 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 7

was just really, really kind of relaxed and not a whole lot going on.” He got an early start playing football and began throwing just before entering elementary school. That led him to a free weekly quarterback clinic at St. Louis High School in Honolulu. During one of those camps, Seaborn’s father Jason heard about another weekly clinic on the opposite side of the island. The man leading it was the father of a rising sophomore at St. Louis. That sophomore was Tua Tagovailoa. And his father was Galu Tagovailoa. Jason took his son to the clinic, and at the end, Galu gave a rave review that changed everything. “I’ll never forget that conversation, he said, ‘Your son reminds me exactly of Tua when he was the same age, the way the ball comes out of his hand, the way he throws, just how he moves,’” Jason recalled. “He said, ‘It’s like I’m looking at my son all over again at the same age.’” Soon, he was in Galu’s inner circle of a handful of players training regularly with him. He would be invited to spontaneous workouts that required his parents to drop everything to bring him lest he lose his chance to continue training. Looking back, Jason knows training with Galu was a heavy time sacrifice for he and his young family to make, but he firmly believed it was worth seeing how far his son could go too. “When you saw how he trained his kids, and the proof was really in how successful and talented you saw Taulia and Tua at that young age, as a dad of a quarterback, you thought, ‘Gosh, success leaves clues, let’s follow what this guy’s doing with his kids and get him around Galu as much as possible,’” Jason said. Little did he know at the time literally how far they would follow the Tagovailoas.

PLANTING NEW ROOTS Neither the Tagovailoas nor the Seaborns would be long for Hawaii as the Tagovailoas moved to Alabama and the Seaborns moved just outside Denver to Parker, Colorado in July 2017. The former’s move was to be close to Tua at Alabama, the latter was simply to escape the high cost of living in Hawaii. The Tagovailoas chose to put down roots in Alabaster to bring Taulia under then-new Thompson coach Mark Freeman. They stayed after Taulia graduated from Thompson, and Galu continued his quarterback training in the Alabaster area under the Raising Champions banner. When the Seaborns visited the Tagovailoas, Galu pitched Jason on moving his family to Alabama,

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saying the increased competition of Class 7A football accelerated Taulia’s development. Jason was all in. His wife Jowell wasn’t. “My wife kind of looked at me like, ‘Are you nuts? Like we haven’t even finished unpacking our house in Colorado. We’re not going to uproot again and move to Alabama,’” Jason recalled. “And so, at that stage, it really was just a pipe dream. I didn’t think there was any chance that God would lead us to come out to Alabama.” God had different plans though. Jowell came for a visit to Alabaster and met Freeman. Football wasn’t even the focus, but instead faith, parenthood and their shared values. That’s when she started to see what Jason was talking about from his experience with Freeman. “We walked away and Jowell turned to me and she said, “‘I want our son to play for that man,’” Jason recalled. Jason said the decision to move to Alabaster and Thompson was more than just football but about giving Trent the best chance to grow into both an elite quarterback and a great man. “The opportunity to have our son play for someone that is going to build him up as a football player, build him up as a man of God, and build him up as a strongcharacter young man, which we had seen him do with many of the players that have come out of this program, was just an opportunity that we really

wanted to chase,” Jason said. With Jowell now on board, the couple started planning their move immediately after returning from Alabama. The doors began opening though for a move in October 2021. Seaborn was initially thrilled with the move and the thought of potentially playing for Thompson. Like many kids however, he struggled to adjust to his new home, especially after starting out in a months-long stint of online school. For the first few months, he was homesick for Colorado. “It was really hard to make friends, and I remember when we had first moved for the first like three months, I was honestly regretting moving out here,” Seaborn said. “I was like, ‘Man, I wish we could go back.’ Like, I was hoping if there was any reason for us to go back that we would take it and move back to Colorado.” Things picked up once he and his siblings started in-person school and Seaborn started practicing with Thompson. He quickly worked his way onto the varsity roster and became the backup quarterback as an eighth grader in 2022. He picked up his first varsity experience during blowouts in the 2022 season, immediately showing his star potential while learning behind Zach Sims. What happened next immediately wrote his name into Alabama high school lore. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 9

his office to extend an offer. To them, it felt like the culmination of a longtime dream. Seaborn didn’t immediately commit and instead kept his options open. Then, Saban retired, and Kalen DeBoer’s new staff reviewed each player he offered. As a result, he visited other schools across the country. While Seaborn built strong relationships with many of them, Jason and his family could tell he still wanted to go to Alabama. “I could tell just watching him, knowing our son the FAITHFUL, LOYAL, FIRM AND TRUE way we do, that he was considering these other The Seaborn family’s love for Alabama started when schools, but in his heart, his love for Alabama and Tua committed to the Tide. That was fairly common what that whole program and history and legacy on Oahu, where most of the island got behind the meant was just too steep for any other program really team, but when they moved to Colorado, their to overcome,” Jason said. Once that offer came, Seaborn committed to Alabama fandom left them on a different kind of Alabama in October 2025, posting childhood photos island. “We got a lot of funny looks with an Alabama flag of himself in Tide gear after the announcement. Even if it wasn’t Alabama though, Seaborn said his flying out of our van in Parker, Colorado on gamedays,” decision would’ve been set in stone. And ever since he Jason joked. His Alabama fandom lasted beyond Tua’s time in decided, he’s stuck to his word. He’s only taken visits Tuscaloosa and through his move to Alabama. He to Alabama, never entertained other offers and is wouldn’t need to wait long for his chance to play there. actively pushing other recruits to join him. “I wanted to be 100 percent locked in for whatever At the annual University of Alabama 7-on-7 tournament in 2023, the Tide staff watched Seaborn school,” Seaborn said. “So, I knew I had to take my dominate with Thompson as a freshman. Afterwards, time to make sure that my decision was going to be none other than Nick Saban invited the Seaborns into one that I wouldn’t have to change. So, when it did end After a season-ending injury to Sims, Seaborn stepped in and won each of his starts en route to the 2022 state championship. He’s remained the starter ever since and won back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, earning All-American and Back of the Year honors last year and invites to the Elite 11 and 2027 Polynesian Bowl. That left many colleges vying for his services. But there was only one that truly had his heart.

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up being Alabama, my family and I, we were so happy to be able to kind of put it all to rest.” That desire goes back to one of his fundamental values–loyalty. He has always valued being loyal to those who he started with, and it’s the reason he didn’t leave his recruitment open after he committed. “I always stick with the people that stuck with me, and it’s just kind of how I’m wired and how I’m built,” Seaborn said. “I have a real appreciation for those that have gotten me to where I am today.”

FINDING FAMILY That loyalty extends to Thompson as well. Before his sophomore season in 2024, Seaborn turned down a seven-figure NIL offer from Leaf trading cards because it would’ve required him to transfer out-of-state, per Alabama laws against high school endorsement deals. He’s continued to turn down those offers because he values Thompson so much, from the development he gets as a quarterback and man to the community that supports him. Now, here Seaborn sits, as a rising senior with one more shot at glory in a high school jersey. But for Seaborn, it’s not the three state championships that he’s won that motivate him the most. It’s the one that got away. In his second year as a starter, Seaborn and the Warriors lost to CentralPhenix City for the state title. He said that pain has stuck with him ever since and he’s vowed to never let it happen again. “Experiencing that loss, it kind of lit a different fire within me, and I think the rest of my teammates as well, so we never wanted to have that feeling again,” Seaborn said. “And that kind of kept us not being complacent the past two-and-a-half years, almost three years now, to never experience that feeling again.” Even with all of his work in the training facility though, Seaborn’s still found time to be a normal high school kid. He was an active member of the Thompson band until his senior season, and he went viral for

joining his bandmates in the stands with his saxophone after games, jersey and all. Seaborn deeply values his relationships with his classmates, both on the field and off it. As his senior year approaches, each milestone is a different chance to reflect on his journey from eighth grade to now. “I’ve been here for so long that I’ve been able to have all these memories of the same trip over the past four years or five years, whatever it is,” Seaborn said. “And it kind of made me sad because I thought the first time we went (to Foley 7-on-7 camp), it was like, ‘I’ve got to do this four more times,’ and then now I’m like, ‘Man, I kind of wish I got to do it one more time.’ “So, it’s kind of sad, but I also just look back and appreciate all the memories that I’ve had here.” Coming from Hawaii, Seaborn has a keen understanding of family. Hawaiian culture preaches and embodies the idea of “ohana,” the traditional Hawaiian word for family, which extends past the immediate family and to the entire community. “The whole aspect of Ohana in Hawaii is the kind of the family of everything, how everybody will support everybody and love on everybody, and that’s kind of how it is out here,” Seaborn said. “I mean, especially with what I personally with me and my teammates and my coaches (at Thompson), we’re all really close with each — Jason Seaborn other.” It’s also the main reason why Seaborn considers Alabaster his home. Deep down, the small-town atmosphere where neighbors know each other, Christian faith is forefront and everyone does life together just feels right. Almost like a new “ohana.” “We obviously lived here longer than we did in Colorado, but we’ve been living here for so long and I’ve developed so many genuine friendships and relationships that this is really what I consider home when people ask me,” Seaborn said. “I obviously loved living in Hawaii and I loved living in Colorado. But just the small town feeling of Alabaster of kind of everyone knowing everyone and just developing all these friendships, that’s what I really kind of give credit to of why I consider this place home.”

“I’ll never forget that conversation, (Galu) said, ‘Your son reminds me exactly of Tua when he was the same age, the way the ball comes out of his hand, the way he throws, just how he moves. He said, ‘It’s like I’m looking at my son all over again at the same age.’”

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Learning to flY Calera’s Cameron Smith grows as leader through injury

Written by ANDREW SIMONSON | Photos by CAROLINE SIMMONS

Like many juniors playing high school football, Calera Eagles safety Cameron Smith stepped into the 2025 season with optimism, ready to make a statement as one of the newer starters on defense. That excitement lasted just one quarter. Smith suffered a season-ending injury in the opener, which derailed his hopes for a big junior year. However, he turned the setback into a growing experience. Smith evolved as a leader and learned more about the game off the field, which made him a continually valued presence on the sideline.

Now, he’s ready to show those improvements on the field with a standout senior season. He hopes to write a new final chapter of his high school football story, one where he reclaims what he lost and guides the Eagles back to the postseason. “He didn’t want that to be his defining moment that, ‘Hey, I got out there and gave it all I had, but I’m just going to give it up,’” Calera head football coach Scott Rials said. “I think he wanted his defining moment to be back out on the field, leading the team, doing the things that guys do. “So, I kind of feel like that he has taken on a role 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 13

of leadership and that he said, ‘I’m not going to let this injury define me or be my career. I’m going to get out there and bust my tail and do everything I can to be the best player I can be.’ And that’s what he’s done.”

A SCREECHING HALT Smith was one of many Eagles looking forward to a strong season in 2025 as they took the field in Tuscaloosa for their Week 1 matchup against the Northridge Jaguars. After a solid first quarter, disaster hit for Smith. He suffered a devastating leg injury during the second quarter and had to come to the sideline. Soon, the trainer gave him the news: he would likely be out for the season. The prognosis hit him like a ton of bricks. As he sat in his new reality, he not only mourned his inability to play, but his thoughts also went to those around him. “I was just like, ‘Man, like, I really just let my teammates down, you know?’” Smith said. “I was like, ‘Am I going to be able to return back to the game?’ How I got up, I was like, ‘This may be it for the season.’” Smith would end up missing six months of action on the field, including the final nine games of the 2025 season. The Eagles finished the year 2-8 after a 3-7 2024 campaign to miss the playoffs for the second-straight year. Smith underwent a grueling rehab stint to get his leg back up to full strength. The long days of rehab and sitting at home were very dark for Smith, who admitted he doubted his future in football during that time. “Just going through the tough days, I thought about quitting sometime, but I just had to keep going,” Smith said. He said that the people around him got him through those dark times in the rehab process. He credits his teammates and mom for being present with him and encouraging him to press on and play again through visiting, calling and sending gifts. “My teammates, they called, check up on me,” Smith said. “It was like, ‘This what you want to play. I mean, this will come with it.’ And my mom, she being there for me when I was hurt.”

THE ROAD BACK That despair soon turned into an insatiable desire to return to the field. He pushed hard through his rehab to regain his strength and get back before

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spring. His determination to return surprised those around him, and Rials said it reflected well on who he is. He said that desire resonated with the rest of the team as they watched him work. “It was almost unbelievable,” Rials said. “His work ethic, dedication is off the charts. He was determined, got a lot of determination, and I’m telling you, it’s very inspiring.” While he couldn’t get back onto the field during the 2025 season, he wanted to make an impact even from the sideline. He became determined to level up as a leader, taking on more responsibilities as a junior to be there for his teammates and coaches. Smith would often check up on his teammates who were missing to see where they were and if something was wrong. He also helped keep his teammates in line at practice and doing the things that they needed to do in drills. Rials noted that he was doing things he wasn’t even seeing from his active players, which he said just further speaks to who he is as a person. “That’s a really high character guy there that’s concerned about his teammates, and that’s what he is,” Rials said. Once it came time to begin putting weight on the leg, Smith attacked his rehab with the goal of returning as quickly as possible. His desire to lead carried over into his determination to get back to action. “He took it as a personal challenge,” Rials said. “He was going to do everything he was required to do and then some to get back on the field.” It wasn’t an immediate return to normalcy though. Smith admits that rehab was challenging at times and the once-simple movements and drills needed to be relearned. “Just really getting back into the rhythm that I was in, like running lines and stuff like that, just trying to get back to myself,” Smith said about the most challenging parts of rehab. It proved to be a six-month road back before he returned to the field, a lengthy journey that at times frustrated him. From Rials’ perspective, it was an obstacle that Smith wasn’t expecting, but it proved fruitful in his development. Having to move to the sidelines forced Smith to

see the game in a different way. Rials believes that new perspective was what fueled Smith’s growth as a leader and set him up well going into his senior season. “I think it probably humbled him some,” Rials said. “An injury will humble you, but it also brought out another side of him that he’s really coming on more and more now to understand. I think stepping back sometimes can help you from a leadership role to see what we need and didn’t need, and I think it’s really made it where he could blossom into that role because he kind of could see things sort of stepping back to some degree last year.”

A NEW ENDING When Smith stepped back on the field, he said it felt incredible. It was a clean break from his rehab and into his next chapter on the football field, one he gets to write himself. He said that the time spent on the sideline helped him learn the playbook and various schemes in defensive coordinator Ervin Jackson’s system. That time opened his eyes to more of the purposes behind each play, and he sees the field differently now. “This past season, like the plays, it was like difficult for me to learn, but now that I was out, I got to see what — Scott Rials coach was really wanting us to bring in, it’s more easier for me to figure out what we’re doing,” Smith said. “I feel like the game has slowed down for me.” He also said that going into this season, he is more comfortable with his role on the team. Instead of trying to do it all, he’s hyper-focused on playing his part at safety the best he can, even as he helps with pre-snap alignments and encouraging his teammates. “I can do my job, and those other guys around me can do their job,” Smith said. “See, this past year, I was trying to do everybody else’s job. Now, I got to do my job, and they got to do their job, so coach can see what he need to improve on.” Not only does he see his role as a big playmaker in the back, he also wants to be the positive voice in the huddle, helping his teammates celebrate good plays and get over bad ones quickly to remain consistent in their mental approach to the game. “Just be that guy on defense that helps keep

“He took it as a personal challenge. He was going to do everything he was required to do and then some to get back on the field.”

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everybody together even when we’re going through adversity sometimes,” Smith said on his role. “Whether we like give up a big play, we just got to keep lifting each other up to the next play.” Those leadership characteristics weren’t always present last year. Now as a senior, Smith sets the tempo for a defense looking to get back on track on the field. Rials complimented Smith’s leadership and said that when he speaks, others listen. The way he carries himself in practice is often powerful enough to bring others in line as he leads by example. “He’s really become the leader on the defensive side, him and two of our linebackers, but he has such a calm demeanor off the field and on the field,” Rials said. “Just his characteristics of the calm demeanor and good work ethic, he doesn’t really even have to say a whole lot, and the kids follow him.” Senior seasons mean a lot to a player. For Smith

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though, it takes on a deeper meaning. After losing his junior season, he wants to make up for lost time and prove his worth. His goal remains to not only take Calera as far as possible, but he also strives to play collegiately. He wants to play hard this season to move the needle and open doors to continue his career. “Just trying to get back everything that I didn’t get to this past season, just trying to get it right this year, to move forward, to play at the next level somewhere possible,” Smith said. The hunger and passion he brings to the field is the same one that fueled him through rehab, which shaped him into the player, leader and man he is today. With one last chance to showcase who he is on the field, he wants to make the most of it. And those around him know to bet on him doing just that. “I feel like he’s going to attack it with a passion unknown to mankind,” Rials said.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 17

TOP 10 GAMES Previewing the best matchups of the 2026 season

THOMPSON AT CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY AUG. 20 (THURSDAY)

THOMPSON VS. CLAY-CHALKVILLE AUG. 27 (THURSDAY)

Right out of the gate, we get a rematch of one of last year’s best games that saw Junior Tu’upo shut down a late Red Devils rally in the semifinals.

The Champions Challenge may be long dead, but we get a de facto one here between the 7A and 6A defending champions, with the Warriors seeking revenge after last year’s collapse.

HELENA VS. PELHAM SEPT. 4

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN AT MOODY AUG. 21

Region play kicks off with a bang as the Panthers hope to avenge last year’s late collapse and snap Helena’s six-game on-field winning streak in the heated rivalry.

Briarwood gets a shot at revenge right away in a rematch of the Class 5A quarterfinals and reunion with former strength coach and new Blue Devils head coach Kyle Tatum.

OAK MOUNTAIN VS. PELHAM AUG. 21

The Eagles needed a Hail Mary to win last year, and multiple former Panthers have now moved down the road to Heardmont, including debuting Oak Mountain head coach Jason Kervin.

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SPAIN PARK AT HOOVER OCT. 16

The battle for Hoover gets playoff stakes this year as two perennial title contenders meet in a late-season clash at the Met.

THOMPSON AT HOOVER OCT. 2

SHELBY COUNTY AT NORTHSIDE OCT. 16

The region’s premier rivalry got added spice when the Bucs hit a walkoff field goal to end last year’s edition.

Both teams look to be in the mix for home playoff games, if not region titles, making this late-season battle a heavyweight clash.

10.

VINCENT VS. PIEDMONT OCT. 16

The Jackets’ new region sees them face some of North Alabama’s powers, including former 3A semifinalist Piedmont, who will come to town in a huge Week 8 matchup.

PELHAM AT MOUNTAIN BROOK OCT. 22 (THURSDAY)

The Panthers will face a massive road test to finish region play when they face the perennial title contenders on a state-wide stage.

GOOD LUCK on t he

2026

Football Season. 205-663-1919 MRBUGGS.COM

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 19

BRIARWOOD

TEAM INFORMATION

LIONS

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class Double AA, Region 5

As the lone AHSAA private school to play football in Shelby County, nobody’s path to the state championship changed more than the Briarwood Christian Lions. A year after challenging public-school powerhouses like Moody and Ramsay for championship glory, the Lions are in Double AA, Region 2 with eight of the 16 largest private schools in Alabama and will only play private schools in region play and the playoffs. That stretch will see Briarwood travel from Huntsville to Auburn in pursuit of a Region 2 title and automatically making the playoffs. Despite the changes around them, the Lions are still the same as they’ve ever been internally. A large class of 29 seniors leads a very experienced group that went all the way to the quarterfinals in Class 5A. Those kids have been together dating back to youth ball, which has led to a strong culture. That’s led to state title aspirations for year one of Double AA as Briarwood looks to establish itself as the top private-school program in the state.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK While last year’s primary starter Charles Dedmon has graduated, the Lions still have experience back in Jamison Barnes. The junior broke out with a two-rushing-touchdown outing against Ramsay and had three-score games against Carver-Birmingham and Hayden later in region play. He alternated snaps with Dedmon while primarily getting touches on the ground and in short-yardage situations. While he missed spring due to baseball’s deep run, he’s continued to grow in the offense this offseason. Forester has him in a competition with Max Beaumont, last year’s backup who, like Barnes, has also matured and slowed the game down with better reads of blocks and coverage. Forester said 7v7 season would answer more questions but that the job will go to the quarterback who protects, distributes and runs the ball best will get the nod.

RUNNING BACK With Barnes moving more fully into

20 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Sam Canale

2025 RECORD 7-6 (5-1 Class 5A, Region 5) HEAD COACH Matthew Forester RECORD 51-31 (Eighth Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Mike Bautista, Lance Coggins, Daniel Forester, Shane Harmon, Tony Johnson, Bobby Kerley, Jay Matthews, Jay Wise, Bob Blake, Derek Irons LAST REGION TITLE 2025 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH Gage Nasworthy, LB An All-State junior season sets up Nasworthy to have a standout senior season as the defensive leader. Sam Canale, WR Canale was a revelation at receiver last season, and he’ll be the top deep threat once again before playing for Navy. Adrian Derico, LT The 6-foot-6, 230-pound tackle has only grown both physically and as a lineman, generating major Power Four buzz. Photo by Andrew Simonson

the quarterback rotation, Jackson Reyer will only get more touches after a great season last year. He’s primarily a downhill runner, which works perfectly in the Lions offense and drew style comparisons to Bears legend Gale Sayers from Forester. He also complimented Reyer’s natural vision for reading defenses and blocks, smooth running and pass-catching ability. Benjamin Reynolds will primarily be the No. 2 back as the junior steps into a bigger role, and Noah Lee and Sebastian Locy.

RECEIVER For a position group that’s been either a question mark or liability in the past, this may be the team’s strength. Sam Canale is back after going for 786 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, earning him AllCounty Second Team honors. Forester was impressed at what he could do while splitting the offseason with the secondary, and now that he’s a dedicated receiver, the Air Force commit went to work and now bursts off the line and high-points the ball even better. He’ll be paired on the speed side by John Campbell, who ran the fastest 60-meter dash in school history in the winter, and JH Caldwell. That elite speed will help create separation at the second level. Forester expects the typical senior breakouts to be Copeland Holley and Will Butler, and the coaches expect Holley, Tory Smith and Zac King to block apex linebackers. As for tight ends, Charlie Allen and Rowdy Leonard both bring 6-foot-6 frames to the spot, and

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Moody Aug. 28: Homewood Sept. 4: Westminster Christian* Sept. 11: @ Lee-Scott* Sept. 17: Madison Academy*# Sept. 25: Montgomery Catholic* Oct. 1: @ St. John Paul II*# Oct. 9: John Carroll Catholic* Oct. 16: Randolph* Oct. 23: @ American Christian Oct. 30: Bye

Jackson Reyer, RB Reyer steps fully into the lead back spot and combines a downhill style with great movement and hands. Camden Schroeter, CB Beyond his coverage ability, Schroeter’s football IQ makes him an essential leader in the secondary.

*Region game #Thursday game

Luke Irons and Ethan Van Asselt will be strong blocking options there as well.

OFFENSIVE LINE Somehow, Adrian Derico is back bigger and stronger. The junior is up to 6-foot-6, 330 pounds and is growing into his new position of left tackle. He already has offers from Mississippi State and Kansas and will lead a group that’s unusually experienced by Briarwood standards. Forester typically develops for a one-year senior starter, but he has three returning starters in Derico, guard Hudson Parker and center Austin Johnson. Wynn Falkner fits that mold more as a senior right guard who’s worked in the system all four years, and Morgan Luster is another multi-year project now starting at right tackle as a junior. Forester said they are all natural linemen who love to double-team and mash, and Faulkner and Parker’s ability to pull and counter helps open up the run game and play-action. Payne Harrison,

Jackson Reyer KEY LOSSES Garrett Witherington, DT Before he missed the back half of last season with an injury, Witherington was a game-wrecking presence who is wellsuited for ACC football. Charles Dedmon, QB Dedmon grew considerably over his two years as a starter, leaving Briarwood in a partial reset at the position. Carter Fountain, OL Fountain was a three-year starter on the line for the Lions and was a key leader in the position group. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 21

2026 BRIARWOOD Roster NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

Isaac Kerley

NO.

NAME

So.

Griff Schmidt

Jr.

Sr.

Alex Marshall

Hudson Parker

Sr.

Max Beaumont

Sr.

Reeves Rohloff

William Dedmon

Jr.

Davis Heilbron

So.

Sr.

Coleson Gooch

Wynn Falkner

Sr.

Noah Lee

Jr.

Sebastian Locy

Morgan Luster

Jr.

Jack Eubanks

So.

Jr.

Tucker McGough

Payne Harrison

Sr.

Ben Reynolds

Jr.

So.

John Campbell

Knox Allred

Sr.

Anderson Mathews

So.

Tristen Funk

Jr.

Grant Skinner

Sr.

Ken Azar

Sr.

Luke Irons

Austin Johnson

Jr.

Blake Whitson

So.

Paul Kearse

Jr.

Charlie Allen

Jr.

Preston Howard

So.

Mark Mataya

John Burke Henderson OL

Jr.

Sr.

Sam Canale

Sr.

So.

Parker Coker

Will Berryman

So.

Jacob Turner

Sr.

Adrian Derico

Jr.

Camden Schroeter

Sr.

Tucker Miller

Jr.

Bryant Ballenger

So.

POSITION

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

Brandt Aho

Sr.

Grayson Ralston

So.

Frank Falkner

So.

Jackson Reyer

Sr.

Angelos Petelos

So.

Cooper Johnson

JH Caldwell

Sr.

Whit Walker

So.

Jr.

Peyton Justice

Noah Cox

Sr.

Max Watson

Jr.

Ethan Van Asselt

Sr. So.

Will Butler

Sr.

Will Morris

So.

Radford Andrews

Tory Smith

Sr.

Collin Boatwright

So.

Jr.

Copeland Holley

Evan Ballenger

Sr.

Zac King

Sr.

Jamison Barnes

Nathan Fox

Jr.

Brooks Robertson

Sr.

Ticer Young

So.

Cole Gresham

Jr.

Brady Donovan

So.

Nash Starbuck

Callum Williamson

So.

Corbitt Palmer

So.

Rowdy Leonard

Brayden Walta

Jr.

Hudson Smith

So.

Gage Nasworthy

Sr.

Harrison Hebert

Sr.

2025 RESULTS Oak Mountain Homewood @ Ramsay* Carver-Birmingham* @ Wenonah* @ Leeds Corner* @ John Carroll Catholic* Bye Hayden* @ McAdory Leeds# Russellville# @ Moody#

L L W W W L L W

3-14 0-27 14-13 36-22 40-22 28-29 27-42 23-7

W L W W L

49-7 13-56 28-3 42-7 21-51 *Region game #Playoff game

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 324 Per Game: 24.9 County Rank: 6 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 300 Per Game: 23.1 County Rank: 4

22 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

John Burke Henderson and Berryman will back them up.

Will

the majority of their pressure up front.

LINEBACKER DEFENSIVE LINE

Gage Nasworthy will lead this group and the defense after an All-State year where he led the county in tackles. For Forester, that’s a scary thought because he’s typically seen linebackers peak as seniors. Because of that, he expects an even greater leap now that Nasworthy understands the system even more at middle linebacker. There’s been some movement elsewhere with Mark Mataya moving down from safety to the Sam linebacker to link the front seven to the back four and Radford Andrews shifting up from the line to the weak side. Look out for Jacob Turner and Isaac Kerley to impact in their spots as both are naturally suited for the spot.

This was one of the most injury-prone groups of the team last year, including now-Virginia Tech defensive tackle Garrett Witherington, who was one of five who were down by the quarterfinals. The one positive was that a bunch of young players got thrown into the fire and developed well, so now they have plenty of experience back. Another one of those injured linemen was Brooks Robertson, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2 but will be a key presence on the edge this year. Ken Azar will fill out the other end after a successful move up from linebacker last year, sending Tucker McGough to the inside alongside Grant Skinner. Nathan Fox can help anywhere on the line, and expect Rowdy Leonard, SECONDARY Noah Cox and Callum Williamson to This is arguably the most experienced factor in greatly as well. This group is a group of the team with three of the four priority for Forester as they hope to play a starters returning. Camden Schroeter Tampa 2, which requires them to create operates as the field general even though

KEY NUMBERS

QUICK HITS

161

A REAL HIGH POINT Briarwood has had an up-and-down history with receivers despite having standouts like Clemson’s Christopher Vizzina at quarterback. That’s what made Sam Canale such a breakthrough last year. With a skillset honed at safety plus playing the post in basketball, Canale has the tools to go up and get just about any ball. Look for John Campbell to bring blistering speed and newer receivers like Copeland Holler, Will Butler, Torrey Smith and Zac King to break out in big ways this year and turn Briarwood into more of a passing team.

Gage Nasworthy led all Shelby County defenders with 161 tackles, resulting in both All-State and All-County honors. He provided a game-wrecking presence with 78 solo tackles and 12 tackles for loss and also assisted significantly in the pass game with three pass breakups and five pressures. With Garrett Witherington graduated, Nasworthy will take on a bigger leadership role while holding down a traditional field general spot at middle linebacker. Forester expects Nasworthy to rise to the challenge and have an “All-World” senior season.

last year was his first varsity season. He and Cooper Johnson understand the system very well from their playing experience and can adapt to various ingame changes as a result. Brandt Aho rounds out that returning trio, and like Schroeter, he grew a lot since his first varsity season last year. He’ll hold down the cornerback spot with Schroeter, while Colseon Gooch will move into the free safety spot besides Johnson. Alex Marshall and the Swiss army knife that is Isaac Kerley are competing for time alongside junior Tucker Miller.

OLD FACES, NEW PLACES The dramatic reclassification sees Briarwood face schools it didn’t play last year in seven of its 10 games. There is some history on the schedule, starting with Week 1 as the Lions face the team that eliminated them in Moody, plus their former strength coach Kyle Moody, who will coach against his former school in his head-coaching debut. The one team Forester has a personal score with is Madison Academy. His first season as a defensive coordinator was 2011, when Briarwood lost 16-14 in the semifinals to a Hartselle team led by Bob Godsey. Forester said Godsey was “way ahead of his time” in that state championship season and he’s always wanted that game back.

5-YEAR WIN TREND

SPECIAL TEAMS Newly-named All-American punter Harrison Hebert returns to the position after averaging nearly 40 yards a punt last season. Evan Ball will once again kick off and handle extra points after growing throughout last season. However, field goal duties are up in the air. Max Beaumont will hold, Austin Johnson will handle short-snapping duties and the long snapper will be either Tucker McGough or Max Watson.

7 6 5 3 2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (7-3) Briarwood should feel great about its title chances in Double AA. The Lions aren’t the only good team in Region 2, as Madison Academy and Lee-Scott both competed for state titles and American Christian had another solid run last year. The problem is, those teams were built to compete in lower classifications. Briarwood has faced a gauntlet of Class 5A and 6A teams over the last four years, and it has contended for the playoffs in both classifications. Their nonregion start against Moody and Homewood reflects that, so there may be some growing pains in those games, but they will both be greater tests than anything the Lions face from there on out. Briarwood’s continuity on both sides of the ball will set the stage for success, and the Lions should be poised to remain strong at quarterback and open up a diverse and deadly attack. Paired with another stingy defense led by an All-State apex linebacker, Briarwood look poised to contend with St. Michael Catholic and St. Paul’s Episcopal for the state title. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 23

CALERA

EAGLES It’s often said that a coach needs three years for their changes to take root. Now three years in, that’s exactly how Scott Rials feels about the Calera Eagles going into 2026. Off the field, Rials said the culture is continually changing for the better, with much of the old guard now gone and the new players completely bought in to work toward improvement. On the field, the Eagles are more confident in their defense than in previous years, where that side of the ball was a liability. A veteran core with FBS upside combined with continuity under defensive coordinator Ervin Jackson gives Calera hope for improvement. Offensively, it’s a mix of old and new, with an emerging quarterback and running back committee coming alongside a dynamic, experienced receiving corps that continues the Eagles’ historical strength at the position. Throw it all together, and Calera has reason to believe this is the year to end a three-season playoff drought.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 4 2025 RECORD 5-8 (1-5 Class 6A, Region 3) HEAD COACH Scott Rials RECORD 5-15 (Third Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Reid Rials, Ervin Jackson, Quay Moncrief, Marcus Dowdell, Carter Brown, AJ Ward, Wade Hyde, Thadio Hill, Blake Howard, Ronnie Richardson Parker, Logan Atkins, Gabe Adkins LAST REGION TITLE 2008 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2022

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK KG Whatley is ready for his time in the spotlight after getting a bit of time in relief of Jordan Ward last season. Rials said he’s still growing both physically and as a quarterback, but the foundation is rock solid. He’ll be more of a pocket passer instead of the mobile quarterbacks of the last few years, but his arm strength makes up for that and his reads are getting better as time goes on. He does have a solid frame though, giving him the capability to get more physical as he adds more weight.

RUNNING BACK Three sophomores in the mix make this by far the team’s youngest position group. BJ Welch’s shorter stature belies his strong movement, which makes him both a good receiving option and surprising pass protection asset. Rials is already impressed by his field vision. Major Farrington (no relation to the All-State speedster Braylyn) is back on the team and is a very physical downhill runner. AJ Motley rounds out the group as a

24 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Owen Richardson

PLAYERS TO WATCH Cameron Smith, S Smith missed almost all the 2025 season with injury but returns as an elite playmaker and valuable leader. Will Jenkins, LB Jenkins is a physical, ball-hungry linebacker with great potential at the Sam linebacker spot. Xzavier Boone, WR Boone provides a speedy slot option who can take the top off in the passing game. Jaylon Moore, WR Moore is one of the most experienced receivers and uses his quick feet to create separation. KG Whatley, QB Calera’s new quarterback is well-regarded by the coaching staff and has the potential to grow into a strong passer.

dedicated running back after splitting snaps at linebacker last year. The coaches love the talent they already see in the underclassmen with room to grow from here. Rials is open to running them by committee if needed.

RECEIVER Rials will stack up this corps of five against anyone, and it’s hard to argue against him. Seniors Amari Wallace and Jaylon Moore are your prototypical short, speedy receivers who provide Whatley with plenty of options. Xzavier Boone is the do-it-all slot receiver who has good hands and can break free with secondlevel speed, which has already earned him a Troy offer. Then, a pair of sophomores return as big weapons in the lanky Ean Williamson and reliable possession option Owen Richardson, the latter of whom can also rotate into the backfield. Expect

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Wenonah Aug. 28: Bye Sept. 4: Chelsea* Sept. 11: Chilton County* Sept. 18: Ramsay* Sept. 25: Gardendale Oct. 2: Homewood* Oct. 9: @ Mountain Brook* Oct. 16: Pelham* Oct. 23: @ Helena* Oct. 30: @ Tuscaloosa County

*Region game

Jayson Sturdivant to also work into the slot. At h-back, Braylen Stoles and Wesley Janney will bring the physicality to heavy packages and can both block and catch.

OFFENSIVE LINE Kevin Corbin returns as a three-year starter at left guard and is easily the most

Xzavier Boone KEY LOSSES Jaylon Lee, DL Lee flipped the momentum with three fumble recoveries and six sacks to make the All-County Second Team. Camarien Yow, LB Yow finished off his career with 110 tackles and three forced fumbles in an All-County Second Team-worthy senior year. Jordan Ward, QB Any time a team loses its starting quarterback, it’s a big transition, and Ward’s dual-threat style was a unique aspect of the Eagles.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 25

2026 CALERA Roster NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

KG Whatley

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

So.

Major Farrington

So.

Jaylon Moore

Lavelle Tyson

Sr.

Caleb Savage

Fr.

Sr.

Amari Wallace

Clinton Morris

Sr.

Braylon Stowes

Jr.

Cameron Smith

Alijah Harris

Sr.

Jacorian Smith

Sr.

So.

Ean Williamson

Alex Marsden

So.

Antoine Lanier

Jr.

Hudson Comeaux

So.

Kenyon Russell

Sr.

Larry Stradford

Sr.

Jr.

Xzavier Boone

Danny Kagia

So.

Noah Sellers

Fr.

Jr.

Owen Richardson

Edward Samuels

Jr.

Elijah Pouncy

Jr.

Sr.

William Jenkins

Kevin Corbin

Jr.

Jakobe Brown

Fr.

James Whitfield

Fr.

Jeremiah Pouncy

Sr.

Isaac Okorley

Fr.

John Tatum

Brody Whitworth

Sr.

Rhett Crouse

Fr.

BJ Welch

Jaycen Gilbert

So.

Wesley Janney

So.

Fr.

Amari Lee

Tyreece Coleman

Sr.

Collyn Ferrell

So.

Malik Hall

Sr.

Joshua Littleton

Sr.

Jaylen Buie

So.

Thadio Hill

Fr.

Noah Walker

Jr.

Marcus Watson

Fr.

So.

Parker Currey

Tyler Coleman

So.

Jacori Williamson

Sr.

Noah Burpo

Sr.

Roman Posey

So.

Rhilyn Ward

So.

Jr.

Dylan Pledger

Jayveon Buie

Fr.

Marcus Pugh

Fr.

Jr.

Jason Sturdivant

Kendrum Robinson

So.

Austin Tobert

So.

Jayden Gilbert

So.

Grant Parker

So.

Lester Soto

Fr.

Freeman Riley

Jr.

AJ Motley

So.

William Johns

Fr.

Sr.

Alzo Preyear

Aiden Hudson

Jr.

Jaxon Blogovich

Fr.

Colin Myers

So.

Jayden Williams

Sr.

experienced lineman on the team. He’ll lead a group that is largely young but was set pretty early in summer, mainly because of the faith Rials has in his sophomores. Last year, Rials raved about Hudson Comeaux, and he’ll be a returning starter at center after lining up as a freshman a year ago. Rylin Ward is also another solid sophomore who will start at right guard. Jaylen Williams rounds out the early locks at left tackle. As for the others who will rotate in, look for Danny Cagea, 6-foot-6,

260-pound basketball player Clinton Morris and big junior Elijah Harris.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Eagles will have about six players to fill four spots here, and they like their options a lot. Kendrum Robinson, Javeon Buie and Aiden Hudson are all experienced interior guys who will be as tough as that position demands they be. Moving outside, Roman Posey continues the trend of high-ceiling sophomores with good

length and a strong physical presence. Ja’Correy Williamson transferred back from new region rival Ramsay, and his explosiveness toward the ball was only developed by his time at Legion Field. Wesley Janney and Antwon Lanier fill out the rotation.

LINEBACKER It’s all returning starters here in Joshua Littleton, Jeremiah Pouncey and Will Jenkins. Littleton and Pouncey are almost

QUICK HITS GOOD RECEPTION Calera has been a wide receiver factory in the last decade, highlighted by three AllState receivers in Kobe Prentice, now on the Carolina Panthers, in 2021, Braylyn Farrington in 2022 and KD Young in 2024. While 2025 didn’t bring any All-State nods, the 2026 receiving corps has some real potential. Xzavier Boone and Jaylon Moore are arguably two of the fastest receivers in the region, giving the Eagles a real edge on both the inside and outside. Add in Ean Williamson, who immediately sticks out for his long, lanky frame, and you have a great assortment of weapons for a first-year starting quarterback.

26 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP Calera’s stars tend to trend young for a variety of reasons, and this year is no different. Even though the roster is very upperclassman heavy, especially on the defense, Rials is looking ahead to the sophomore Class of 2029 to fill depth positions and even starting spots. It starts with their quarterback in KJ Whatley and extends to the skill positions with Xzavier Boone, Ean Williamson, BJ Welch and Major Farrington. Roman Posey and Grant Parker are both in line for starting spots this year on defense. The Eagles will even have a sophomore at center in Hudson Comeaux. If all goes well, Calera’s core of today could well be its core all the way through 2028.

APEX PREDATORS Linebackers are often viewed as the leaders of the defense for their central positioning, and the Eagles have a trio of veterans who can do just that in Joshua Littleton, Jeremiah Pouncey and Will Jenkins. Rials said that becoming seniors has helped them reach the next level as leaders after each of them started at least part of the season in 2025. They’re part of an experienced defensive core that will look to right the way for Calera going into 2026. Look for them to be physical in the box and make big plays often.

Jaylon Moore 5-YEAR WIN TREND

2025 RESULTS 7

4 3 2 2025

0 2024

2023

2022

2021

mirror images in Rials’ eyes, with both being standout leaders and physical downhill playmakers. Those two seniors are paired on the strong side by Will Jenkins, who has a great motor and runs hard to make the physical play. He’s already getting Division I looks and only has room to grow after starting his sophomore year. Rials admitted this position group has been a struggle in the past, but he’s confident that their off-field

@ Northridge Central-Tuscaloosa Benjamin Russell* @ Pelham* Chelsea* Bye Brookwood @ Chilton County* Spain Park* @ Helena* @ Stanhope Elmore

L L L L L

21-41 7-27 13-42 34-37 25-42

W W L L L

43-29 41-16 13-42 21-39 33-49 *Region game

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 251 Per Game: 25.1 County Rank: 5 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 364 Per Game: 36.4 County Rank: 10 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 27

growth and improved physicality will make this group a strength instead.

KEY NUMBERS

It’s no secret that Calera’s defense has been a weakness for a while. In seven of the past eight seasons, the Eagles have given up more points than they scored (2021 being the exception), including last season. However, year one under defensive coordinator Ervin Jackson saw a 38-point drop from 256 total points allowed in 2024 to 218 in 2025. It may not seem like much, but it’s the first substantial drop since 2021. Rials recognizes more improvements need to be made after allowing 36.4 points per game last season. That said, he’s confident that the continuity with Jackson at the helm will keep Calera moving in a positive direction that will be more apparent this season.

While Calera’s region schedule remains as tough as ever, the non-region schedule provides plenty of opportunities to pick up wins. The Eagles’ non-region opponent trio of Wenonah, Gardendale and Tuscaloosa County finished a combined 7-23 in 2025. Wenonah had five of those wins while playing a classification below Calera. Gardendale’s lone win came off a forfeit, and Tuscaloosa County continued to struggle in the perennially tough Class 7A, Region 3. No victory is ever guaranteed, but the Eagles will have three chances to pick up momentum and carry it into the playoff race.

SECONDARY The defense’s biggest goal is to eliminate big plays, and that responsibility largely falls on the secondary. Cameron Smith is the star of the group at strong safety. Now fully recovered from a devastating injury in last year’s opener, he’s a hard-hitting and physical player once the ball’s snapped and the field general in between plays. John Tatum moves back to the free safety position after breaking in at corner last year. The cornerbacks are younger in sophomore Grant Parker and junior Alzo

101 Carrington Lane, Suite C, Calera Schedule your appointment today! 28 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

205-621-3077 www.shelbycountypt.com

Preyear. Preyear brings length to the position while Parker makes up for his lack of size with toughness, similar to backup Kenyon Russell, who can suit up across the secondary if needed.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jeremiah Pouncy

Kicker remains up in the air as of press time, but punter will likely come down to Owen Richardson or backup quarterback Parker Curry. Wes Janney will handle long snapping duties. The Eagles will look to their talented receivers to return the ball, including Jaylon Moore, Amari Wallace, Xzavier Boone and Ean Williamson.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (6-4) I firmly believe this is going to be the year for Calera to put it together. Everything has been trending toward this both on and off the field. The Eagles have long had an explosive offense and had flashes of brilliance last year. However, those came late in games with the offense playing from behind against backups after the defense surrendered multiple big plays. I’ve always felt like Calera was a decent defense away from a playoff team, and this year looks to be the case. Elite playmakers on the back end like Cameron Smith, Will Jenkins and Jeremiah Pouncey should help limit those back-breaking touchdowns from years past. The offense may be young, but many of those key contributors got crucial experience as freshmen to help offset that learning curve. The early part of the schedule sets up the Eagles well for momentum to a point where they could even be 4-1 or better through September. I’d still group Calera in the middle of the pack with Chelsea, Pelham, Helena and Ramsay, but a few timely wins could lead to a genuine playoff push.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 29

CHELSEA

TEAM INFORMATION

HORNETS It’s a new era for the Chelsea Hornets as Tad Niblett takes over as head coach. After years of leading some of the most dynamic offenses in the Southeast as a coordinator, he’ll get another shot at leading a team with a Hornets group in a bit of a flux. Reliable playmakers like Chase Malone and Porter Schott are gone, leaving a team working to find their identity under a new coaching staff. However, they have a solid foundation of experience to build off with, including a returning starter at quarterback in Logan Strunk. After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, Chelsea hopes to right the ship and finish strong down the stretch to get back in the hunt.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 4 2025 RECORD 5-5 (2-4 Class 6A, Region 3) HEAD COACH Tad Niblett RECORD First Year ASSISTANT COACHES Jacob Guillory, Jamie Scruggs, Stuart Morrison, Shaw Niblett, Colby Harris, Douglas Laister, Cole Corkren, Riley Niblett, Alex Valdez LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Logan Strunk returns for his second season as the Hornets starter. He stepped up as one of the team’s biggest leaders in the wake of Todd Cassity’s resignation. While a new staff meant a new offense, Niblett’s been impressed with how coachable and willing to learn he is, and the coaches love his positive attitude and desire to be pushed further. A big performance in the spring game only increased the hype around him, and his decision-making has only grown since. Backups are a work-in-progress, but sophomore Kaylor Crumpton stands out for his athleticism.

RUNNING BACK Wyatt Wright has emerged as Malone’s successor after a strong spring both in the weight room and in practices. He’s somewhat of a jack of all trades, running hard and with power but a shiftiness to create separation and great receiving ability to stretch out. Niblett said he has a great feel for the position and is working to develop his natural instincts to adapt well in games.

30 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Logan Strunk

PLAYERS TO WATCH Logan Strunk, QB Strunk has taken a huge leap going into his second year as a starter, mastering a new offense well and playing smart in the pocket. Wyatt Wright, RB Wright’s a versatile running back who can break through the middle and spill out wide, making him a key weapon. Cole Carroll, WR Carroll has made waves even as a sophomore receiver and will be one of multiple players looking to step up as starters.

Wyatt Wright

RECEIVER Niblett’s goal is to have at least six receivers ready to support his uptempo style and create competition inside the position group, and so far, it’s trending in that direction. Cole Carroll, Brock Russell, Hampton Sign, Nolan Lambert and Trent Spearman have all gotten quality reps in spring and summer. Niblett expects them to be able to play any receiving spot and block very well, and their goal in the season’s buildup is to work on little things like stances, shifts and movement within routes to take the next step. Tight ends are also a huge part of Niblett’s offense, so expect Cohen Jones and Hudson Picklesimer to both block and catch often with their athleticism and physicality.

OFFENSIVE LINE Niblett has a lot of players competing for

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Southside-Gadsden Aug. 28: Gardendale Sep. 4: @ Calera* Sep. 11: Ramsay * Sep. 18: Pelham* Sep. 25: Bye Oct. 2: @ Helena* Oct. 8: @ Homewood*# Oct. 16: @ Mountain Brook* Oct. 23: Chilton County* Oct. 29: @ Bessemer City#

*Region game #Thursday game

spots here, and he said while they’re not the biggest or most experienced, they have a great foundation with their athleticism and football IQ. Kevin Madrid, Luke Roper, Noah Young, Chase Morrow, Chance Donovan and Cash Petroski will be the main rotation pieces while younger faces like King Knox and Brady Hartley are

Christian Madrid, DL Madrid is one of the key veteran returners on the defense and has stepped up as one of the team’s top leaders. Ben Christian, CB Christian has established himself as the top option in man coverage, meaning he will match up with some of the best receivers in the Birmingham area.

KEY LOSSES Chase Malone, RB Malone dominated the early matches of the season as a do-it-all running back, and his experience and big plays will be missed. Porter Schott, LB The wrestling team will miss him as a twotime state champion, but he made key tackles in space to neutralize defensive threats. Briston Hardy, LB The All-County linebacker and team leader in tackles transferred to Benjamin Russell over the offseason.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 31

2026 Chelsea Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Cohen Jones

POSITION

NO.

NAME

YEAR Sr.

Josh Turner

Fr.

Sr.

Ben Christian

Cash Piotrowski

So.

Reid Horton

Fr.

Jr.

Wyatt Wright

Ridge Sisk

Sr.

Kensley Toney

So.

Jr.

Dallas Morgan

Will Clark

Sr.

Eli Youngblood

Jr.

So.

Grayson Lyons

Waylon Piotrowski

Fr.

Mason Cauley

Sr.

Gray Creekbaum

Jr.

Brandon Bousman

Sr.

Massimo Santillo

Fr.

Jr.

Brock Russell

Jackson Watkins

Jr.

Brody Woods

Fr.

Max Watkins

Fr.

POSITION

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

Noah Miller

Jr.

Mason Rudd

Fr.

Jackson Parr

So.

John Lewis

Fr.

Elion Reed

So.

Logan Strunk

Nolan Hall

Sr.

Makari Walker

So.

River Hill

Clayton Schwoebel

Sr.

Ashton Smith

Jr.

Nolan Lambert

Noah Jung

Jr.

Corbin Burton

Fr.

Kaylor Crumpton

Luke Allison

So.

Coleman Rupertus

Fr.

Lane Picklesimer

So.

Luke Hairston

Sr.

Austin Kirkland

Sr.

Fr.

Carter Johnson

Ryan Kirkland

Sr.

Thomas Haywood

Fr.

Garrett Harvey

Trent Spearman

Fr.

Brycen Miller

Jr.

Harrison Rayburn

So.

Cole Carroll

So.

Chance Dunnavant

Jr.

Darren Browne

Jr.

Hudson Picklesimer

Jr.

Cristian Madrid

Sr.

Fr.

Jackson Allison

Rhys Morgan

So.

Brady Hartley

So.

Wyatt Mccray

So.

Tripp Guarinieri

Sr.

Kevin Madrid

Sr.

Fr.

Hampton Sign

Earl Pate

So.

Chase Morrow

Jr.

So.

Brayden Wilson

Brock Epperson

Fr.

Dawson Hayes

Fr.

Antwan Miller

Fr.

Daniel Fortenberry

So.

Lane Cox

Sr.

Jr.

Andrew Long

Mwalimu Clark

Sr.

Wyatt Stacy

Jr.

So.

Connor Cochran

Jayden Sheffield

Jr.

Knox King

So.

Lee Adams

So.

Maddox Moore

Fr.

Mason Carson

Fr.

So.

King Banks

Ethan Swain

Fr.

Aidon Esco

So.

Rylee Burnham

Kelsey Lacey

So.

Luke Roper

Jr.

Shane Felton

Sr.

QUICK HITS A TAD BIT BETTER Niblett’s hire made plenty of waves this offseason. He served as offensive coordinator under his brother Josh at both Hoover and Georgia’s Gainesville, and his offensive schemes helped both schools compete for state titles. He hasn’t served as a head coach since a two-year stop at Fairhope, but he said he’s learned a lot since then. He said the biggest challenge has been forging relationships with the entire team and not just the offense. However, he said the kids have been bought in from the jump, which has helped them come together quickly. SWARM AS ONE New defensive coordinator Jacob Guillory is very excited about his players and the new philosophy driving them to improvements this season. He wants them to be scrappy on that side of the ball, while also disciplined. The latter comes from being in the right places consistently to make plays, something that will come

32 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

with time as players adjust to the new scheme. They aim to be tough, physical and fast to the ball. He believes River Hill, Noah Miller and Christian Madrid will lead the way in that regard. CHANGING PLACES So for all the hype behind Niblett’s offensive success, what does that look like practically for Chelsea? This season, it looks like being flexible in personnel requirements and evolving as the team goes. Niblett said he’s using the offseason to test drive multiple approaches to see what sticks before they hit fall camp. That helps Niblett tailor the offense to what’s best for the team, but he said the underlying philosophies and principles have never wavered across stops. He wants his offenses to be comfortable with multiple schemes and styles. He also wants them to dictate the tempo with a fast pace and physical style.

Cole Carroll

challenging them right now. Donovan in particular is very long, making him a big asset on the line.

DEFENSIVE LINE Christian Madrid in particular has stepped up as one of those leaders, and he and Lane Cox return plenty of experience to anchor the group. Chelsea’s defensive coordinator said Cox has improved a lot over the offseason, and while he looks like a prototypical nose tackle, his big, physical built belies his agility. Will Clark, Wyatt McRae and Lee Adams have all been working hard to break through as young options, and Ridge Sisk rounds out the rotation. Niblett said their biggest task is to command double teams.

LINEBACKERS

2025 RESULTS Charles Henderson @ Wetumpka Pelham* Bye @ Calera* Paul W. Bryant @ Chilton County* Spain Park* @ Helena* Benjamin Russell* Oak Mountain

2025 STATS

W W L

51-27 40-30 9-19

OFFENSE Total Points: 244 Per Game: 24.4 County Rank: 7

W W W L L L L

42-25 37-7 30-0 7-44 9-21 21-42 0-26

DEFENSE Points Allowed: 241 Per Game: 24.1 County Rank: T-7

5-YEAR WIN TREND

*Region game

6 5

Much of the defense will rely on Noah Miller, who flies around and plays fast on the field but leads with his attitude off it. River Hill will help him out a lot, and

4 2 2025

2024

2023

1 2022

2021

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 33

while he’s undersized, the coaches said Allison, Andrew Long and Connor he’s scrappy and always in the right spot, Cochran will help the Hornets limit big which combined with great technique plays. helps him make plays. Austin Kirkland, Brandon Bousman and Riley Burman will SPECIAL TEAMS all contribute greatly here as well. This is a huge group to replace after AllCounty stars John Leith and Tyler Kirkland graduated. Bryson Miller is SECONDARY Ben Christian and Carter Johnson are locked in as the kicker for field goals, extra the names to watch here. Christian will be points and kickoffs, and he and Logan the primary lockdown man corner and will Strunk are both working at punter. Long hold down the boundary. Johnson is the snapper will come down to either Kevin leader with his strong football IQ and Madrid or Christian Madrid. Niblett sees vocal nature to get teammates in the right special teams as the unifier between the spots, despite being a first-year starter. offense and defense, referring to it as the Alongside them, Bryant Wisdom, Jackson “wefense” for its collective nature.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (5-5) Year one for any new head coach is always one of adjustments and transitions, so that will likely be true for the Hornets this season. They have continuity where it counts, particularly at the quarterback position, but the adjustment to new schemes could take a few weeks. Luckily, Chelsea has a very light start to the season between Southside-Gadsden and Gardendale, but the Hornets will likely jockey with Calera, Ramsay, Pelham and Helena for the third and fourth playoff spots. All four of those games are in a row beginning in Week 3, making a fast start crucial. It’s clear that the Hornets have some talented young players, and once they develop, this could be a very fun team to watch. How quickly that happens will determine their ceiling in 2026.

KEY NUMBERS

4 Much like the 2024 season, Chelsea struggled down the stretch in 2025. The Hornets lost each of their final four games to fall out of the playoff picture. During that span, Chelsea faced three of the four Class 6A, Region 3 playoff teams in Spain Park, Helena and Benjamin Russell as well as rival Oak Mountain. In those games, the Hornets lost three of the four by 21 or more points. Chelsea’s biggest task this year will be to prove itself against playoff contenders if the Hornets hopes to be one themselves.

8 Chelsea lost all eight of its All-County players, including seven seniors in Morgan Barnes, Adam Brooks, Brooks Dixon, Tyler Kirkland, John Leith, Chase Malone and Porter Schott. This group represented some of the biggest leaders both in the huddle and statistically. While their production and experience will certainly be missed, it allows Niblett’s staff to start fresh with a new group of rising stars, many of whom will get their first significant time on the field this year. That helps him immediately build a strong culture for years to come.

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www.cityofchelsea.com 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 35

COOSA VALLEY

TEAM INFORMATION

REBELS

CLASSIFICATION AISA Class A 8-Man 2025 RECORD 5-6 (5-5 Regular Season)

The Coosa Valley Rebels got a long-awaited shot in the arm last year. In the first season under head coach Reece Donahoo, the Rebels posted consistent improvements throughout the season and achieved their goals of both finishing at least .500 and making the playoffs. A ferocious late rally against rival Cornerstone nearly netted them a playoff win as well, but their performance alone gave Coosa Valley players a reason to believe that they could achieve more than they had in the past. While the Rebels lost eight seniors, including many of their most impactful players, the young players taking their places are motivated by the seniors’ example to train hard, play harder and help the team reach its full potential. Belief is a powerful tool. If Coosa Valley works hard and approaches games with the right attitude, it may not be much of a rebuilding year after all.

HEAD COACH Reece Donahoo RECORD 5-6 (Second Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Vince DiLorenzo, Bradley Harvell LAST REGION TITLE 2010 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Parker Dennis is in line to take over Braylon Smalls’ job this year. Dennis transferred in from Childersburg last year ahead of baseball season, and while his arm talent showed in a standout year on the mound, he hadn’t played football for multiple years. After some encouragement though, he’s under center and showing that arm strength as a passer. His experience as a starting pitcher has helped with handling pressure, and his competitive drive will push the Rebels forward.

RUNNING BACK Much like last year, Coosa Valley won’t utilize a traditional running back, instead opting for more dedicated quarterback runs. Dennis will be the team’s primary rusher when he’s not throwing the ball, but the Rebels are working out some options to put alongside him in the backfield.

RECEIVER After splitting reps with Jake McArthur and Sam Setzer a year ago, Kellin Smith is

36 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2026 COOSA VALLEY Roster NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

Colton Smith

TE/LB

So.

Robert Peoples

OL/DL

Jr.

Sawyer Braswell

WR/DB

Jr.

Parker Dennis

Sr.

Levi Wiggins

WR/DB

So.

Colton Reeves

OL/DL

So.

Kellin Smith

WR/DB

Jr.

Bryant Ballenger

OL/LB

So.

Finn Stacey

WR/DB

Sr.

Ethan Hollingsworth

OL/DL

Sr.

Kyler Johns

TE/LB

Jr.

Kai Santiago

OL/DL

Jr.

POSITION

YEAR

Photo by Andrew Simonson

PLAYERS TO WATCH Kellin Smith, WR/DB Smith has stepped up as the team’s biggest leader and one of the most reliable and dynamic contributors on the field. Parker Dennis, QB Dennis has all the arm strength and poise to be the next successful quarterback for the Rebels. Robert Peoples, OL/DL Peoples brings the size and explosiveness to both sides of the line, and his experience will be crucial as well.

ready to take over the No. 1 spot. Donahoo said he’s just been waiting for a chance to showcase his full skillset, and now that he’s gotten bigger, his quickness and receiving ability will be on full display. Sawyer Braswell was a late transfer in the summer, but he quickly showed the speed and hands to make him a regular option. Finn Stacy has greatly improved since last year, and Levi Wiggins is back after a year off and already showing great hands and footwork. Look for this group to shine in screen passes to show off their speed.

OFFENSIVE LINE Unlike previous years, each of the three linemen have been with the program for a while and know the blocking schemes inside and out. That helps the Rebels build off a foundation instead of starting from square one with true newcomers. Robert Peoples was a full-time starter last year, and Ethan Hollingsworth will be full-time this year as well after working in a bit at guard in 2025. Look out for Colton Reeves to take a big step forward after he grew a lot ahead of his sophomore year.

Ethan Hollingsworth, OL/DL Hollingsworth is a big and strong lineman who made waves on defense last year, and now he’ll be a full-time two-way starter.

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Bye Aug. 28: Cornerstone Christian* Sept. 4: Macon-East* Sept. 11: @ Springwood* Sept. 18: Heritage Christian* Sept. 25: Lakeside Oct. 2: Victory Christian Oct. 9: @ Escambia* Oct. 16: Trinity Christian* Oct. 23: @ Evangel-Montgomery* Oct. 30: @ North River Christian

*Region game

KEY LOSSES well and has the tools to command the edge. Donahoo said this front will evolve each week into a three, four or five-man lineup depending on the opponent.

LINEBACKER Incoming transfer Kyler Johns looks in line for the inside linebacker spot. Donahoo said he’s explosive off the snap and is very versatile, running downhill toward the ball while also filling gaps to make plays and covering in zone defense. The staff’s working Colton Smith at linebacker as more of a spy thanks to his added weight.

DEFENSIVE LINE Robert Peoples and Ethan Hollingsworth will also be key here as well. Peoples will hold down the nose and is very explosive while still possessing the size needed to succeed on the interior. Hollingsworth is a tall and strong threat on the edge who excelled there a year ago. Bryant Ballenger worked on the line over the summer as

Kellin Smith

Jake McArthur, WR/CB The All-County talent racked up 702 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in his senior season. Braylon Smalls, QB/LB Smalls also made the All-County Team with 36 total touchdowns against just eight interceptions plus 58 tackles and two scoop-and-scores.

footwork and catching. Donahoo said Smith and Braswell both high point the ball very well, which helps shore up a weakness from last year to finish off plays.

SPECIAL TEAMS SECONDARY Kellin Smith and Sawyer Braswell are both excellent pass defenders here. Smith immediately reacclimated himself to football last year with multiple interceptions, which only makes coaches more excited for him now that he’s spent an offseason refining fundamentals like

The kicking game was upended midway through camp after the loss of their likely starting kicker and punter. Donahoo admitted there’s not a backup ready to go, and the kickoff job will be decided in camp. The Rebels are used to going for it and trying for 2-point conversions though, and fans can expect more of the same. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 37

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Proud supporters of the Cornerstone Christian Chargers

CORNERSTONE

TEAM INFORMATION

CHARGERS After back-to-back state championships in 2023 and 2024, the comedown hit for the Cornerstone Christian Chargers in 2025. Coach James Lee’s team graduated a slew of impactful seniors, leaving them with many players who were getting used to playing a full 48 minutes. Even with all the changes, they posted a very respectable nine wins and made the semifinals. However, after proving to be just a step below the AISA’s elite, they’re more motivated now to get back in the title conversation. With a third of the team being seniors and gains across the board, plus some exciting young players, the Chargers are poised to do just that. This year’s group has worked together on the field for quite some time and is hungry to make their own statement.

CLASSIFICATION AISA Class A 8-Man 2025 RECORD 9-3 (8-2 Regular Season) HEAD COACH James Lee RECORD 52-44 (10th Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Sam Adams, Tyler Morrison, Nick McKnight LAST REGION TITLE 2024 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Lee said this was easily the biggest weakness last year as their ceiling was capped by an inability to throw the ball. That’s not a problem anymore as freshman Barrett Phillips takes over. He’s a very strong passer and has a great competitive spirit. Lee sees a lot of Zeke Adams in him, even down to the same mistakes he made back in the day, and believes he has a high ceiling.

RUNNING BACK While Cornerstone loses workhorse Jackson Moore, Lee hopes he never has to run anyone that hard again. That’s because he has at least five different options in the backfield. Malachi Adams brings the power to break through the middle, and Jacob Merkl and Grant Standifer complement that with speed. Caleb Patterson and Jadon Dixon are a bit of both though, and Lee in particular called Dixon a “freak athlete” who can make a difference there.

RECEIVER Kollin Keef will be the top receiver once again, this time with a much heavier workload after the Chargers threw for just four passing touchdowns last year.

Photo by Andrew Simonson

Newcomer Gage Thornton will work in alongside him, and Seth Graham and Jacob Sickles fill out the dedicated receivers. Expect Malachi Adams to get snaps at tight end and Jadon Dixon to rotate in as well.

OFFENSIVE LINE Gabe Allmon is heading into his sixth season as a starter, and at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, you can see why he keeps getting on the field. He has strong lineman skills to complement his size and will be the one to watch here. Stephen Fanning and

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Trinity Christian Homeschool Aug. 28: @ Coosa Valley* Sep. 4: Trinity Christian* Sep. 11: Miracle Sep. 18: @ Macon-East* Sep. 25: Bye Oct. 2: Escambia* Oct. 9: @ Springwood* Oct. 16: @ Evangel-Montgomery* Oct. 23: Heritage Christian* Oct. 30: Bye

*Region game

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 39

2026 CORNERSTONE Roster NO.

NAME

Kaleb Patterson

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

RB/DB

Jr.

Jaycob Sickles

POSITION WR/DB

Kollin Keef

WR/DB/LB

Jr.

Grant Standifer

RB/DL/LB

Jr.

Jadon Dixon

RB/DE/LB

Jr.

Seth Grahm

K/LB/WR

Sr.

Custus Hewitt

WR/DB

8th

Triston Weldon

WR/DB

So.

Ace Johnson

RB/WR/LB

So.

Jake Kilgore

OL/DB

7th

Gray Standifer

WR/DB

8th

Kutter Thompson

WR/DB

Jr.

Harrison Weeks

WR/DB

Jr.

Legend Johnson

OL/DL

7th

Nathan McKnight

QB/DB

Sr.

Jadia Dixon

OL/DL

Sr.

Gage Thornton

WR/DB

Sr.

Malachi Adams

TE/RB/LB

Sr.

Austin Welsh

WR/DB

Jr.

Stephen Fanning

OL/DL/LB

Sr.

Barrett Phillips

Fr.

Gabe Allman

OL/DL

Sr.

Malachi Adams

YEAR Jr.

Jediah Dixon fill out the starting three, and Malachi Adams will rotate in for heavy sets.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

DEFENSIVE LINE Grant Stadifer returns after leading the team in sacks a year ago. Lee said he’s very hard to block thanks to his speed, and he’s only gotten bigger and faster. Both Jadon and Jediah Dixon will help him on the front three, bringing a mix of both strength and speed. Gabe Allmon will back them up and Malachi Adams and Stephen Fanning will rotate in.

LINEBACKER Lee wants his defense to blitz and rush heavily to help in late-game situations, and the linebackers bring that needed speed. Jacob Merkle and Caleb Patterson will be the key players in getting to the ball and causing chaos by blowing up plays. Kollin Keef and Malachi Adams will rotate in for some packages, with Adams splitting time with the line to help the defense present multiple fronts.

SECONDARY The Chargers have a true lockdown corner this year in Kutter Thompson who

40 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Malachi Adams, ATH Adams did it all in an All-American and All-County season last year with 90 tackles and eight sacks plus 1,030 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns at fullback. Barrett Phillips, QB Phillips may just be a freshman, but his arm talent gives Cornerstone a valuable extra dimension to the offense.

Kollin Keef

uses his speed to keep up with even the quickest receivers in the AISA. Asher Welch will play alongside him, and while Lee said he’s not as fast as Thompson, he reads the ball well and angles himself well to get there. Kollin Keef and Gage Thornton will back them up.

SPECIAL TEAMS Seth Green is already set as both the kicker and punter, and his average of 40 yards a punt will make a big difference in flipping the field. Jacob Sickle is getting work there too, and Malachi Adams is available in a pinch. However, Adams will primarily serve as long snapper.

Jadon Dixon, ATH Dixon’s standout athleticism makes him a threat across the field, with 656 yards and seven touchdowns at running back and 10 sacks at defensive end in an AllAmerican and All-County year. Grant Stadifer, DL/RB Stadifer led the team in sacks as just a sophomore with 14 in his 31 tackles to make the All-County Team. Kutter Thompson, CB Thompson will play a big role as the team’s top cornerback to shut down big plays before they start in a wide-open 8-man playstyle.

KEY LOSSES Jackson Moore, RB/DE The All-County and Gatlinburg AllAmerican selection finished with 1,887 yards and 17 touchdowns off a heavy workload of 270 carries. TC Sanders, ATH Sanders was a key utility piece across both offense and defense last season and a valuable member of the four-man senior class.

EVANGEL

TEAM INFORMATION

LIGHTNING

CLASSIFICATION ACSC

The Evangel Christian Lightning took their lumps last season, but they still emerged as both ACSC state and NHSA national champions. The Lightning struggled mightily against a trio of powerhouses in the North Carolina and Louisiana state champions plus rival Freedom. They then turned around a 1-3 start to blast an ACSC that swept all three divisions of the NHSA tournament, showcasing great moments on both sides of the ball in the process. Now, many of those players are back with wisdom from those past struggles and improvements from a great offseason. That includes players like Eli Black, Ben Davis and Isaac Griffith returning as the offensive and defensive core. The Lightning only have room to grow, and the sky’s the limit with this talent. That’s a scary thought for a team used to dominating its division.

2025 RECORD 10-3 (4-0 ACSC) State and National Champions HEAD COACH Tim Smith RECORD 96-16 (10th Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Clay Romano, Brian Wolfe, Marty Black, Dexter Carden, Andrew Welch LAST REGION TITLE 2025 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Eli Black is now one of the most dynamic playmakers that Evangel has seen at quarterback, but a slow start with Tim Smith calling plays for the first time raised a lot of questions. Once he returned from injury against Ezekiel though, it was all systems go. Smith said Black’s confidence grew week-toweek, and his big plays both in the air and on the ground reflected that. He also pointed to his ability to make even bad plays look good. Now, he said Black’s memorized the offense and is miles ahead of where he was physically and mentally a year ago.

RUNNING BACK Isaac Griffith played running back for the first time last year, but he immediately fit into the position. Now, Smith said he’s completely changed his body, running a 4.78 40-yard dash and gaining 20 pounds of muscle to get even faster. He’ll be in line to take another big step this year. Jack Nivens, Gabe Armstrong and a few newcomers will rotate in as well.

Photo by Robert Hope

RECEIVER

route-running skills are strong, and extra speed training has his 40-yard time down to 4.58 seconds. Smith believes that this is his fastest Lightning team top-to-bottom, including breakout candidate Sawyer Welch, larger options like Aiden Martin and tight end Cruz Romano and high-ceiling twins Jackson and Ethan Morris. Riggs Black, Jackson Bourgeois and a couple newcomers round out the rotation.

Ben Davis has the chance to be one of Evangel’s best receivers ever. His hands and

OFFENSIVE LINE

James Wolfe and Jackson Lowden have already locked down starting spots. Both have gained close to 30 pounds over the offseason to push them over 200 pounds. That may not seem heavy for linemen, but Smith loves his linemen fast to pull and trap, and he believes they can do just that. Zach Davis is a strong contender for the third spot, where he can showcase his strength after moving from receiver. Samuel Dorris and Preston Wallace bring experience to the rotation, and the 240-pound Konnor 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 41

2026 SCHEDULE

2026 EVANGEL Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Jack Nivens

POSITION DE

YEAR Sr.

Jackson Bourgeois

ATH

Jr.

Ben Davis

WR/DB

Sr.

Levi Jackson

ATH

Jr.

Sawyer Welch

Jr.

Nolan Smith

ATH

Jr.

Aiden Martin

Sr.

Dylan Lofthus

ATH

So.

Grayson Holmes

DB/WR

Sr.

Caedon Jackson

TE/DL

Sr.

Gabe Armstrong

RB/DB

So.

Harris Flannery

ATH

Jr.

Matthew Cobb

So.

Jackson Lowden

OL/DL

Jr.

Eli Black

QB/LB/RB

Sr.

Fisher Evans

ATH

So.

OL/DL

So.

Jr.

POSITION

YEAR

King Hope

Fr.

Russell Murphy

Cruz Romano

TE/DB

Jr.

Zach Davis

Cason Venable

Sr.

Beau Reynolds

OL/DL

So.

Ethan Morris

CB/WR

Jr.

Nate Schofield

So.

Jackson Morris

ATH

Jr.

James Wolfe

OL/DL

Sr.

Nathan Murphy

ATH

Sr.

Konnor Looman

OL/DL

Sr.

Riggs Black

ATH

So.

Luke Looman

So.

Isaac Griffith

RB/LB

Jr.

Looman could slide in as well.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Jackson Lowden

Clay Romano’s defense will base out of a three-man front, and Samuel Dorris, Konnor Looman and James Wolfe are all in the mix for the line. Jack Nivens and Jackson Lowden will hold down the edges. Nivens took on a new role after an injury last year, and Smith thinks he can break out as a senior. Lowden returns after starting much of the year and is only bigger, faster and stronger. Zach Davis will likely back up the edge rushers.

LINEBACKER

*Region game

PLAYERS TO WATCH Eli Black, QB/LB Black broke onto the scene with more than 3,000 total yards and 52 touchdowns plus 73 tackles on defense, securing AllConference, All-County and Gatlinburg All-American spots. Isaac Griffith, RB/LB/K Griffith brings blistering speed that secured him 487 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and the Gatlinburg All-American also adds a new kicking dimension. Ben Davis, WR/CB The All-County man’s quickness makes him lethal on both sides of the ball as he led the Lightning with 1,041 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Cruz Romano, TE/LB Romano made the Gatlinburg AllAmerican Bowl as just a sophomore with 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and two picks, and he’s made a big leap on the offensive side.

team’s lockdown corner. Sawyer Welch got some experience here as well and will be a key weapon this year as well. The coaches hope Greyson Holmes steps up into a breakout year. Other depth pieces include Jackson Bourgeois, Jackson Morris, Aiden Martin, Zech Curtis and Riggs Black.

Eli Black anchors the middle linebacker spot with the toughness you expect from the position, despite also playing quarterback. Cason Venable was forced into a linebacker role in the NHSA tournament last year and SPECIAL TEAMS hit harder than his 150-pound frame shows, Isaac Griffith was one of the stars of the so he’ll get a full shot at starting here. Cruz Romano will be a regular contributor while AISA state runner-up soccer team, so he has Ethan Morris and Isaac Griffith could factor the power to kick it deep if needed. However, Smith said Evangel will still rely on short in as well. kicks and onside kicks for kickoffs alongside 2-point conversions. Punter will be decided SECONDARY Smith believes speed is this defense’s over the summer, but Eli Black is already set strength, and Ben Davis displays that as the at long snapper.

42 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Aug. 21: @ Chattanooga Patriots (TN) Aug. 28: Escambia Sept. 4: @ River Oaks (LA) Sep. 11: Freedom Sep. 18: Ezekiel* Sep. 25: @ Lighthouse* Oct. 2: American Prep Oct. 9: @ Southern Christian* Oct. 16: @ East Central* Oct. 23: @ Trinity Christian Homeschool Oct. 30: Bye

Eli Black KEY LOSSES Whit Bourne, DL Bourne was an elite pass-rushing threat with 11 tackles for loss and six sacks to make the All-County Team. Trey Hope, WR/DB Hope could do it all for the Lightning with eight receiving touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and four interceptions in an All-County year.

Proud Supporter of Evangel Christian School Athletics WILLIAM O’NEAL | LAND AGENT (205) 470-7812 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 43

HELENA

HUSKIES The Helena Huskies continued their consistent playoff form in 2025, rallying from a difficult 1-5 start to win their final four games and make the postseason. However, for the second-straight year, the Huskies lost in the first round of the playoffs, leaving them wanting more once again. Helena has multiple key weapons returning on the offensive end, including last year’s breakout quarterback Caleb Soreano and big running back Jacoby Studimire. The Huskies also have a very experienced back end of the defense that will be crucial against elite competition. On the other hand, this is a team that needs to develop its line and find depth pieces to guard against injuries after a slew of departures. That said, if there’s one coach who knows how to maximize talent, it’s Richie Busby.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 4 2025 RECORD 5-6 (4-2 Region 3) HEAD COACH Richie Busby RECORD 55-32 (Ninth Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Nick Malantis, Jim Elgin, Justin Little, Don Dover, Jayden Jackson, Austin Yelton, Adam Bice, Ryan Dudchock, TD Marshall, Kris Lewis LAST REGION TITLE 2021 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Helena fans got a preview of the future last year when Caleb Soreano took over for an injured Nate Ferguson. He immediately burst onto the scene with a convincing win over Chilton County, and he later returned to orchestrate the final four wins of the 2025 season. He’s worked hard since then, training with Galu Tagovailoa at Raising Champions to develop his arm strength and studying off the field to learn more about the position. Busby said he hasn’t seen a player improve over a two-year span like him, and he’s excited to see how Soreano shows his athleticism and strength to display his complete skillset beyond his pocket excellence.

RUNNING BACK Dom Santiago’s graduation leaves one of the biggest holes on the team, but in typical Helena fashion, the successor at running back is ready in plain sight. Jacoby Studimire has worked alongside Santiago for the last couple of seasons, but he’s battled injuries in the process. If healthy, he’s a large and physical back who will command the middle

44 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Caleb Soreano

for the Huskies. A pack of players are behind him to either run alongside him as backup or step up in case of injury, including the small but powerful Barack Djalo and newcomer Devin Perkins. Connor Hale, Andrew Ezekiel, Davyn Nix and Jackson Haney will be run-focused h-backs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Caleb Soreano, QB Going into his first full season as a starter, Soreano looks to build off his five wins in 2025 with a strong arm and deeper knowledge of the system. Jacoby Studimire, RB Studimire brings a big and physical presence that will be essential in Helena’s run-first offense.

RECEIVER The Huskies have a lot of guys here and are two deep at each position, but they lack experience. Nathan Reid is the star here as his athleticism and football IQ make him a fast learner who can play anywhere at receiver. JP Shultz is a bigger outside presence stepping into a bigger starting role. James Vakakes has also shown flashes over the summer, sophomore Thompson transfer Levi Lee will quickly start and Hunter Hale’s brother Colton Hale will play a role as well. Kellen Schultz and Andrew Davis are both in the mix as well, and Amari Hudson’s skill necessitates him playing both ways as a freshman.

OFFENSIVE LINE About eight players are competing for starting spots here, with the goal of not starting underclassmen unless necessary. Center Sam Hartzog and guard Grayson Bruner have locked down their respective spots, and Mason Williams will start as well. One of those underclassmen who may need to start is Sam Landrum, but at an athletic 6-foot-4 sophomore in the 300-pound range, he doesn’t look like a youngster. Busby said communication here is the biggest key to success, and that comes with time and players stepping up. However, he believes this is the largest line they’ve started

Nathan Reid, WR/S Reid’s high football IQ makes him a big-time playmaker, and his services will be regularly used on both sides of the matchup.

Jacoby Studimire 2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Bye Aug. 27: @ Moody# Sept. 4: Pelham* Sept. 10: @ Mountain Brook*# Sept. 18: Homewood* Sept. 25: Pleasant Grove Oct. 2: @ Chelsea* Oct. 9: Chilton County* Oct. 16: @ Ramsay* Oct. 23: Calera* Oct. 29: McAdory#

*Region game #Thursday game

in quite some time, so size is on their side.

DEFENSIVE LINE This is by far the biggest concern as behind Da’Shaun McClain, the four-man front is very inexperienced. They do have some

KEY NUMBERS

30.4

Helena returns its entire starting secondary, and one of the most effective players last year was Nathan Reid. He came down with four interceptions to go with six pass breakups and 65 tackles in the 2025 season. That was good enough to secure All-County Second Team honors, and he’s the lone honoree from the First and Second Teams returning. His skills in traffic will need to shine against elite offensive power in the region and beyond, but they will also transfer well to the offensive side as one of the top receiving targets.

Helena’s offense truly went to another level with Soreano under center last season. He played a role in each of the Huskies’ five wins in 2025, and he led the offense to 30.4 points per game in each of those victories. While only one of those was against a playoff team, it served as an appetizer for what will likely come this season. More starting reps to develop connections with receivers in the offseason and a healthy Jacoby Studimire should yield improved results and a dangerous team for anyone in Class 5A, Region 3 to deal with.

Khai Coleman, CB Coleman’s large frame and constant improvements make him a standout coverage option both here and at the next level. Emmanuel Compton, CB Compton is a matchup nightmare at cornerback, which will help the Huskies neutralize dangerous Class 5A offenses.

Nathan Reid

KEY LOSSES Dom Santiago, RB Santiago toted the rock well for multiple seasons and was especially explosive off the edge, leading to some of Helena’s best highlight-reel plays. Davis Kelley, WR Kelley was a do-it-all All-County threat for the Huskies, using his speed to extend plays and aid in Soreano’s development. Nate Ferguson, QB While Ferguson dealt with injuries throughout last season, his leadership left an indelible mark on the locker room and will be sorely missed.

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 239 Per Game: 21.7 County Rank: 8 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 260 Per Game: 23.6 County Rank: 5 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 45

2026 HELENA Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

James Vakakes

POSITION

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

YEAR Sr.

Ian Crocker

Jr.

So.

Mason Bailey

Grady Aust

So.

Myles Jones

Fr.

Jr.

Amari Hudson

Issac Bentley

WR/DB

Fr.

Colton Hale

Sr.

Jr.

Reid Lucas

Timothy Russell

Sr.

Finn Etheredge

So.

Sr.

Andrew Davis

Hayes Mayer

Jr.

Caleb Breaux

Jr.

Nolan Payne

So.

Connor Hale

Jr.

Colson Griffin

So.

Jr.

Emmanuel Compton

Andrew Ezekiel

Jr.

Christian Grant

So.

Jr.

Nathan Reid

Ansen Zepp

WR/DB

Sr.

Trae Craig

Jr.

Fr.

Jordan Maxwell

Gabe Madden

So.

Cole Oelschlager

Jr.

DJ Johnson

Fr.

Lane Harris

Sr.

Jackson Haney

So.

Logan Evans

So. Sr.

POSITION

YEAR

Christian Hudson

Fr.

Jacoby Studimire

Sr.

Jay Orso

Mason Williams

ATH

Jr.

Jagger Anderson

So.

Sr.

Kellen Schultz

Sam Hartzog

So.

Frank Cagle

Jr.

So.

Khai Coleman

Mason Scruggs

Sr.

Cash Bullock

Jr.

Kolt Scazarro

So.

JP Shultz

Sr.

Shaun Jackson

Fr.

So.

Da’Shaun McClain

Sam Landrum

Jr.

Davyn Nix

Jr.

So.

Caleb Soreano

Johany Marroquin

Jr.

Ashton Griggs

Jr.

Sr.

Will Tayloe

Grayson Bruner

Jr.

Reece Sanderson

Jr.

So.

Hyde Jones

Landon Gibbs

So.

Devin Perkins

So.

Carter Kincaid

So.

Levi Lee

So.

Will Nordan

So.

Dax Guin

Jack Cory

Jr.

Connor Rollan

Fr.

Jr.

Barack Djalo

DeCarlos Hill

Jr.

Karson Tobler

So.

Jr.

Josh Trautwein

Cash Bullock

So.

Josh Walker

So.

Jr.

TJ Washington

Nathan Watson

Sr.

Daniel Sims

So.

Kha’Marie Jordan

Mariano Acosta

Fr.

Jason Prestidge

So.

Chris Lewis

Sr.

Will Kitchens

So.

Aiden Pino

So.

Jr.

Brody Spann

Jordan McLin

Sr.

Jack Brown

So.

DeCarlos Hill

Joel Crutchfield

Jr.

Max Parker

So.

46 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS NEW WHISTLES Helena lost three of its assistants last season, but it made two solid hires to compensate. TD Marshall comes in to coach defensive backs, which already looks like a strength of the team. The new wide receivers coach is none other than Justin Little, the former Maplesville offensive coordinator who led the Red Devils to an undefeated season with 47.4 points per game in 2025. Little has consistently delivered success in the smaller classifications, and he gets a malleable group of receivers here with plenty of potential but needing experience.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE The Helena Huskies are a run-first team. That’s been the standard, and it’s not changing. Even with a strong quarterback like Caleb Soreano taking the reins, Busby stressed that they will still prioritize the run heavily. That likely means another running back duo in the vein of years past, which saw Marquis Johnson give way to Jordan Washington and Washington to Dom Santiago. Jacoby Studimire filled that secondary role last year, and now he’ll rise to the primary role in between the tackles. That only creates a spot for someone else to rise to prominence, and Barack Djalo looks poised to be another strong option.

ONE GAME AT A TIME Richie Busby has rarely been one to schedule lightly, and that didn’t change this year. Nonregion games against Moody and McAdory, two teams the Huskies hope to avenge losses to, bookend a region schedule filled with familiar faces. Helena kicks everything off with the hotly anticipated Pelham game and then immediately faces perennial contenders Mountain Brook and Homewood. The schedule gets relatively easier after homecoming against Pleasant Grove with Chelsea and Calera rivalries on deck plus a trip to Legion Field to face Ramsay. The task is not only to take each week on its own with so many rivalries, but also possibly look to last year to see how to channel early challenges into a late playoff push.

speed in Christian Grant and TJ Washington, but they’re polar opposites as Grant is long and lean but Washington is undersized. Expect both to explode off the line and toward the ball. Ansen Zepp will move into a bigger role after starting some last year. Behind them, Reece Sanderson and Nolan Payne are among the players gunning for snaps.

LINEBACKER

is the other outside starting option with solid potential once he gains game reps. Finn Etheredge is an option across the front seven, and Devin Perkins and Conner Rowland are both developing talents for the future.

This is another group that needs to develop depth and gain experience, but the signs are there. Lane Harris in particular has a ton of experience at outside linebacker to bring the rest of the group along. Reid Lucas will step into middle linebacker, and Busby said he’s been patiently waiting his turn to break out behind multiple elite linebackers. Will Tayloe

SECONDARY For all the inexperience around the defense, it’s nice to have a group completely intact from a year ago, making this a team

Group Classes Personal Training Nutrition Coaching Childcare 24 hr Access

205-621-7007 HelenaHealthClub.com 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 47

strength. Khai Coleman and Emmanuel Compton both return at corner, and Nathan Reid and Colson Griffin are both back at safety. Coleman’s already getting Division I offers thanks to his improvements and his frame, now 6-foot-1, 190 points. Compton can keep up with anyone in man coverage for any distance, partially thanks to his youth soccer background. Reid’s football IQ on the offensive side translates well here to learning alignments, and Griffin has the speed and ball skills to make big plays on both the baseball diamond and football field. Amari Hudson will start somewhere here, as Busby

already says the freshman has the potential to be a truly special talent.

SPECIAL TEAMS This group is all returners as well, with Chris Lewis and Landon Gibbs splitting kicking duties while Carter Kincaid is back at punter after improving greatly during his freshman year. James Vakakes returns for his third year at long snapper. Kickoff and punt returns will likely be a committee of the quickest players like Nathan Reid, Colson Griffin, Emmanuel Compton and Amari Hudson.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (6-4) On the surface, things look pretty dire for the Huskies. The front seven was decimated by graduation and transfers, and losing both Dom Santiago and Davis Kelley on offense is a big blow. However, this is a Helena team that consistently outperforms expectations and finds a way to remain in the mix for the playoffs. A seventh playoff trip in eight years may be a stretch with Homewood and Mountain Brook at the top of the region and a crowded middle of the pack, but an improved Caleb Soreano and healthy Jacoby Studmire will help the offense remain multi-faceted and effective. The secondary is also strong enough to limit big plays, making run defense the biggest question left to answer. Helena remains undersized and inexperienced on both sides of the line, so development there is essential to set the tone up front. It may decide whether the Huskies remain in control of close games or watch them bleed away. I believe Helena will perform well against the middle of Pelham, Chelsea, Calera and Ramsay but not as well against the true state title contenders.

48 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2025 RESULTS Bye McAdory Chilton County* @ Spain Park* @ Moody @ Oxford @ Benjamin Russell* @ Pelham* Chelsea* Calera* Tarrant @ Bessemer City#

L W L L L L W W W W L

21-34 23-6 14-38 28-31 7-42 10-28 21-20 21-9 39-21 48-7 7-24 *Region game

5-YEAR WIN TREND 9

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

“GO HUSKIES!” MAYOR BILLY ROSENER AND CITY COUNCIL cityofhelena.org

Friday night standard Nathan Reid impacts both sides of field for Huskies

Written by DANIEL LOCKE | Photo by CAROLINE SIMMONS

Football season is back, and it would be harder to find a Helena resident who is more excited about that fact than Nathan Reid. Reid not only makes an impact for the Huskies on the football field, but on the basketball court and baseball diamond as well. To put his athletic versatility on display even further, Reid shines on both sides of the ball, using his playmaking ability at wide receiver and defensive back. Reid started his journey on the football field at the age of 7 and started playing tackle football for Helena Middle School in seventh grade. Heading into his final season as a member of the Huskies, Reid is ready to leave it all on the field during the 2026 season.

DUAL-POSITION THREAT When Reid’s high school football career began, he only played on offense and was not seeing the field that much. When his sophomore season began, the Huskies’ defensive coaching staff noticed his athletic ability and decided to bring him over to that side of the ball. The switch had an almost immediate impact. When Reid’s junior season—his first as a full-time defensive player—came to an end, he had an All-Region First Team selection to hang his helmet on. Reid is taking on a challenge that not every football player is cut out for during his senior season, however, as head coach Richie Busby plans to use him on both ends of the field. “It’s definitely more challenging to play both ways,” Reid said. “But I feel like the strength in my game is playing football with intelligence.” Busby was confident in Reid’s ability to handle playing both ways before Reid was, and that faith in his player has payed dividends. “He really boosted my confidence going into my junior year,” Reid said. “I hadn’t played defensive back since middle school, and coach Busby really

50 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

helped me believe I could do it.” Being a part of what the Huskies hope to accomplish both offensively and defensively adds on to Reid’s load from a preparation standpoint. “During practice I’ll be with the defensive backs,” Reid said. “I’ll get my skills right and understand coverages. Coach (Jim) Elgin really helps me understand the reads I need at the position. Then on offense, it’s really all about memorization. I’m really good at remembering play calls. Sometimes I’ll even help other receivers with knowing which routes to run and stuff.” Excelling on both ends of the field requires a football player to have a proven ability to focus, and this is something Busby and company fully believe Reid is capable of. “I feel like all of my coaches really trust me in the mental aspect of the game,” Reid said.

HOMETOWN PRIDE Representing the Huskies is something Reid views as a privilege, and making the community he has been a part of for his whole life proud is one of the top goals he has. Whether he is buckling his chin strap before practice or a game, or preparing for a session in the weight room, Reid understands he is putting his best foot forward for the city of Helena. “Just coming out and playing for the town you grew up in is a really cool thing,” Reid said. “I really just want to work my tail off and do what coach Busby wants me to do and do everything I can to help win the game.” Reid also takes his position as a role model in the community seriously, as he is aware that younger athletes look up to the Huskies’ varsity teams. “I was at the pool the other day and a bunch of kids came up wanting to talk to me, it feels really good to have that support from everybody.”

“Just coming out and playing for the town you grew up in is a really cool thing. I really just want to work my tail off and do what coach Busby wants me to do and do everything I can to help win the game.” Another large part of representing your hometown with pride is having a desire to perform well against your rivals, and that is a box Reid certainly has checked. Competing against the Pelham Panthers gives him even more energy, and that carries over into his teammates as well. “Pelham is a big week,” Reid said. “It doesn’t just start on Friday, we go into Sunday when we come in to lift knowing that it’s Pelham week. I feel like we always have an edge and we want to play better against Pelham.” Reid looks back on the Huskies’ 2025 win over Pelham fondly, as they overcame adversity before and during the game to pull off the upset on the road. “It felt even better because people were doubting us and saying that we weren’t going to be able to beat Pelham,” Reid said. “Just knowing that we own that rivalry feels pretty good, a lot better than any other win that we’ve had.”

— Nathan Reid

PERFORMING ON AND OFF THE FIELD While putting his best foot forward for the Huskies on the field, court or in the weight room each day is a focus for Reid, he is equally focused on doing so in the classroom. This effort is highlighted by his 4.2 GPA, an achievement Reid is proud of with a lot of his time being devoted to athletics. “Grades have always been a big thing for me,” Reid said. “I play three sports, so it’s hard to maintain good grades, but doing so has always been a big thing in my family.” Making his family proud is another source of motivation for Reid that applies to his effort on the field as well as in the classroom. “My family is a big part of my success,” Reid said. “When I’m down on myself, my dad gives me a big confidence boost. My mom really helps me get through things mentally. My twin brothers are going to be sophomores this year, I love playing basketball with them and trying to help them get better while they help me improve as well.” With the 2026 season right around the corner, Reid is excited to help lead the Huskies in what they hope is a successful campaign. Whether Helena is trying to score or aiming to prevent its opponent from doing so, Reid can be expected to be on the field somewhere, executing his assignment to the best of his ability. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 51

MONTEVALLO

BULLDOGS There’s no sugarcoating that the last two seasons have been rough for the Montevallo Bulldogs. Back-to-back one-win seasons, with both wins coming against Tarrant, left outside optimism at a low. Underneath the surface though, progress is coming. Now entering year three as head coach, Garrett Langer’s culture is starting to take root and is showing in the weight room and on the field. While numbers are still down, he believes each kid in the locker room can make a difference. They’ll return multiple key pieces including Caleb Merriweather and Jaedyn Rutledge, and Jordyn McCary enters year two under center a lot wiser than year one. Combined with a shift in schedule, there’s reason to believe the Bulldogs could surprise the outside onlookers this season.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 2025 RECORD 1-9 (0-6 Class 5A, Region 3) HEAD COACH Garrett Langer RECORD 2-18 (Third Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Gentrell Eatman, Jim King, Chris Stano, Daryl Burnes, Brandon Lilly, Tim Warren, Brandon Adams, Kevin Smith, Cody Davis LAST REGION TITLE 1995 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2021

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Jordyn McCary returns for round two as a starter. He took his lumps early and often last season, but those hits only showcased his toughness to the coaching staff and lit a fire under him to get better. He’s now had a full offseason weight program to get stronger as a thrower and runner. Expect McCary to get plenty of work in the play action and short yardage throws, but he has the green light and the capability to launch it downfield when needed. Langer is excited about freshman backup Braylon Williams, who is already 6-foot-2.

RUNNING BACK The Bulldogs will remain a run-first team in 2026, and Caleb Merriweather will be the workhorse there. At 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, he has the size to bowl down the middle, and he’s become a better leader as well. Langer said the team will go as far as he does. Montevallo will have a speed option as well in junior Jaedyn Rutledge. He’s already running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, but Langer believes he has even more upside than

52 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Jordan McCary

PLAYERS TO WATCH Caleb Merriweather, RB The workhorse of a run-first team, Merriweather’s physical runs will set the tone for the Bulldogs offense. Jaedyn Rutledge, WR/DB Rutledge’s quickness makes him an essential weapon on both sides of the aerial matchup. Jace Lewis, WR/DB Lewis will hold down the back of the field at the safety spot but is also one of the most experienced receivers on the team.

Jackson Holsomback

that. Sophomore Matthew Smith is Merriweather’s direct replacement as they’re more similarly built.

RECEIVER Jaedyn Rutledge will be primarily here as he’s regarded as the best matchup receiver on the team, so he’ll be moved around to create mismatches with his speed. Jace Lewis is the one returner after starting all 10 games last year, and he’s as reliable as they come. Kelim Huff is a new senior to the team, and he’s a short, speedy receiver who will take the slot after a strong offseason. Jackson Holsomback starts at tight end, which is primarily a blocking spot for Gentrell Eatman’s offense. However, his defensive needs will likely see senior Nate Haynie and sophomore Bentley Kearn take tight end snaps too.

OFFENSIVE LINE Jayshun Shepherd is the biggest lineman here, but it’s a smaller group behind him. Michael Safford, Logan

Jayshun Shepherd, OL/DL Shepherd remains one of the largest linemen on the team, and now he’ll be tasked with leading the line as a veteran. Houston Hilty, DL/OL Hily will be tasked with making big plays off the edge, while on the other end, he’s regarded as the Bulldogs’ best offensive lineman.

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Tarrant Aug. 28: Prattville Christian Sept. 4: @ Northside* Sept. 11: Holt* Sept. 18: @ Sipsey Valley* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: Shelby County* Oct. 9: Selma* Oct. 16: Jemison* Oct. 23: @ Demopolis* Oct. 30: @ Talladega

Jaedyn Rutledge *Region game

Pennington and Mason Fowler are the for-sure starters, and Hunter Cooley and Houston Hilty will compete for the fifth spot. Langer believes Hilty is the best offensive lineman on the team, but he doesn’t want to overload his starting edge rusher. Overall, the Bulldogs believe this is a gritty group who will open up holes well for Merriweather.

DEFENSIVE LINE Houston Hilty has locked down the

KEY LOSSES Kyler Mitchell, OL/DL The Faulkner signee had an All-State career for the Bulldogs and secured 52 pancake blocks and 37 tackles as a twoway force in 2025. AJ Guizar, OL/DL Guizar was another veteran leader on the offensive and defensive lines and provided a reliable presence in the run game. Buck Ross, WR/DB Ross was one of the biggest playmakers on the team and provided a spark on both ends of the field when he was on it. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 53

2026 MONTEVALLO Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Jordyn McCary

POSITION QB/DB

YEAR Sr.

Emery Green

WR/LB

Sr.

Abraham Gallo

OL/DL

So.

Jaedyn Rutledge

RB/DB

Jr.

Kulan Mckenzie

WR/C

Fr.

Hunter Cooley

OL/DL

So.

Matthew Smith

H/LB

So.

Nate Haynie

H/LB

Sr.

Houston Hilty

OL/DL

Sr.

Kelim Huff

WR/DB

Sr.

Keyin Spigner

WR/C

Fr.

Jake Bone

OL/DL

Fr.

Kamar Ross

WR/LB

Jr.

Cash Chapman

RB/DL

Fr.

Michael Saffold

OL/DL

Jr.

Braylon Williams

QB/DB

Fr.

Jireh Peterson

WR/C

Fr.

Anthony Burton

OL/DL

Jr.

Caleb Merriweather

RB/DL

Sr.

Dylan Overton

H/DL

Sr.

Bryson Dumas

OL/DL

Fr.

WR/C

Fr.

James Hyde

OL/DL

Jr.

Sr.

Wyatt Seales

OL/DL

Fr.

POSITION

Quintez Hall

WR/DB

So.

Christian Crosby

Markelle Hudson

WR/DB

Fr.

Pablo Olivo

YEAR

Jace Lewis

WR/DB

Sr.

Jayshun Shepherd

OL/DL

So.

Jerald Easterling

OL/DL

So.

Brian Jones

WR/DB

Fr.

Jaylan Griffin

OL/DL

So.

Mason Fowler

OL/DL

Jr.

Bentley Kern

H/LB

So.

Logan Pennington

OL/DL

Jr.

Jacayden Haynes

OL/DL

Jr.

Dawson Dubose

H/LB

Fr.

Javeon Williams

OL/DL

Sr.

Jackson Holsomback

H/LB

Sr.

Johnathan Olivo

OL/DL

So.

strong-side defensive end spot, and he’ll be a leader in this group. The other two spots in the three-man front will likely be by committee. At nose guard, the 5-foot11, 260-pound Anthony Burton is in the driver’s seat with Jayshun Shepherd splitting some two-way reps and the 260-pounder David Hyde now healthy enough to contribute. The coaches are hoping Jacayden Haynes breaks through to play the weak-side edge, but Caleb

54 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Merriweather, Michael Saffold and Logan Pennington can all cross over if needed.

LINEBACKER Matthew Smith starts in the middle as a sophomore, but he already has four starts under his belt from his freshman year. He impressed Langer despite still growing into his frame. Kamar Ross is the latest Ross to come through the Montevallo program, and the coaches like his ceiling

at middle linebacker as well. Jackson Holsomback can move around the linebacker corps but will likely take on a nickel role. Bentley Kearn and Nate Haynie are in the mix at the weak-side rover position, and the more physical of the two will land the job while the other will serve as secondary tight end.

SECONDARY Jace Lewis will get two-way time as the

top safety option, and Jaedyn Rutledge can slide in here as well. The team also hopes sophomore Quintez Hall can break out and capitalize on his two-way experience as a freshman. Jordyn McCary is also an emergency option mainly for Hail Mary plays. As for cornerback, Kelim Huff is locked into a spot with multiple freshmen in the mix alongside him for the second starting position.

Nate Haynie KEY NUMBERS

106

Jackson Holsomback was one of the top playmakers on the defense last year with 76 total tackles. Of those, 48 were solo tackles and six were tackles for loss. Holsomback will be a key veteran for the linebacker corps after playing all 10 games last season. As the Bulldogs look to eliminate big plays and shut down opposing offenses, having someone like Holsomback to fill gaps and stop plays at the second level will be crucial.

Offensive line will be one of the biggest positions that the Bulldogs need to replenish. That’s because they graduated two AllCounty linemen in Kyler Mitchell and AJ Guizar. Both men were multi-year starters for Montevallo and set the tone for the offensive line in both production and leadership. Mitchell in particular brought an edge with 52 pancake blocks, while Guizar had 32 pancake blocks and 42 tackles for himself. Langer admits there aren’t true stars who can replace them, but he hopes a collective effort and tenaciousness can come close.

Caleb Merriweather was immediately thrown into the first in 2025, carrying the ball 106 times in his eight games. His production was somewhat limited in that time to 668 yards and three touchdowns, but it was also limited by an injury that kept him out of a couple of games. The hope is with him healthy and improved, he can handle another heavy workload and restore Montevallo’s historically successful run game.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 55

QUICK HITS BECOMING A TEAM The much-ballyhooed third year of a coaching tenure has arrived for Garrett Langer, and after a pair of rough one-win seasons, the coaches see the light at the end of the tunnel. The vast majority of the players have only known Langer as the head coach, and the vast majority of those are bought in to what he’s preaching. That’s helped bring the younger players along and remove any friction or resistance to the culture. Langer is trying to cut out individualism by getting players to be willing to do what’s best for the team, even if it means moving around the field. He estimates he has about 90 percent of the roster bought in, which is where he needs it. FINDING THE SPARK Montevallo’s offense averaged just 11.1 points last season during a big transition year. The Bulldogs were working in both a new quarterback and primary running back and had a revolving door at receiver. Now with more experience, Montevallo hopes improvements follow. The Bulldogs will continue to be a run-first team, so keeping Caleb Merriweather healthy and setting him up with good blocks is key. However, Jordyn McCary’s commitment to improving this offseason should help diversify their attack. For a team that struggled to create first downs last year, sustained yardage will be the first step to success. CLOSING THE DOOR Despite Langer’s experience as a defensive coordinator, Montevallo’s defense took a nosedive the last two seasons and allowed 117 more points in 2025 than it did in 2024. The Bulldogs will be a little undersized on defense this year, but Langer believes they’ll make up for that with athleticism. Players like Houston Hilty, Jackson Holsomback, Matthew Smith, Jace Lewis and Jayden Rutledge got key experience here last year, which should also help with knowing what’s coming at them. Langer wants his players to fight for every play and be “scrappy and annoying” to play against.

5-YEAR WIN TREND 8 7

4 1

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2025 RESULTS Tarrant Sylacauga @ Northside* Demopolis* Bye @ John Carroll @ Selma* Shelby County* @ Sipsey Valley* Jemison* Vincent

W L L L

14-6 0-33 0-56 6-38

L L L L L L

7-47 10-36 21-50 28-62 6-42 19-47 *Region game

SPECIAL TEAMS After losing the reliable Arturo Alvarenga, Pablo Olivo steps up as the starting kicker. Olivo played just football as a freshman and has enough range to make shorter field goals and handle kickoff duties. The punter competition will extend into fall camp, but Montevallo’s soccer success means there’s no shortage of strong legs walking the halls.

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 111 Per Game: 11.1 County Rank: 11 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 417 Per Game: 41.7 County Rank: 11

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (5-5) Last year, I caught some considerable flack for predicting a 3-7 record for Montevallo. This year though, I can say I’m bullish on the Bulldogs. When you look at some of the production they lost with Ross and Mitchell plus the rough past couple of seasons, there are certainly reasons to doubt. However, I believe what they have coming back and the collective effort they will show will outweigh those losses. I’m a firm believer that Garrett Langer is the man to stabilize the culture, and a lot of the off-field negatives have largely disappeared this year. I also believe a full offseason for many of last year’s starters helped them improve. Especially on the offensive end, just a little bit of momentum could go a long way as Montevallo puts together sustained drives and see little moments pay off. The nonregion schedule is also much more favorable for the Bulldogs, and Jemison, Selma and Holt remain reasonable targets in region play. While Northside, Demopolis and Shelby County have established themselves atop the region, this season should see Montevallo take the next step toward playoff contention.

56 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

OAK MOUNTAIN

EAGLES The Oak Mountain Eagles hit the reset button this offseason after back-to-back 4-6 campaigns, moving to hire Jason Kervin as their head coach. Kervin came from Pelham as its strength coach, but he made his name as the offensive coordinator at Hoover under Josh Niblett before his first head coaching stop at Georgia’s Alpharetta. That bodes well for an Eagles offense that returns quarterback Charlie Vacarella and multiple skill players looking for a breakout. Oak Mountain will still have to contend with its Region 3 rivals, but the Eagles may benefit from one of the biggest changes by the AHSAA–six teams from each Class 6A region now make the playoffs. Even though the playoff bar has been lowered, this team still has the potential for improvements across the board with veteran leaders and strong coaches now at the helm.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2025 RECORD 4-6 (1-6 Region 3) HEAD COACH Jason Kervin RECORD First Year ASSISTANT COACHES Jerad Holder, Michael Brown, Ryan Brewer, Austin Stidham, Jacori Goodwin, Marquis Dobbs, Hunter Reese, Spencer White, Dylan Maxwell, Harley Madison, Joshua Taylor LAST REGION TITLE None LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2021

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Charlie Vaccarella returns for year two after starting as a sophomore. After a trial by fire facing Class 7A opposition as a sophomore, his goal is to help the Eagles take the next step offensively. Kervin said he’s already ahead of schedule with learning the system, and his decisionmaking has taken a leap. His athletic build remains an advantage, helping him gut out plays and lead the offense well. Matthew Mumper Jr. is his primary backup with some freshmen developing behind them.

RUNNING BACK Marty Myricks was arguably the biggest loss for the offense, but senior Jud Sachs is ready for the lead back spotlight. Kervin said he knows how to get through holes and work angles to create plays, and that’s before you talk about his pass-catching ability. Kentrell Tolbert runs harder than his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame suggests, and Kervin would put him up against any Hoover back he coached. They’ll also have freshman Hudson Brewer, he of the first-

58 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Peyton Gamble

PLAYERS TO WATCH Charlie Vacarella, QB Going into year two as a starter, Vacarella has taken leaps on and off the field and has the ability to make big plays in big moments against elite competition. Jud Sachs, RB After running in tandem with Marty Myricks last year, it’s Sachs’ turn to tote the rock and showcase his full potential after showing flashes in 2025. William Yoder, LB Yoder’s football IQ makes him a perfect fit at middle linebacker, and his nose of the ball and competitive drive will greatly help the defense. Clay Mills, S Mills is the only returner in the secondary, but his ability to make plays in the air and by tackling make him a versatile playmaker.

Nolan Lawson carry touchdown in the spring game. The Eagles also have two fullbacks to use in heavy packages, including Brody Hughes and Tucker Kelly. The latter can also play tight end and offensive line.

RECEIVER This is an experienced and dynamic group of playmakers. Blaise Hayes returns to the slot and works hard to run great routes and block in midfield. Okoye Walker will hold down the outside, and he not only brings blistering track speed but a statechampion in wrestling at CarverBirmingham. Jacob Gibbs transferred from Pelham and immediately fit in with his quickness after the catch. Isaac Booth approaches the outside from an inside mindset, using his football IQ and speed to make plays.

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Pelham Aug. 28: Buckhorn Sept. 4: @ Spain Park* Sept. 11: @ Vestavia Hills* Sept. 18: Hoover* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 9: @ Prattville* Oct. 16: @ Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 23: Thompson* Oct. 30: @ Homewood

*Region game

OFFENSIVE LINE

Luke Kelly, C The All-County lineman will hold down the middle of the line once again as one of the key veterans on the offense.

KEY LOSSES Marty Myricks, RB Myricks finished with 1,014 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns against largely Class 7A, Region 3 opponents, earning AllCounty Second Team honors. Bradley Haizlip, OL Haizlip was not only one of the team’s most consistent and effective linemen, but he was a strong leader throughout the offense as well. Jayden Aparicio-Bailey, S The All-State safety followed former coach Shane McComb to Prattville and is now committed to Clemson.

Luke Kelly returns for his fourth year starting and is the unquestioned leader here. He can make split-second decisions and the hard blocks needed in this region.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 59

2026 OAK MOUNTAIN Roster NO.

NAME

Okoye Walker

POSITION

NO.

NAME

Jr.

Sr.

Fr.

Jr.

So.

Jr.

Sr.

Jr.

So.

Fr.

Sr.

Fr.

Sr.

So.

ATH

Fr.

Brody Hughes

RJ Elwell

Jr.

Hudson Brewer

Tate Strickland

Zane White

Peyton Gamble

Rhys Watkin

Hamp Fields

So.

Cordiea Williams

Cole Praytor

Parker Countryman

So.

Deacon Brewer

Alexander Mason

Joseph Burton

Fr.

Blaise Hayes

Ham Labree

Carter Steen

So.

Charlie Vacarella

Cadyn Lindsey

Hunter Misso

Fr.

Josiah Sachs

Darion Parker

George Ball

So.

Amari Pritchett

Tyler Mosely

Rhett Hartsfield

Fr.

Kentrell Tolbert

Sawyer Pruitt

NAME

Sr.

NO.

YEAR

Jr.

Titus Taylor

Fr. Fr.

POSITION

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

Clay Mills

Sr.

Joshua Renfro

Sr.

Jr.

So.

Fr.

Sr.

Jr.

Fr.

Sr.

So.

Jr.

Fr.

Carter Hopkins

Caden Sewell

Tripp Smith

Cooper Campbell

Luke Kelly

Sr.

Zander Pender

Nixan Eady

John Bay Whatley

Judson Sachs

Brody Hall

Barrett Feldman

Fr.

Keenan Wolf

Judson Hopkins

Robert Boyd

So.

Jacob Gibbs

Prince Spencer

Walt Simpson

Fr.

Marcus Tartt

Eli Byers

Will Dunham

Isaac Booth

Jr.

Hudson Lee

So.

Nolan Lawson

Sr.

Robert McKinnon

Fr.

Jr.

Fr.

So.

Jr.

Sr.

Jr.

So.

Fr.

Jr.

Sr.

Jr.

So.

Fr.

William Milton

Brooks Branch

Fr.

Grayson Haley

Elijah Armstrong

Luke Marriner

So.

Aiden Molette

Joshua Smith

Wyatt Turner

Jr.

Brooks Denard

Kaiden Johnson

Eli Ervin

William Yoder

Tucker Kelly

Noah Horn

So.

Hayes Wylie

Luke Cannon

Sam Oswalt

Max Coby

Isaiah Slaughter

Everett Meadows

Fr.

Collin Graham

Joseph Junkin

Charles Larkin

Parker Kervin

Fr.

Luke Cannon

So.

Eli Eason

So.

James Zellander

So.

Fr.

Jr.

Fr.

Jr.

So.

Fr.

Sr.

Fr.

So.

Sr.

Fr.

So.

Carter Clayton

Levi Ross

Parker Swartz

Tyler Clark

Yates Crawford

Fr.

Paxton Haley

Silas Allday

Jackson Brainard

William Hodgson

Max Byrd

Turner Uhrig

So.

Warren Blackburn

Aiden Thomas

Henry Harrison

Scott Warren

Zivai Mtyora

AJ Yonfa

So.

Chase Romanowski

Bennett Williamon

Tyler Clark

Bryson Ball

Fr.

Aaden Stallworth

So.

Colt Sewell

Jr.

Clayton Wolf

Fr.

Shepherd Devane

Carter Miller

Jacob Ingle

So.

Jacob Stone

So. Fr.

Caleb McCandless

So.

Murphy Logan

So.

Sr.

Fr.

Jr.

Sr.

Fr.

So.

Matthew Mumper Jr.

Matthew Townley

Matthew Millar

Fr.

John David Nichols

Jackson Ingle

Kyle Williams

So.

James Isbell

John Baker

Carson Brown

Jr.

Cason Sciascia

James McCallister

Caleb Jenkins

Matthew Beard

So.

Mason Jacobik

So.

John Bay Whatley will lead alongside him as a 6-foot-2, 280-pound returning starter at right guard. The tackles are opposites with the 6-foot-5, 290-pound Eli Ervin bringing an edge to left tackle while Sam Oswalt is a bit undersized on the right edge but has surprised coaches with his technique and toughness. Jacob Ingle is another senior leader who finally gets his

60 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

shot as a full-season starter at left guard. Behind them, Charlie Larkin is a fringe starter and sophomore Noah Horn is a solid option for the future.

DEFENSIVE LINE Peyton Gamble is the leader of the group and sets the tone and energy with his love of football. Zander Pender holds down the

other end, and he’s worked hard to improve as a smaller edge rusher. As for the middle of the three-man front, James McAllister is exactly what Kervin expected Oak Mountain players to be–hungry, scrappy and willing to fight for each play. His wrestling background helps him excel at shaking off blocks.

QUICK HITS FINDING THEIR WINGS Jason Kervin hit the ground running when he arrived at Oak Mountain, meeting with parents and community members to figure out what worked well under the prior staff and what needs to improve. After some initial losses, he said the core has solidified and the buy-in is present from top to bottom. Being from the area, he knows the challenges that this school faces, but he said the kids are hungry for the challenge of Class 6A football and welcome the opportunities that facing Thompson, Vestavia Hills and Hoover present. Together, they want to make history. THE VAC ATTACK A new coach means a new offense, and Kervin’s brought great success to both Alpharetta and Hoover. He always wants to build around personnel, and Oak Mountain’s foundation of skill players means spreading the ball around to receivers while continuing to run the ball at a high clip. That puts an increased onus on Charlie Vacarella at quarterback and the offensive line. Vacarella’s working hard to study in the film room to understand defenses and

2025 RESULTS

anticipate coverage more, and the line has developed both in the weight room and on their technique. After pairing 12 passing touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2025, a big focus for Vacarella will be improving his accuracy and decision-making against elite defenses. MAKING STRIDES Oak Mountain’s defensive struggles started to fade in 2025 when the Eagles went from allowing 35.7 points per game to 25.7 points, a year-over-year drop of 10 points per game. Those improvements could only increase after the team hired defensive coordinator Michael Brown, who Kervin believes is the biggest hire of the offseason. Kervin insisted on a 3-4 defense to maximize their personnel’s skillset, but Brown has free reign to develop the players from there. Kervin hopes in particular to improve the defensive line and technique across the board to win the line of scrimmage with toughness and misdirection. While they’re working to develop depth, the Eagles love their leaders in each position group, including defensive lineman Peyton Gamble, linebacker William Yoder and safety Clay Mills.

LINEBACKER

SECONDARY

William Yoder leads the defense at middle linebacker, using his high football IQ to make strong tackles and hold down the middle of the field. Over on the weak side, Nolan Lawson worked hard to be a senior starter, and Kervin loves his intense playstyle, physicality and toughness. Junior Keenan Wolf clocks in at more than 210 pounds but also covers receivers well, making him a perfect nickel back. Look out for sophomore Aiden Molette to be an impactful linebacker both now and in the future, and he can either fill the weak-side or nickel spots.

This group saw heavy losses over the offseason when three of the four starters departed. Senior safety Clay Mills is the lone returner, but with 52 tackles last year, he’s an opportunistic tackler, and he can also make great plays in coverage. His basketball teammate Deacon Brewer will take the other safety spot and is very similar to Mills by making plays in the box and open field. As for cornerback, junior Josiah Sachs uses a three-sport background to keep tight with opposing receivers. Converted receiver Matthew Beard and decathlete Paxton Haley are in the mix for

@ Briarwood Pelham @ Prattville* Thompson* @ Tuscaloosa County* Bye Hoover* @ Vestavia Hills* Hewitt-Trussville* @ Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa* @ Chelsea

W W L L W

14-3 30-29 6-27 0-41 43-7

L L L L W

21-48 0-41 21-36 23-25 26-0 *Region game

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 184 Per Game: 18.4 County Rank: 10 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 257 Per Game: 25.7 County Rank: 9

5-YEAR WIN TREND 7

4 3 1

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 61

the second starting spot. Kervin said building depth here will be a focus this year.

SPECIAL TEAMS Josh Renfroe’s spot is one of the most solidified in the county. After draining game-winners in each of the last two seasons, he’s as clutch of a leg as any and his range is only going up. He’ll also start at punter, where he’s up to 50 yards in practice. George Ball is locked in as his long snapper. Look for Joseph Junkin to make noise though. After stepping up admirably in the spring game, the sophomore kicker is in contention for at least the kickoff spot, if not more.

KEY NUMBERS

1,014

Oak Mountain’s secondary got ravaged by graduations and transfers, leaving Clay Mills as the lone returning starter. Mills secured 52 tackles across nine games in 2025, including 31 solo tackles and three tackles for loss. His playmaking ability at the second level will be essential to stopping the state’s elite offenses in Class 6A, Region 3.

Marty Myricks is arguably the biggest loss for the Eagles going into 2026. He finished with 1,014 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season last year. Rushing for 1,000 yards in Class 7A, Region 3 is a fantastic feat, especially for a nonplayoff team. Those yards helped spark Oak Mountain’s offense when it struggled, while his veteran presence helped develop some of the Eagles’ younger stars. Two of those were Jud Sachs and Hudson Brewer, who will look to continue his rushing dominance in his stead.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (4-6) Should this prediction come true, it would be the third-straight 4-6 season for the Eagles. Let me stress that this doesn’t mean that I think Oak Mountain will be the same or worse skill-wise this year. I expect Charlie Vacarella to take an upperclassman leap and the passing game will be a genuine strength of the team once again. I also really like the character of the front seven and the playmaking potential from Peyton Gamble and William Yoder. This prediction is simply a reflection of a reality that Eagles fans know all too well–the top end of Class 6A, Region 3 is really, really good. Losing to teams like Thompson, Hoover and Vestavia Hills is nothing to be ashamed of, as many teams will likely try and fail to beat them. I do expect Oak Mountain to contend well with Hewitt-Trussville, Spain Park and Prattville for the final three playoff spots in the expanded Class 6A playoffs. A couple of region wins are likely all it takes to get a ticket to the dance now, and that’s well within this team’s reach.

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62 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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We’re all on the team. Alabama Water Utilities is proud to support the communities we serve. As the 2026 high school football season opens, we’d like to recognize the outstanding high schools in our Shelby County service area:

Briarwood Christian School Chelsea High School Oak Mountain High School Spain Park High School and all the excellent schools that make Shelby County a wonderful place to live, work and play!

Alabama Water Utilities 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 63

PELHAM

TEAM INFORMATION

PANTHERS The Pelham Panthers took a big step in the right direction in head coach Ross Newton’s first season with a trip to the playoffs. While they still finished under .500, they grew over the course of the season into a team that took Hueytown to the limit on the road. Now, it’s a partial reset in Pelham with workhorse running back Tristan Rutledge graduating alongside most of the defensive core. However, the Panthers made the biggest splash hire of the offseason in Central-Phenix City defensive coordinator Tony Hatmaker to the same position. He’ll lead an emerging group of defensive stars looking to take the next step. The offense should be set up for success both now and into the future in Austin Gray’s second year as offensive coordinator. With a slew of returners at receiver and offensive line, expect the passing game to take the next step. Overall, Pelham has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about continued success and improvements under Newton.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 4 2025 RECORD 4-7 (3-3 Class 6A, Region 3) HEAD COACH Ross Newton RECORD 4-7 (Second Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Austin Gray, Tony Hatmaker, Robert Albritton, David Nash, Zach Underwood, Anthony Johnson, Ryan Shell, Jacob Cook, Kevin LeSueur, Mitch Smith, Matthew Windham, Houston Daniel, Carlos Figueroa LAST REGION TITLE 2020 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK It’s the second full season with Dylan Smith as a starter, and it’s his second with offensive coordinator Austin Gray. Pelham believes that continuity alone will set the stage for more improvements, but Smith has worked hard to grow both as a passer and leader. Newton credits that to his perfectionism, which drives his competitiveness. His fundamentals are strong and only getting better, and his command of the huddle makes him a true leader under center. If he goes down again though, the Panthers will have John John

Dylan Smith

go panthers! One team. One City. one way. the pelham way 64 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PLAYERS TO WATCH Marcus Arnold, WR An All-State receiver last year, Arnold is back after a devastating injury and ready to make a mark his senior season. Dylan Smith, QB Smith now boasts multiple seasons of starting experience and is ready to take the next step as a passer with a returning supporting cast.

Marcus Arnold

Sawyer Sullivan, OL Sullivan brings the size and skills to an offensive line that includes a plethora of returning starters. Tristan Darden, WR Darden’s impact was stunted by a season-ending injury, but now that he’s healthy, he still has all the intangibles to be a dynamic contributor. TJ Spell, DB/LB Spell comes over from Chelsea and can do it all across the defense, making him an essential asset for a group in transition.

KEY LOSSES Tristan Rutledge, RB The All-County back took the vast majority of carries last season in a 1,000yard campaign, leaving a big hole in the backfield.

Hampton backing him up, the hero of the Leeds game last year. Now a sophomore, Newton said he’s shaken off the initial pressure and has the tools and comfort to shine when he’s called on. He’s more confident in his ability to perform in tough Friday-night situations, and that will only serve him well going into next year when he will likely start.

RUNNING BACK Tristan Rutledge’s graduation meant most of Pelham’s carries left with him, meaning Cam Whitfield and Adrien Tellis

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Oak Mountain Aug. 28: Wenonah Sept. 4: @ Helena* Sept. 11: Homewood* Sept. 18: @ Chelsea* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: Chilton County* Oct. 9: @ Ramsay* Oct. 16: Calera* Oct. 22: @ Mountain Brook*# Oct. 30: Pinson Valley

Joe Hampton, LB Hampton was one of the defensive leaders before moving on to Alabama State. Jacob Gibbs, WR Gibbs had an All-County breakout season before following Jason Kervin to Oak Mountain. Uriah Barginere, DL Barginere is one of multiple seniors that the Panthers will be replacing across the defensive line.

*Region game #Thursday game

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 65

2026 PELHAM Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

TJ Copeland

POSITION

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

DB/WR

YEAR Sr.

Rembert Kam

Fr.

So.

Dylan Smith

Jack Kiser

OL/DL

Sr.

Emmanuel Turner

Jr.

Sr.

Marcus Arnold

Jacob Bush

Sr.

Asher Bethers

DB/WR

Fr.

Ni’Jel Jennings

So. So.

POSITION

YEAR

Byrd Willie

WR/DB

Fr.

Eli Craine

RB/DB

Fr.

Adrien Tellis

MIcah Merchent

Sr.

Blake Hunter

Jr.

Sr.

BJ Wright

Elijah Gilleylen

ATH

Fr.

Ryan Aldred

Jr.

So.

Cameron Winfield

Erik Pena

Sr.

Hector Hoyos

So.

Ryan Shaler

Jr.

Cade Reese

Fr.

Christian Day-Hamilton DB

So.

TJ Spell

Ian Hammett

OL/DL

ATH

Jr.

King’Kobie McClure

Fr.

Jackson Heikel

Jr.

Ethan Drawhorn

Jr.

Bekham Russell

LB/TE

So.

Sr.

Tristan Darden

Sawyer Sullivan

DB/WR

Sr.

Brayden Griggs

Fr.

Cameron Newell

Fr.

Thomas Newton

OL/DL

Seth Kalemba

So.

Micah Roberts

Deshawn Armstead

Sr.

Colton Sherman

Fr.

Messiah Jackson

So.

John Hampton

So.

Jayden Robles

Jr.

Fr.

Aaron Galloway

Jackson Coffelt

TE/LB

Sr.

Colton Richards

So.

Jr.

Emmanuel Shu

Treson Hollins

So.

Kayden Coley-Drayton DE

Fr.

So.

Jeremih Murphy

Grady McMinn

Jr.

Austin Horn

So.

Brock McMinn

Jr.

Nasaih Bayles

Jr.

Reid Hurd

Fr.

So.

Amari Motley

Cameron Russell

LB/TE

Jr.

Justin Fisher

Fr.

Vincent Mack

Fr.

Makeo Rego

So.

Vic Reese

Sr.

Ian Tidmore

Sr. Fr.

Colton Lancaster

So.

Jordan McNeil

Jr.

Eron Collins

Mason Mills

So.

Dakarien Bizzell

Fr.

Jr.

Aidan Winfield

Ja’Martin Logan

So.

Matthew Garcia

OL/DL

Fr.

So.

Baylor Vickery

Levi Cummings

Jr.

Juan Chavez

Jr.

Jake Sexton

Fr.

Robert Darrenkamp

Sr.

Peyton Testone

Fr.

So.

Caden Whatley

Griffin Rowland

So.

Elijah Jones

Jr.

Andrew Shannon

Jr.

Brandon VanOrden

So.

Nate Hernandez

Sr.

Jackson LeSueur

DE/TE

So.

Nic Vinson

Sr.

Reece Johnson

So.

Dorion Sewell

Fr.

Freddy Lopez-Diaz

Sr.

Bentley Hutchinson

Fr.

Brady Wilson

P/K

So.

Joe Fox

So.

Ethan Heikel

OL/DL

Fr.

Will Guevera

Jr.

Derrick Sewell

So.

Jesus Lopez-HernandezOL/DL

Fr.

Jr.

Jackson Carlisle

Greg Gathers

Jr.

Jaden Rodriguez

So.

Braylen Beal

WR/DB

Fr.

Jonah Gee

Jr.

needed to develop quickly this offseason. Newton believes that’s happened. He said they’re very similar with the ability to run both inside and outside plus block and catch if needed. As a result, the Panthers will likely balance their carries with a twoback set. That means less pressure on a

single running back to deliver a substantial amount of carries, something Rutledge did with a county-high load. It helps with development for both backs, and their diverse skillsets will open up their opportunities to be utilized across the offense.

RECEIVER Marcus Arnold leads this group after an All-State season last year. He’s a do-it-all receiver who can catch any type of pass and dominate against man coverage. However, his broken leg in December forced multiple

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66 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Photo by Andrew Simonson

QUICK HITS HATS OFF Pelham suffered a big blow to its coaching staff with the loss of defensive coordinator Woodrow Briggs, who coached Peter Woods, Jared Smith and Cam Pritchett as Thompson’s defensive line coach. All that athletic director Trey Simpson went and did was hire Tony Hatmaker, Patrick Nix’s standout defensive coordinator at Central-Phenix City. Hatmaker coached some solid players of his own, including last year’s 7A Lineman of the Year Tristan Lyles and Alabama All-Star Tony Arnett. The latter comes from Hatmaker’s specialty of the secondary, so look for an added impetus to stop big plays and create turnovers. Newton said Hatmaker is a great communicator and play designer, and he isn’t too different from what they’re used to.

DEVELOPING AN EDGE The Panthers have continuity throughout their team, but especially on the offensive side at quarterback and receiver. Dylan Smith will benefit from not having to learn a brand-new offense like he was asked to do last season under Austin Gray. That carries over to the receivers and the added depth that came from a strong spring. Newton said that they need to be a physical offense, which starts up front with an experienced offensive line, and an explosive one too, which comes from the receivers making big plays before and after the catch. He believes both groups have the tools to achieve that vision.

players into action during the spring, but that adversity yielded a deeper receiving room. Tristan Darden is one of those who benefitted from their extra reps after a devastating knee injury in Week 2. Ethan Drawhorn returns as a starter and Emmuel Shup and Cayden Whatley are solid depth

pieces. At tight end, Aaron Galloway returns as a starter after playing almost every snap in 11-personnel. He isn’t the sole tight end in the mix though as Ian Tidmore had a strong offseason and now has great expectations to contribute there as a senior like Galloway.

THE NEXT STEP Making the playoffs is a big boost for any team. Regardless of the result, it’s a tangible goal to accomplish that shows players that they are at least on the way to contending. That’s how most of the team felt after the first-round matchup with Hueytown. Despite the loss in overtime, being able to go on the road and tangle with a region champion that went deep in the playoffs was a big confidence boost. It showed the team that they belonged in the playoff conversation. Now, it’s all about following that up with a second-straight trip. With Helena, Chelsea, Calera and Ramsay all in the mix plus perennial contenders like Mountain Brook and Homewood in the region now, every week will test the Panthers against teams with playoff aspirations as they seek to fulfill their own dreams of November football.

OFFENSIVE LINE All five of this year’s starters got at least one start a year ago, giving the Panthers much-needed experience to draw from. Sawyer Sullivan holds down the left tackle spot at more than 300 pounds, and despite

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2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 67

playing through a torn labrum last year, he still has college offers. Center Jacob Bush, guard Elijah Gillian and right tackle Jonah Gee are all returning starters, and Jackson Hickel got forced into action against Fort Payne. Newton said that experience is essential with a newer running back room, especially with their goal of setting the tone with their physicality on offense.

DEFENSIVE LINE A pair of spot starters return here in Robert Darrenkamp on the edge and Greg Gathers in the interior. Newton said they did well in their opportunities and are the bedrock of the position group. Nasaih Bayles, Andrew Shannon, Ja’Martin Logan and Brandon VanOrden have helped rebuild the depth here after struggling with that last season. The coaches view this as the position group with the most room to grow, but they believe this will benefit them once they do develop and help them start rush the backfield from the line. Their goal is to start the pass rush up front and provide some relief to the

68 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

KEY NUMBERS

7 Pelham may have finished 4-6, but take a closer look at the schedule, and the Panthers’ record could have swung many different ways. That’s because seven of their 11 games were decided by one score, and Pelham also went just 2-5 in those games. Notably, those losses include a 21-20 loss to Helena that decided the No. 3 seed and the 35-28 overtime loss to Hueytown as a result of getting that No. 4 seed. As a result, Newton has put his team in situational drills this summer to simulate late-game scenarios. The hope is that improved play in the final minutes will make the difference for a winning season.

1,124 Marcus Arnold broke out in a big way to be Pelham’s most prolific offensive weapon in 2025. Arnold finished his junior campaign with 1,124 yards and 11 touchdowns. That yardage was more than any other Panthers running back or receiver, beating even Tristan Rutledge. Because of that, Arnold was the first All-State receiver from Pelham since Edward Gipson in 2018, also as a Second Teamer. Look for Arnold to be an even bigger focus this season.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 69

2025 RESULTS Pell City @ Oak Mountain @ Chelsea* Calera* Chilton County* Bye @ Spain Park* Helena* @ Benjamin Russell* Leeds @ Fort Payne @ Hueytown#

L L W W W

14-22 29-30 19-7 37-34 35-0

L 7-42 L 20-21 L 7-32 W 21-14 L 21-28 L 28-35 (OT)

Nic Vinson

*Region game #Playoff game

offense and defense last year at Chelsea and could slot in here. Joe Fox is also a depth piece. Newton’s goal is for them to both help in pass rush and coverage, and LINEBACKER This was a senior-heavy group last year, he values effort more than scheme or meaning there is plenty of players hungry technique. This is especially key as for new opportunities. Amari Motley, Hatmaker seeks to run multiple frontMicah Roberts and Aaron Galloway will seven packages to be more adaptable to factor in heavily while Colton Lancaster is game situations. among the players working at outside linebacker. They also gained a key transfer SECONDARY in junior TJ Spell, who played all over the This is new defensive coordinator Tony linebackers to focus on making plays on the back end.

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NEWS

Hatmaker’s specialty, so expect this to be a big focus of his first year. TJ Spell is getting work at both safety and cornerback, and they’ll get some big size from the returning Nick Vinson, a huge post presence for the basketball team. TJ Copeland and Jeremiah Murphy will also be key here as younger players vie for starting roles. Newton said there’s lots of talent here that just needs to find their fit, but all their options can cover well in man and also support the run prevention.

5-YEAR WIN TREND

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 238 Per Game: 21.6 County Rank: 9

7 6 5

DEFENSE Points Allowed: 265 Per Game: 24.1 County Rank: T-7

4 1 2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

SPECIAL TEAMS Freddy Lopez-Diaz returns for his second season at kicker. He was a reliable leg especially from shorter distances, and he’ll have opportunities to improve on that. Punter will come down to Bailey Vickery or quarterback Dylan Smith, but Newton said they have young players developing behind them. A long snapper battle also extended into the summer.

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL striving for excellence is not just a mantra; It's a Mindset! Panther Attack 2026

LET'S GO!!!

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Freddy Lopez-Diaz EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (6-4) I expect the Panthers to take the next step this year. I love this passing attack led by Dylan Smith, Marcus Arnold and Tristan Darden. Their dynamic playmaking abilities got chances to shine last year, and more experience should only lead to better chemistry. The big task is to replace the run game, but an experienced line will help compensate for the young running backs. Similarly, the inexperience on the defense is countered by some strong leaders and an acclaimed defensive coordinator in Hatmaker. The margins between Pelham and a winning season and even a second-round trip were razor-thin. While this is clearly a different team, the Panthers’ culture and focus on late-game situations should tip some important games their way against the crowded middle of Region 3. It won’t be easy, but I’d put Pelham in the driver’s seat for a second-straight playoff appearance. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 71

A path apart.

One Team. One City. one way.

The Pelham way.

Go panthers! A path apart 72 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Back on the prowl Pelham’s Marcus Arnold overcomes injury to follow up All-State season

As the Pelham Panthers battled the Calera Eagles on the basketball court, Marcus Arnold saw an opportunity to keep the momentum in his team’s favor. Spotting a chance to steal the ball, he went for the turnover, but he took flight in the process. That led to disaster. Arnold collided with a Calera player in midair and while landing, he sat all the way on his leg. The pain was immediate, but the diagnosis was worse–a broken fibula and ankle with every ligament in his ankle torn. It was an injury made worse by the months that came before it. Arnold had just capped off a breakout All-State season with Pelham’s football team and looked in line for big things his senior year. Doubts ensued about if he could come back at that level. Not for Arnold though. After attacking rehab and working hard to return to the field, he’s back and ready to pick up where he left off in hopes of inspiring others in the process. “I hope I do inspire a lot of people, just the way I come back from it, coming back from it, I’m going to

Written by ANDREW SIMONSON Photos by CAROLINE SIMMONS go out there and do what I need to do,” Arnold said.

BREAKING FREE AND BREAKING OUT Arnold entered the 2025 season with solid expectations after earning an All-County Honorable Mention as a sophomore in 2024 and building chemistry with classmate and quarterback Dylan Smith. He was confident that he could reach his full potential under new head coach Ross Newton and offensive coordinator Austin Gray. “I’ve always been a talented receiver, but just a new coach and the new coaching we got with the new playbook and all that, and my coaches had really a lot of trust in me as a guy,” Arnold said. “At Pelham, we had a lot of receivers last year. A lot of guys that can do a lot of great things. But my coaches, they just had the trust in me, and every time they call my number, I just stepped up to it.” And step up he did. He finished the year with 1,124 yards and 11 touchdowns off 57 receptions, good enough to average 19.7 yards per reception as he and 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 73

Smith connected on some of the most explosive plays of the season. It was also enough to earn him both Class 6A AllState Second Team and All-County First Team honors, immediately establishing him as one of the top receivers in the area. It also led to improved results for the Panthers as a whole. While they finished the season 4-7, they made the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and pushed a region champion in Hueytown to the limit in overtime on the road. That defeat stung, but reaching the playoffs gave Arnold and his teammates a big confidence boost that this would just be the start of greater things to come. “I don’t think a lot of people thought we could make it that far,” Arnold said. “I mean, that’s not as far as we wanted to go, we still should have went and won that game and went on deeper in the playoffs, but just us making it that far, like our first year back, now, it’s more of a mindset that like there’s no doubt in our team.”

THE LONG ROAD BACK After a successful season on the gridiron, it begged the question for some–why risk injury playing basketball? For Arnold though, basketball was his first love and how he got into sports to begin with. It was only later on that he discovered football. Because of that, he hated the idea of not taking the floor with his teammates. “I’ve been playing basketball my whole life,” Arnold said. “Basketball was always my first sport. I just really started getting back in the football my high school career. But I’ve been a basketball player all my life.” His basketball season started about as well as it could have, with Pelham winning each of the 12 games he played in. That came to a screeching halt when he suffered a season-ending broken leg against Calera in December. “The way I just landed, it was just a freak accident,” Arnold said. “Nobody meant for that to happen.” His dedication to basketball showed in that his first thought was how he couldn’t play it for the rest of the year. It was a thought that crushed him. As time went on though, it became clear that this wouldn’t just be a basketball season injury, but a football one too. “To be honest, none of the football stuff had really hit me at the moment,” Arnold said. “At the moment, I was just thinking like, ‘I’m not going to be there for my basketball team no more.’ But by the time the season ended, and I’m still dealing with this injury,

74 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

it’s just like, ‘I just got to get back.’” Arnold was forced to sit out spring football workouts due to the injury. He was very frustrated by the slow progress of his rehab and not being able to use his leg the way he wanted to. “It was tough like just being in the house all day, not able to do what I want to do, not being able to move, in pain,” Arnold said. “It wasn’t easy at all.” What got him through the injury was his support system. Arnold said that people in his circle from teammates to family members reassured him that this was just a temporary setback in his journey and to keep pressing on. Knowing that he had a shot to come back as good as he was last year motivated him through the tough days to get back on the field. “I just had a lot of good people around me, a lot of good people supporting me, a lot of people are telling me that a lot of people dealt with very serious injuries,” Arnold said. “They all say like they always come back pretty good, so that always gave me like a confidence boost, even though I couldn’t see my progress. Like, just keep trusting in it and it’s going to come eventually. “And yeah, it did come eventually.”

OUT ON A HIGH POINT That day came early on in the summer, and Arnold has ramped up in preparation for his senior season ever since. He’s pursued improvements in offseason workouts to prepare himself for the best possible senior season. He’s already seen success with an All-State selection, and that’s been rewarded with multiple Division I offers, including FBS looks from UAB, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Arkansas State and Liberty. However, he’s not satisfied with just that. Arnold knows that there is always room for improvement, and he won’t stop until he’s the best he possibly can be. “Everybody can always get better,” Arnold said. “It’s just a mentality thing, like, I don’t ever think I’m too good and that I know all of something. There is always room to improve. And my mindset is that every time I step on the field, I want to be that biggest guy. I want to be the main guy.” He doesn’t take sole credit for his success though. He recognizes the value of having good coaches and teammates around him, and he especially credits his fellow receivers for pushing him and becoming great receivers themselves.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 75

That manifested during the spring where receivers like Tristan Darden and Ethan Drawhorn stepped up to fill Arnold’s place. Newton said that his absence allowed those receivers to step up and make the receiving corps even stronger, reaching their potential that Arnold has seen for a while. “I’m really proud of those guys, man,” Arnold said. “Like I said, ever since I’ve been at Pelham, like people say how good I am and stuff, but honestly, it’s not just me. I wouldn’t be what I am without those guys, and I know what they can do. They know what they can do. So, it’s a matter of them just stepping up to the plate. And they can handle that.” As Arnold prepares for one last season in Pelham green, he is excited to give his all for a city and school that means a lot to him. He said his favorite part of playing for the Panthers is the community itself. He loves meeting new people as a result of playing and both the fame and responsibility that comes with being one of the most visible stars of the city’s football team.

“It’s just fun, going out there, performing, putting on this show, and then you hear about it from all your classmates, all the teachers, just all the community at Pelham, and a lot of people know me, and it’s just a great feeling, and knowing that all the younger kids that look up to me, man,” Arnold said. That influence is not something that Arnold takes lightly. More than anything on the football field, he hopes his character shines even brighter. He wants the kids who watch him to see him as a positive influence to follow in their own journeys. “I just hope they remember me as a great — Marcus Arnold guy,” Arnold said of his legacy. “Just as a role model, a guy who always did the right thing in school, on the field, just in all areas of everything I do, just do the right thing and just a positive role model that people can look up to.” Now, after inspiring others with his road back from injury, he’ll look to write a new final chapter of that legacy on the gridiron for the Panthers.

“There is always room to improve. And my mindset is that every time I step on the field, I want to be that biggest guy. I want to be the main guy.”

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SHELBY COUNTY

WILDCATS The Shelby County Wildcats have some sustained positive momentum on their side in back-to-back winning seasons and three-straight playoff appearances. Last year saw a huge breakthrough in a 26-23 win at Valley in the first round, giving them their first playoff win since the legendary 2008 season. Now, it’s a mixed bag of returners and departures as seniors like Cooper Pennington, Andres’ McGinnis and Ryan Sipes give way to Tyson Duncan, Hunter King and Skylar Smith as the team leaders. The system remains the same and the culture is still in a strong place, so the Wildcats should reload and remain in contention for the playoffs this year. Zeb Ellison’s team has entrenched itself in the upper echelon of Region 3, and everything’s set up for another run.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 2025 RECORD 7-5 (4-2 Class 5A, Region 3) HEAD COACH Zeb Ellison RECORD 25-29 (Sixth Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Lee Hibbs, Edmond Buie, Shannon Jones, Chase Cornelius, Austin Barnhill, Nathan Collins, Patrick Morse, Ryan Poe, Jim Ransom LAST REGION TITLE 2008 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK After four years with Ryan Sipes at the helm, his backup Lane Foster steps in. Even as a sophomore, he already has the respect of his teammates and is both smart and tough. He does have some competition though in Sutton Reed, the junior basketball sharpshooter now playing varsity football for the first time. Ellison said he has a great arm and knows the game well. He said Reed has the edge on athleticism, but Foster knows the offense better thanks to his backup experience. The edge will go to whoever is the most consistent and has the best command of the offense to build off of, but each one will have packages they contribute to.

RUNNING BACK Tyson Duncan’s return is one of the biggest boosts to the offense. He grew greatly over the home stretch of the season, with some of those improvements even showing on the stat sheet. Now that he’s up to 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, he is stronger and more flexible as he grows into his multifaceted skillset. He’ll have

78 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tyson Duncan

PLAYERS TO WATCH Tyson Duncan, RB Duncan broke out down the stretch in the backfield and will be the primary carrier in Shelby County’s run-first attack. Skylar Smith, WR/S Smith has the skills to win both sides of the man-on-man matchup and the experience to be one of the key leaders. Hunter King, OL Fresh off his first offer, King steps up as one of the leaders by example for an offensive line that’s been a calling card for the Wildcats.

Noah Trenholm

Lane Foster, QB After spending last season backing up Ryan Sipes, Foster is ready to take over the offense with a great command of the system and huddle. Brennan Robinson, DB/WR Robinson played every snap in 2025 and brings valuable experience to both the secondary and receiving corps.

KEY LOSSES some help in new transfer running back David Johnson, who will also play safety, and the coaches are actively seeking other players to move into depth spots.

RECEIVER Skylar Smith returns out wide and looks more of the role with 15 extra pounds. That has given him more confidence, which only boosts his leadership ability. No other spot is locked down, but Clayton Ellison, Noah Trenholm, Amari Thomas, Noah Dunnaway and Brennan Robinson are all in the mix. Ellison wants someone to step up as a consistent and coachable starter. There’s a big void at tight end, which plays an essential role in blocking, thanks to Cooper Pennington’s graduation. Holden

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Marbury Aug. 28: @ Holtville Sept. 4: Sipsey Valley* Sept. 11: @ Jemison* Sept. 18: @ Selma* Sept. 25: Oak Grove Oct. 2: @ Montevallo* Oct. 9: Demopolis* Oct. 16: @ Northside* Oct. 23: Holt* Oct. 30: Bye

Cooper Pennington, LB/TE/P Now at Samford, Pennington was an unstoppable force in all three phases and finished his career with All-State honors. Ryan Sipes, QB Sipes brought consistency and leadership to the quarterback spot as he grew into the signal-calling role across his four years as a starter. Andres’ McGinnis, WR/DB McGinnis was a ball-hawk in the secondary with four interceptions and also played a key role in the pass game on offense.

*Region game

Kellis and Ashton Hayes are both versatile and somewhat close to Pennington physically.

Jackson Hughes, OL Hughes led the way for the offensive line and made the All-County First Team before signing with Division I Tennessee Tech.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 79

2026 SHELBY COUNTY Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

David Johnson

POSITION RB

Sr.

Lane Foster

QB/DB

Fr.

Levi Roper

Fr.

Noah Trenholm

Sr.

Tyler Young

Sr.

Ayden Elder

So.

Tyson Duncan

Sr.

CJ Moore

DB/WR

Fr.

Samuel Hibbs

Jr.

Amari Thomas

Sr.

Noah Dunnaway

LB/RB

So.

Hunter King

Jr.

Cooper Humphries

Fr.

Derek Woods

Fr.

Trey Morgan

Jr.

Clayton Ellison

WR/DB

So.

Luke Venable

ATH

Fr.

Ashton Hayes

OL/DL

So.

Sutton Reed

Jr.

Jonah Norwood

Fr.

Zachary Parker

OL/DL

Fr.

Brennan Robinson

So.

Holden Kellis

DB/LB

Fr.

Mason Tucker

Jr.

Thatcher Reed

So.

Easton King

8th

Wesson Benson

So.

Lane Rutherford

Sr.

Laken Saunders

LB/TE

So.

Connor Bain

DL/OL

Fr.

Garrett Barnes

Jr.

Trey Kellis

Fr.

Jordan Tetteh

Fr.

Skylar Smith

Sr.

Halie Falcon

Sr.

Logan Smith

So.

Jamarious Turner

Fr.

33/64 Sterling Kellis

LB/RB

Fr.

Jason Arias

Fr.

Jackson Vansant

Fr.

Levi Merrell

LB/RB

Fr.

Walker Squires

Fr.

Giovanni Palmieri

WR/DB

Fr.

Colin Cox

Sr.

Ari Hutchens

OL/DL

Fr.

Owen Kennamer

Sr.

Rocky Hadder

So.

Bradyn Lamb

Jr.

80 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

OFFENSIVE LINE This group is a mix of returners and newcomers. Hunter King is the clear leader of the group, and Mason Tucker and Ashton Hayes locked down starting spots early in the summer. The next two spots are more up in the air, but there’s a plethora of kids battling for them like Ayden Elder, Rocky Hadder, Trey Morgan and Lane Rutherford. Overall, it’s a hardnosed group that is eager to improve and take advantage of their time in the limelight.

2025 RESULTS Lincoln @ Holtville Sipsey Valley* Jemison* @ Northside* @ St. Clair County @ Demopolis* @ Montevallo* Selma* Bye East Limestone @ Valley# Montgomery Catholic#

W L W W L L L W W

27-14 13-35 31-8 41-7 17-49 7-42 27-29 50-21 38-14

W W L

39-7 26-23 15-38

DEFENSIVE LINE

*Region game #Playoff game

Ashton Hayes will be one of the biggest contributors here. Now sitting around 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, he’s also tough, coachable and has a fighting spirit to make plays. Noah Dunnaway will play alongside him after a successful year last year. They’re still looking for the right players to complement them and value selfless attitudes over specific sizes.

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 331 Per Game: 27.6 County Rank: 4 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 287 Per Game: 23.9 County Rank: 6

LINEBACKER Pennington’s graduation caused some movement here, with Lane Rutherford, Sterling Kellis and Tyler Young in the mix at middle linebacker and Holden Kellis and Garrett Barnes at outside linebacker. Young has the most experience and therefore the highest expectations by Ellison to be the leader. Rutherford is very athletic and strong, so the coaches want him on the field somewhere. Both Kellis brothers have also worked hard to get into

5-YEAR WIN TREND 8 7 5 4 2 2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Brennen Robinson 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 81

QUICK HITS RESTOCKING THE PANCAKE PANTRY Shelby County’s offensive line collectively dubbed themselves the Pancake Factory over the last few seasons, stemming from their propensity for pancake blocks. Some of their most prolific chefs are now graduated though, including Jackson Hughes, Eli Carlisle and Jonovan Smith. Like many areas of the team though, it simply leads to a changing of the guard with players like Hunter King, Mason Tucker and Ashton Hayes taking over. To be a valued member of the factory, coaches want linemen who are tough, push through hard things and bring consistency, even if they’re a little undersized. Ellison said this group embodies that with a blue-collar streak that is emblematic of where they grew up.

LEADING THE WAY With so many key leaders departing, it opens up chances for new Wildcats who have waited in the wings to step up as leaders themselves. Ellison specifically points out Hunter King as one who leads by example, Skylar Smith by experience with his three-year career and Tyson Duncan thanks to his recent improvements. He also tabbed junior Brennan Robinson as someone who has the chance to join them. Together, they’ll look to carry the torch and continue building a positive culture for years to come.

THE NEXT MOUNTAIN Zeb Ellison’s tenure has seen the Wildcats grow tremendously into a perennial playoff team. Hosting a playoff game in 2024 was a big morale boost, and winning their first playoff game in more than 15 years was another one. Now, he said the next step is to contend for a region championship. It won’t be easy though as he’ll have to tangle with a Demopolis side led by a fellow former Chelsea man in Dustin Goodwin and a Northside team that was only stopped by state runner-up Vigor in 2025. With Sipsey Valley and even Montevallo having the capability to surprise, it’ll be a competitive race for the top, but it’s one the Wildcats seek to be a key player in.

the conversation. Luke Venable is another player who will force his way onto the field either here at outside backer or further back at safety.

returns after playing every snap last year. Clayton Ellison and Amari Thomas each started for part of the season and have only gotten better with age. Backups include David Johnson, Luke Venable and Thatcher Reed. Ellison said the biggest need for this group is to communicate

Wildcats after the graduations of kicker Remy Martinez, punter Cooper Pennington and long snapper Cale Blevins. Pennington in particular was a multi-season starter and very good at the role, and his backup Ryan Sipes is also gone. That means Shelby County is starting from square one, and the tryout process has extended into preseason camp with no frontrunners known at press time.

SECONDARY This is easily the most experienced group on the team despite the loss of Andres’ McGinnis. Skylar Smith will be a key safety after his growth, and Brennan Robinson

82 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SPECIAL TEAMS This is a huge question mark for the

KEY NUMBERS

Cooper Pennington’s loss is impossible to quantify as a Division I talent and multi-sport All-State honoree. On the football field though, it’s most easily quantified in the 99 total tackles he had as a linebacker in 2025, including 67 solo tackles and 12 tackles for loss. However, his impact doesn’t stop there as he made All-State as a tight end with 43 pancake blocks and was a valuable contributor as a punter. Ellison openly admits it’s impossible to replace him with just one player, so multiple players on all three fronts need to step up to fill his shoes.

Shelby County enters the season with 13 seniors, and they have seen quite a lot in their past three seasons. They’ve never missed the playoffs, but they’ve gone from a 2-9 campaign as freshmen to hosting a home second-round game as juniors. Ellison believes each of them are ready to step up and lead the team after seeing good examples ahead of them for so long. He believes their collective buy-in will help them pick up where the Class of 2026 left off.

Shelby County lost all seven of its AllCounty selections last season, including First Team OL Jackson Hughes, Second Teamers Cooper Pennington and Andres’ McGinnis and Honorable Mentions Cale Blevins, Eli Carlisle, Ryan Sipes and Jonovan Smith. It’s a direct reflection of the strength of the Class of 2026 individually in addition to their collective success of three-straight playoff trips. However, their departures simply open up space for the next generation to fill their shoes and realize their potential as playmakers.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (7-3) Make no mistake, Shelby County will have to replace a lot from both a production and leadership standpoint. That said, they laid the groundwork for what comes next. The players coming after them are better for their leadership and now get a chance to step up in their shoes. I especially like their offensive potential with Tyson Duncan getting the bulk of the carries and Skylar Smith and Noah Trenholm catching passes in the air. Between Lane Foster and Sutton Reed, this pass game should take the next step with more arm power. The Wildcats also have enough returning on the defense to have some continuity from last year. Shelby County’s schedule is also very favorable in both region and non-region play, with only Demopolis, Northside and Oak Grove as true threats. That gives the Wildcats a high floor to make the playoffs, and what they do from there is up to how quickly the newcomers can reach their full potential.

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SPAIN PARK

TEAM INFORMATION

JAGUARS A reflection on the recent history of this program has allowed Tim Vakakes to truly think how much this senior class has had to do with Spain Park’s winning. The class of 2027 is now on a quest to finish the deal. Two stellar seasons both ended at the hand of the Saraland Spartans in playoffs. However, that is now in the past and Vakakes is not worried about that at all. The Jags, as their head coach describe it, will have a dog fight every night they step onto the field this season. It’s now time to see how all of the returning experience will perform in those fights. A new full-time starter now takes the reins at quarterback, but the weapons around him on both offense and defense have the potential to help this team go far once again. That will only come though by continuing to embrace the theme of working through difficult things with maximum effort, something Vakakes tends to always have the perfect recipe for.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Brock Bradley’s chapter has officially closed at Spain Park, opening up a new chapter of junior Nash Davis. Tim Vakakes said could have gone a lot of places and been a three-year starter but stuck with the program and now has the tools to make every play, especially with the arm talent that he possesses. His leadership and confidence stick out and have truly grown over the years, and he recently picked up a Tulane offer. Freshman Benton Tate emerged from a crowded group to win the backup job, and coaches believe he also has elite potential.

RUNNING BACK A great asset in Nic McKissic is no longer producing yards for the Jags after transferring to Thompson. However, his replacement is one that Vakakes is excited about. CJ Davis has entered in from Hewitt-Trussville, and the junior reminds the head coach of Dakarai Shanks with his physicality and ability to break first

84 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Hudson Hibbard

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2025 RECORD 9-3 (5-1 Class 6A, Region 3) HEAD COACH Tim Vakakes RECORD 31-14 (Fifth Year) ASSISTANT COACHES David Bush, Adrian Abrams, Danny Kimble, Daris Robinson, Taylor Diamond, Bryan Tull, Matt Thompson, Brandon Berry, TJ Simmons, Jordan Pannell, Daron Arrington, Lincoln Clark, Carey Moorer, Matt Hall LAST REGION TITLE 2024 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH CJ Davis, RB The junior transfer from Hewitt-Trussville presents a burst of speed that pairs with solid agility, making him dangerous in the open field. Barrett Price, WR Having garnered attention from a number of Division I schools, Price is a wide receiver that does everything asked of him and flies around to catch passes.

Brody Smith

contact on any play. He knows when to put his foot down and can also break away in the open field when he gets there. Meanwhile, Hudson Hibbard will also get a lot of reps after filling in last year during injuries, making the most of his action with a workhorse mentality.

RECEIVER Vakakes loves his wide receivers and loves it even more when they work incredibly hard. That is exactly who junior Barrett Price is. Price has racked up all sorts of Division I offers, impressing Vakakes with his ability to work on his game and do everything that has been asked of him at 6-foot, 175 pounds. Connor Greb and Brody Smith are both seniors that will work hand in hand to make things happen alongside Price, being true athletes that make a difference. Sophomore Zion Agee also has a chance to be a standout receiver, according to Vakakes. Tight ends will also be a vital

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Sparkman Aug. 28: Bessemer City Sept. 4: Oak Mountain* Sept. 11: Thompson* Sept. 19: @ Vestavia Hills* Sept. 26: Bye Oct. 2: @ Prattville* Oct. 8: Tuscaloosa County*# Oct. 16: @ Hoover* Oct. 23: @ Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 30: James Clemens

*Region game #Thursday game

part of the offense with Landrik Hallman being a key body at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, as well as the combination of juniors Sawyer Scott and Ford Tate with their athleticism.

OFFENSIVE LINE

MJ Evans, DL The Auburn commit transferred over from Minor and will make a huge impact with his leadership and mindset as a total gym rat. Jonathan Roberto, LB Roberto is set to anchor the linebacker room after EJ Kerley departed with a wealth of experience that will suit him well under Tim Vakakes.

KEY LOSSES Brock Bradley, QB Bradley’s legendary high school career finished with All-State First Team honors from his nearly 3,000 yards through the air in 2025. Hudson Reed, OL The big body that Reed had made him stellar in protection and earned him a spot in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic after the year. EJ Kerley, LB Kerley is now off to Samford after being a significant leader on defense and reaching 100 tackles during his senior campaign. Joe Cross, DB The tracking ability Cross had for the ball was special in the secondary, making him a reliable athlete in the Jags’ defensive efforts.

Sammy Camargo returns to his starting role at center, having a competitive spirit that will drive him to excellence. Junior

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME ... WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR GLASS NEEDS! GO JAGUARS

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 85

2026 SPAIN PARK Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Tristan Hill

POSITION

NO.

NAME

YEAR Sr.

John Malouf

Sr.

Jr.

Landrik Hallman

Sawyer Pearson

Sr.

Jakobe Gibbs

Jr.

So.

Jaylen Bates

Easton Weaver

Sr.

Asher McBride

Jr.

Wade Russell

So.

Dekati El

Jr.

Kam Lewis

Sr.

So.

Jaylen Mosley

Colton Spencer

Sr.

Jameer Hudson

So.

Jr.

Connor Greb

Aden Newell

Sr.

Hudson Dees

Jr.

So.

Kristan Carter

Byron Fermin

Sr.

Malakhi Davison

So.

Isaac Harris

Jr.

Joseph Hall

Sr.

Jack Henson

Sr.

So.

Tyler Wilson

Keidryn Smith

Jr.

Nolan Walker

So.

Sammy Camargo

Sr.

Brody Smith

Sr.

Jakobie Bates

So.

Sr.

Wyatt Baty

Nic Hendrix

Jr.

Joshua Tenney

Sr.

Sawyer Scott

Eli Berry

Jr.

Kason Goodman

Jr.

So.

Jonathan Roberto

Mason Palmer

Sr.

Madden Tubb

So.

Cash Nicholson

So.

Barrett Price

Jr.

Kamren Dozier

Sr.

Jr.

Malakai Pitts

Deonta Pickett

So.

Mac Beverly

Sr.

So.

Hudson Hibbard

Eli Motes

Sr.

Israel Anders

Jr.

Henry Henson

So.

Dwight Beckford

Jr.

Mason Doyle

Sr.

Jr.

Taylor Jones

Jay West

Jr.

Cole Bailey

So.

James Jones

Asher Grizzle

Jr.

Brooks Brand

So.

Lawton Clark

So.

Nash Davis

Jr.

Elijah Blair

Sr.

So.

CJ Davis

Weston Dye

Jr.

Matthew Iwanski

Jr.

Kaiden Stevenson

Tristen Goodyear

Jr.

Garrett Kline

Jr.

So.

Benton Tate

Marquarius King

Fr.

Caleb Matherson

So.

Zion Agee

So.

Ryan Harvey

Jr.

Isaac Southerland

Jr.

Micah Hale

Ford Tate

Jr.

Zach Jones-Van Pelt

Jr.

So.

Luke Kramer

Kaleb Martin

So.

Peter Abawi

Jr.

Ayden Henderson

So.

Donald Lukima

Jr.

Beau Broderick

Jr.

So.

Jordan Feagins

Abdul Awwad

So.

Christian Forman

Jr.

So.

Brennan Charles

Aiden Whitley

Jr.

Thomas Burnett

So.

Everett Thorson

Christian Jones-Van Pelt P

So.

Sr.

Josiah McGee

So.

Marquis Evans

Aiden Holliman

Sr.

Joshua Knutsen

Jr.

So.

Dexter Brunson

Crawford Portera

So.

Hudson Mavity

So.

Ayden Henderson

Nate Hendrix

So.

Garrett Hoffman

Sr.

So.

Arnav Kumar

Bryan Truong

Jr.

Jackson Wollitz

So.

Anderson Walker

Jr.

Connor Lutenbacher

So.

Sawyer Pearson joins the group as an experienced mind who moved in from Florida. He will add size at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds. Fellow junior Isaac Harris will also maintain his starting role after leading at left guard as a sophomore. With those three set as starters, a battle between Helena transfer Eli Berry, HewittTrussville transfer Deonta Pickett and Aden Newell are constantly competing for the other two roles but have enough talent to make this front a strength.

DEFENSIVE LINE Just like the offensive line is a strength, the defensive front stands to be a highlight of Spain Park as well. That line is now

86 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

POSITION

YEAR

2025 STATS OFFENSE Total Points: 435 Per Game: 36.3 County Rank: 2 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 190 Per Game: 15.8 County Rank: 2

anchored by Auburn commit and Minor transfer MJ Evans, who at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds is described as a gym rat that is tough and wired to work all the time. Fellow senior Jaylen Bates plays alongside him and is really starting to look the part, complementing Evans’ size at 6-foot-4,

POSITION

YEAR

230 pounds. Jakobie Bates is also an impressive sophomore that has a high ceiling at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds. James Jones will also come in on the edge in a bit of a hybrid role as a linebacker, making his force known. Other aggressiveness has been shown by Wyatt Baty, Nic Hendrix and Kristan Carter, all of whom will help out.

LINEBACKER Filling the whole of now Samford player EJ Kerley is no easy task, but this group’s playmaking ability is there. Helena transfer Jonathan Roberto is always in a position to make a ton of noise wherever possible. Israel Anders will be a big factor

Photo by Iron City Studios

QUICK HITS DO THE HARD STUFF If you know Tim Vakakes, you know that getting his team to do hard things is not a choice; it is an expectation. From the weight room, to the drills, to Friday nights, Spain Park is always going all in on whatever does. Even its schedule, despite being mostly predetermined by region opponents, is always a test. The Jags want strive for the big stage each day. According to Vakakes, things are hard at Spain Park, which is what helps make it a destination place. LEARN FROM THE BEST How many quarterbacks get to say they learned from someone who is now playing at Clemson and passed for almost 3,000 yards as a senior? The answer is few, and one of those lucky few is Nash Davis. Davis now steps into the role of the starting quarterback, but constantly learned from Bradley on every rep, preparing him for what he will see and helping move efficiently in his progression as a now junior. As a result, he has high potential and will wow those in attendance this fall. MULTI-SPORT STARS A popular culture in high school athletics, especially at Spain Park, is for kids to play multiple sports for their school. In this instance, baseball and football is the natural mix. Vakakes stands tall in knowing that he has players that take what they learn on the football field into other sports and vice versa. Especially after a historic run to the state title series for the Jags baseball program, the toughness level is already at a high bar and Spain Park will seek to continually exceed that on the gridiron.

2025 RESULTS @ Sparkman Hoover Helena* @ Benjamin Russell* James Clemens Pelham* @ Chelsea* @ Calera* Chilton County* Gardendale McAdory# @ Saraland#

W L W L W W W W W W W L

5-YEAR WIN TREND 48-21 10-21 38-14 34-35 28-7 42-7 44-7 42-13 49-0 45-17 24-13 31-35

9 7

*Region Game #Playoff Game

2 2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Taylor Jones 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 87

as well after his recovery from a wrestling injury in the offseason. Micah Hale, Hudson Dees and Kam Lewis will all see action as well, filling in another spot in the linebacker corps and providing depth to the skills already there.

Jaylen Mosley can be an experienced asset at safety alongside Dwight Beckford, who can swing out to corner as well. The junior has a long 6-foot-1 frame, making him dangerous in coverage.

SECONDARY

The specialists are filled with a solid group of strong legs, led by Zach JonesVan Pelt, who will serve as the punter and has a really strong leg that will help in the field position game. Garrett Hoffman and Aiden Holliman are two soccer kids that will race for the kicking duties as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS There are numerous options to help fill in and lead the secondary with the loss of both Joe Cross and JD Bonamy. The Jags have Hewitt-Trussville transfer Tyler Wilson outside, while Tristan Hill leans on experience to excel at corner. Meanwhile,

KEY NUMBERS

28 The class of 2027 is seen as having had a monumental impact on Spain Park gathering 28 wins in the last three seasons. The 25-man senior group is now a full group of leaders who will be depended on to not only finish the deal this year, but set the stage for what is to come. They have had monumental wins against Hoover and other region opponents while battling the state’s elite like Saraland in the postseason. Now, it’s time for this oldest group of Jags cement a legacy of greatness and prove their worth against the elite teams of a new-look Class 6A.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (7-3)

When it comes to playing at Spain Park, everybody involved knows that it is hard—that’s the simple way of putting it at least. As has been tradition, the Jags will once again take on a difficult slate, but are finally back with the old Class 7A, Region 3, which has now become Class 6A, Region 3. Spain Park has the skill players to be able to compete with each team on the schedule. Vakakes is very optimistic about both lines as well, as the Jags are showcasing a solid amount of strength that will be needed. It will be though where they will be challenged. A gauntlet in the middle of the season with Thompson, Vestavia Hills and Prattville before Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville and James Clemens at the end will tell a lot about how these lines and the team stand up to a true test of strength and mental fortitude. Let me be clear: I do think that Spain Park will drop a few games this season, but the losses will be the reason that it builds up well to make a deep postseason charge.

Spain Park held eight opponents to less than 20 points, including three consecutive to exactly seven. A mark of holding opponents to 15.8 points per game in 2025 is impressive no matter what classification you play in, much less a loaded Class 6A. If that’s any indication of the defensive standard the Jags uphold, a possible repeat of that mark could prove monumental when it comes to the overall record, or even more significantly, playoff seeding.

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88 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 89

THOMPSON

WARRIORS The Thompson Warriors defended the mountaintop in 2025 with their second-straight Class 7A championship. And for the secondstraight season, they did so after losing three tight regular-season games. Coach Mark Freeman demands the best out of his players each week with their difficult schedule. It’s an approach that reaps rewards more often than not with six state titles in the past seven years. Now, much like last year, the Warriors will bring back many of their star players, including Trent Seaborn, Darion Moseley, Dedrick Kimbrough, Cam Pritchett and Junior Tu’upo. It’s a core laden with SEC and Power Four commitments and offers, and for players like Seaborn, Pritchett and Tu’upo, it’s their last chance at a title. They also got a significant boost from transfers like CJ Cowley and Mason McClure on offense while the defense reloads with younger rising stars. Add it all up, and it once again looks like one of the best teams in the country and maybe the best Thompson team ever.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2025 RECORD 11-3 (6-1 Class 7A, Region 3) Class 7A State Champions HEAD COACH Mark Freeman RECORD 116-26 (11th year) ASSISTANT COACHES Brad Costanzo, Shawn DeFoor, Jordan Robertson, Trey Clark, Tyler Scozzaro, Woodrow Briggs, Michael O’Berry, Michael Ramil, Jimmie Bunting, Shawn Sutton, Davoris Thomas, Parker Montgomery, Dakota Chapman, Tyrone King, Lavarus Peagler, Jonathan Hagler, Richard Bevill, John Bullen, Jeremy Williams, Nick Gentry, Mike Vickery LAST REGION TITLE 2025 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK It’s the last ride for Trent Seaborn as he goes into his fourth full season as the starter. The Alabama commit reached a new high with 3,689 passing yards and 35 touchdowns to secure 7A Back of the Year honors. He made those accolades happen with pinpoint precision through the air and a knack for big plays. He’s still waiting to showcase some of his speed, but even without it, he remains one of the best passers both in the pocket and on the run that the state has ever seen. Backing him up is Jahari Nation, a freshman phenom who already shows signs of being the next big thing once Seaborn graduates.

RUNNING BACK It’s no secret that this was the lone weakness of Thompson last season, but

90 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Trent McCorvey

PLAYERS TO WATCH Trent Seaborn, QB After starting since his eighth-grade year, the Alabama commit enters his senior season as a legitimate Mr. Football favorite. Darion Moseley, WR The Arkansas commit does it all for the Warriors with a speedy skillset and great hands. Dedrick Kimbrough, WR Kimbrough may be Seaborn’s deep-ball specialist, but his skillset beyond that is why the junior has Power Four buzz. Cam Pritchett, DE After earning All-State honors in both football and basketball, Pritchett is ready to terrorize the edge once more before a bright collegiate career. Junior Tu’upo, S Freshly committed to Texas, Tu’upo looks set to step up as the latest in Thompson’s defensive back dynasty.

Darion Moseley the Warriors get an immediate boost in Hoover transfer CJ Cowley. He broke out as a sophomore at Spain Park in 2024 for his shiftiness in the backfield and ability to spill out and act as an extra receiver. He hopes for a full season after missing the first half of last year and brings Power Four skills to the backfield. Urijah Casey returns after gradually growing into his backfield role last season, and Jafari Pegues will get his chances ahead of a larger role in the future. Spain Park transfer Nic McKissic will also work into the rotation after being the workhorse up the middle for the Jags last season.

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 20: @ Central-Phenix City# Aug. 27: Clay-Chalkville# Sept. 4: Vestavia Hills* Sept. 11: @ Spain Park* Sept. 18: Tuscaloosa County* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: @ Hoover* Oct. 9: Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 16: @ Prattville* Oct. 23: @ Oak Mountain* Oct. 29: Choctawhatchee (FL)#

*Region game #Thursday game

Park transfer Mason McClure. As adept catching the deep ball as he is creating yards after the catch, the Maryland commit RECEIVER Two of the top receivers in the state are will benefit from another Power Four back once more in Darion Moseley and quarterback throwing to him. Bralen Dedrick Kimbrough. Moseley gears up for Coleman has also gotten a ton of SEC buzz his senior season before going to Arkansas, this offseason and screams breakout and his speed and hands allow him to potential with his ability to catch almost make catches at any level. Kimbrough anything. Tristan Mosley, Rome Bell, DJ remains a premier deep threat as a junior Bryant and RJ Addison will back them up. but will impact the offense in other ways The three-star UCF commit Tanner too. Pryce Lewis is the big departure, but Ehmen also returns at tight end with nexthe gets a very similar replacement in Spain level athleticism.

Dedrick Kimbrough KEY LOSSES Ami Moala, DL Moala struck fear in opposing offensive lines and put together an All-State year before heading to UNC. Damonte Tabb, DB Tabb’s senior-year breakout helped the Warriors tip multiple big games and gave him All-American honors and a chance to play at Auburn. Pryce Lewis, WR Arguably the most talented receiver of the bunch last year, Lewis’ shiftiness led to highlight-reel plays after the catch. RJ Evans, RB Evans took on the bulk of the carries throughout the season and was a veteran presence in the backfield. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 91

2026 THOMPSON Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Trent McCorvey

POSITION

NO.

NAME

YEAR Sr.

Urijah Casey

Jr.

Eli King

Marley Fields

Jr.

Justin Haskett

WR/DB

Fr.

Brett Barber

Sr.

POSITION

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

RJ Addison

Jr.

Jayveon Mays

So.

King Golson

Jr.

Micah Fleming

Sr.

Latoney Bester

So.

Jr.

Mason Mcclure

Adler McGary

Sr.

Max Franklin

So.

Jr.

Conner Williams

Maleek Billingsley

Sr.

CJ Cowley

Sr.

Fr.

Darion Moseley

Adrian Woods

Sr.

Keahi Hardy

So.

Jacob Busby

So.

Dedrick Kimbrough

Jr.

Jensen Edwards

Fr.

Jafari Pegues

Carmelo Frazier

Jr.

Keyes Piedra

Jr.

So.

Junior Tuupo

Trey Garner

Sr.

Brody Campbell

Sr.

Santiago Jiminez

So.

Kevin Davis

Sr.

Logan Kuehner

Jr.

Nick Mckissic

Conner King

Jr.

Josiah Finley

Sr.

So.

Terry Robinson

Drake Myers

Sr.

Ben Pickering

So.

Lieyton Wall

Sr.

Jahari Nation

Fr.

Kelvin Liddel

Jr.

Caleb Harris

So.

Sean Sigler

Jr.

Ryland Howell

So.

Brycen Johnson

So.

Latrell Sanders

So.

Tydis Parham

Jr.

So.

Mehkii Billingsley

Brayden Jones

Jr.

Eathan Jackson

So.

Fr.

JJ Johnson

James Jackson

Sr.

Eli Ogles

So.

Jr.

Cam Pritchett

Christian Gil

Sr.

Kylin White

So.

Jr.

Bralen Coleman

Tommy Williams

So.

Jamar Williams

So.

Jr.

Trent Seaborn

Jaxton Frazier

Sr.

Xeyanni Tafisi

So.

Jr.

CJ Dailey

Hunter Holcombe

So.

Jeyanni Tafisi

So.

Sr.

Wesley Gover

Ethan Black

Sr.

Gavin Green

So.

Andrew Mimbs

So.

Tanner Ehmen

Sr.

Khamari Green

Jr.

So.

DJ Bryant

Bentlee Cocchiaro

Fr.

Dominic Pitts

Jr.

Fr.

Trent White

Colt Gilliland

Jr.

Ayden Murray

So.

Sr.

Undonte Oden

Knox Morrison

Jr.

Ayden Harris

So.

Zayen Calloway

Ej Conely

So.

Luke Rehberg

So.

Brandon Harris

Jr.

Hayden Hubbard

So.

Ethan Maxwell

So.

Mason Robinson

Ethan Griffen

Sr.

Levi Davis

Jr.

Jackson Lowden

Jr.

Bradlee Cocchiaro

Sr.

Lamarcus Hines

Jr.

Damon Willis

Sr. So.

Rome Bell

Jr.

Rome Frye

Sr.

Johnathan Hayes

Javaris Lykes

Jr.

Braylon Greenwood

So.

Jr.

Tristan Mosley

Xavyer Jordan

Jr.

Ross Crawford

So.

Tysley Gaison-Salanoa

So.

OFFENSIVE LINE While this group is experienced, they’re also the group for the future with four juniors and a sophomore. The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Maleek Billingsley holds down the middle. Tommy Williams already has Division I offers at right guard. Lleyton Wall holds down the other guard spot at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds. Adler McGarry is an imposing presence on the right edge at 6-foot-5. The one sophomore is 6-foot-4, 295-pound left tackle Brycen Johnson, but he picked up a Vanderbilt offer this summer. Other rotation pieces include Christian Gil, Brett Barber, Conner King, Adrian Woods and James Jackson. Expect

92 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Cam Pritchett

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 93

an extra emphasis on run-blocking here to make Cowley and Casey more of a factor offensively.

DEFENSIVE LINE The leader of the three-man front remains Cam Pritchett. The Oregon commit is a two-sport All-State pick but dominated the edge with 92 tackles and 14 tackles for loss in 2025. He’ll have a fellow Power Four commit on the nose in Wes Gover, who’s continually worked for his opportunities and gets a big chance to finish his career strong before going to Purdue. Bradlee Cocchairo is in line for the other defensive end spot after making big plays in the playoffs. Look for King Golson and CJ Dailey to get their spots on the edge, and Tysley Gaison-Salanoa will do the same on the interior.

2025 RESULTS Carver-Montgomery @ Grayson (GA) Tuscaloosa County* @ Oak Mountain* Vestavia Hills* @ Clay-Chalkville @ Hewitt-Trussville* Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa* @ Hoover* @ Prattville* Bye Carver-Montgomery^ Mary G. Montgomery^ @Central-Phenix City^ Opelika#

2025 STATS

W 37-6 L 23-24 (OT) W 69-0 W 41-0 W 35-3 L 24-28 W 34-12 W 56-10 L 30-33 W 29-15 W W W W

31-7 54-0 35-34 48-10

OFFENSE Total Points: 546 Per Game: 39.0 County Rank: 1 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 180 Per Game: 13.0 County Rank: 1

5-YEAR WIN TREND 13 11

2025

2024

2023

2022

*Region game ^Playoff game #State Championship game

LINEBACKER Lots of experience and Power Four potential line this group, including Baylor commits Trent McCorvey and Micah Fleming. McCorvey picked up an AllCounty Honorable Mention last year and slides into the middle from the nickel spot, which fellow Baylor commit Micah Fleming now holds down. Kevin Davis is

94 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2021

also a returning veteran with a knack for making plays in the form of 63 tackles, seven hurries and six deflections. Colorado State recognized that and he’s committed to the newest member of the Pac-12. Jonathan Hayes will start at rover, and he’s grown up within the program and is very cerebral and got lots of reps in the spring. JJ Johnson and Undonte Oden back up the inside linebackers.

SECONDARY Junior Tu’upo (formerly known as Junior James) steps up as the leader at

safety. He made the All-County Team last year after many big plays, including the game-saving tackle against Central-Phenix City, and his big-play propensity is why Texas will welcome his services next year. He’ll have another player with SEC offers flanking him at safety in junior Eli King. Mekhii Billingsley returns as a backup with Justin Haskett also in the rotation. Micah Fleming honed his speed in indoor track last year, where he ran a 6.90-second 60-meter dash. That will be reflected in his closing speed on the field at the nickel. Cornerback is a bit newer with Conner

QUICK HITS ELITE PEDIGREE Defensive back has been one of Thompson’s best positions in the 2020s. The Warriors have as decorated of a lineage as anyone, going from Tony Mitchell to Anquon Fegans to Damonte Tabb. All three were All-State selections and are currently on an SEC roster, with Mitchell on his fourth school at Ole Miss and Fegans and Tabb now teammates at Auburn. That legacy will continue with Junior Tu’upo, who committed to Texas in June, and Eli King could soon follow thanks to his seven SEC offers plus Indiana and Oregon. RUNNING DOWN A DREAM Thompson didn’t have many weaknesses in 2025, but a muted run game made for a big Achilles heel. Often, the Warriors would try to establish the run early, stall out on the first couple drives and then hand the keys to Trent Seaborn to carry the load in the air. Seaborn’s elite arm strength and accuracy made that successful, but Mark Freeman will always want to establish the run game. That’s what makes CJ Cowley’s transfer so impactful as he provides a do-it-all skillset to not only get hard yards but provide another short-yardage passing option for Seaborn. Urijah Casey should also be improved after a full offseason in Alabaster while Jafari Pegues and Nic McKissic can step up if needed.

Junior Tu’upo

OUTWORKING THE BEST Thompson schedules tough opponents on purpose with the goal of exposing their weaknesses early to improve for the playoff run, even if it costs them a nonregion loss or two. This year’s schedule may take the cake though. Fresh off last year’s trip to Garrett-Harrison Stadium, the Warriors will return to the state line to face Central-Phenix City in a true clash of titans. Then, Thompson will look to avenge a loss to Class 6A state champion Clay-Chalkville in Week 2. The Warriors will then face perennial contenders Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills and Spain Park before closing the season with Florida powerhouse Choctawhatchee.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 95

KEY NUMBERS

10 Thompson is lined with talent from topto-bottom, and that’s manifested by the Warriors’ 11 Power Four commits as of press time. Trent Seaborn has three Power Four options in Moseley, McClure and Ehmen, and the defense boasts Pritchett and Gover up front, McCorvey and Fleming at linebacker and Tu’upo in the secondary. That number could grow even more as Cowley, Kimbrough, Coleman, McGarry and King are among the other Thompson players with Power Four offers.

Trent Seaborn

71.5 One of Trent Seaborn’s best traits is his accuracy, which was on full display in 2025. He completed a career-best 71.5 percent of his 369 passes. That gave him 3,689 yards and 35 touchdowns, setting him up for MaxPreps Junior All-American and Class 7A Back of the Year honors. While he missed on seven interceptions, Seaborn’s judgement is strong much more often than it isn’t, and his ability to place a ball into small holes with pinpoint precision extends drives and creates touchdowns.

Good Luck Warriors!

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96 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Here’s to another great season! Go Warriors!

A top 10 school district in Alabama

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One of Fortune’s top 50 cities for families in the nation ■ Construction under way on a new recreation center and library. ■ At least 1,000 new home starts under construction. ■ 350,000 square feet of restaurant and retail growth under construction. ■ A Medical Mile featuring the largest concentration of medical professionals outside of Birmingham. ■New state-of-the-art police station opened 2023.

2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 97

Urijah Casey and long of 37 yards while averaging 39.9 yards a punt, earning All-County honors. He’ll look to take another step this year with Colt Gilliland backing him up. Senior SPECIAL TEAMS Ethan Black will kick for the second- Knox Morrison brings experience to the straight season. He had a respectable year long-snapping spot, while Levi Davis is as a kicker last year with an 8-for-10 mark another option. Williams and Terry Robinson starting and Trent White and Keahi Hardy backing up.

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (10-0) I’ve never predicted an undefeated season in my four years running this magazine. I’ve also never seen a team quite like this. It’s frankly impossible to find any weaknesses from top to bottom. The pass game is even stronger than last year with more development time for Seaborn, Moseley and Kimbrough, and Mason McClure answers the only question left by Pryce Lewis’ graduation. CJ Cowley’s transfer and Urijah Casey’s development will immediately boost Thompson’s stagnant run game. The Warriors also have multiple Power Four players at each position, with Pritchett and Gover up front, McCorvey and Fleming at linebacker and Tu’upo and King in the back. What’s more, they all have experience in big moments and the vast majority played together on last year’s state championship team. Talent can only go so far, but good chemistry and a strong culture take a team over the top. Thompson has all three. The road will be more difficult than ever with Central-Phenix City, Clay-Chalkville and Choctawhatchee in non-region play plus the ever-difficult Class 6A, Region 3. However, the Warriors have the tools to beat all of those elite teams and be the favorite for the Class 6A title. If that happens, national accolades should follow.

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2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 99

VINCENT

TEAM INFORMATION

YELLOW JACKETS Tell someone a decade ago that the Vincent Yellow Jackets would be a perennial contender in Class 2A, and I doubt they’d believe you. That’s how remarkable of a turnaround Lucas Weatherford has led with fivestraight winning seasons, four-straight playoff appearances, and now, three playoff wins in four years. Last year may have been the most remarkable run of all as Vincent went toe-to-toe with a legitimate state title contender on the road in Pisgah. It felt like the Jackets announcing their arrival on a statewide stage. Internally, it’s largely business as usual. There’s a pair of All-State-sized holes where Jayden Roberts and Cayden Carroll used to roam, but Vincent now develops talent for sustained success, and the next generation looks poised to fill those shoes. Pair that with a dynamic playmaking core coming back, and things are looking up. Externally, the loss of private schools impacted Vincent’s region the most. The Jackets have a totally new region that will see them tangle with title contenders like Piedmont and Pleasant Valley just to make the playoffs. If the past five years have taught us anything though, it’s to doubt Vincent at your own peril.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Lane Mims returns as the starter, and last year saw a lot of growth under center. Weatherford said his perfection made his mistakes weigh heavier on him, but learning how to take pressure on both the football field and baseball diamond helped him grow as a player and leader. His athleticism will help him make plays in key spots as well. Should he go down again though, Landon Archer more than proved he can make the needed plays to win games, and the team rallies behind him. Walker Wills is also a short-yardage option at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds.

RUNNING BACK After an All-County year from Jayden Roberts, Wyatt Carlisle steps into the primary ball-carrier role. His situational awareness only grew from playing behind Roberts, and now is his time to lead the offense. He hits the holes he needs to for big runs. He’ll have a pair of big-time

100 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Lane Mims

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 2A, Region 5 2025 RECORD 9-3 (5-1 Region 5) HEAD COACH Lucas Weatherford RECORD 40-37 (Eighth Year) ASSISTANT COACHES Tim Gilbert, Andrew Isbell, Tim Junkins, Stephen Spruelle, Blake White LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH Landon Archer, WR/S/P There isn’t much that Archer can do across all three phases, so expect him to create dynamic plays in the open field and backfield. Lane Mims, QB/DB Going into his second full season as a starter, Mims is more poised and still possesses a strong arm to make plays happen.

Photo by Camera Mann Media

defenders helping him in the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Josh Wyatt, who is a more physical back, and the smaller and speedier Jay Posey. Wyatt will be called on in shortyardage situations, and Posey will pair well with Tanner Smith as quick options that open up the playbook.

RECEIVER Landon Archer will once again be the top target here. While his arm has garnered accolades on the diamond, his 6-foot-2 frame, great hands and freak athleticism make him a dangerous receiver that Weatherford believes can be one of the best in the state. Zach Morehead lines up on the other side and combines size (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) with speed (eighth place in the outdoor 2A 200-meter state finals). Jay Posey brings the inside speed, similarly to younger options like Westin Waldrop and RJ Ivy. Lane Mims also excels at routerunning and is campaigning at that position for the next level, so he’ll line up here as well to reprise some of his memorable touchdown connections from Archer last season. Aden Gardner, Owen Wyatt, Zach Morehead and King Curry are all tight end and h-back options.

OFFENSIVE LINE

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Winterboro Aug. 28: @ B.B. Comer Sept. 5: Pleasant Valley Sept. 11: @ Walter Wellborn* Sept. 18: Ohatchee* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: @ West End* Oct. 9: Gaston* Oct. 16: Piedmont* Oct. 23: @ Saks* Oct. 29: Tarrant#

Jay Posey, DB/WR/RB Posey broke out with an All-State First Team campaign at safety this year, and he’ll use his speed all over the field. Aden Gardner, LB/RB/LS Gardner was an essential part of Vincent’s ballhawk defense last year, and with more of the spotlight this year, he has All-State potential. Austin Osbourne, OL/DL Osbourne paved the way for a standout season by Jayden Roberts last year and picked up All-State First Team accolades for himself in the process.

*Region game #Thursday game

in the mix for both center and guard. Colby Lowey is another strong option at center. Junior Callyn Henson is big and strong at left tackle and only has room to grow. Colt Faulkner could also see time as a freshman.

DEFENSIVE LINE In the three-man front, Josh Wyatt is the main returning starter. His explosiveness off the snap can flip plays in Vincent’s favor. Austin Osborne will likely play a good bit of nose tackle after some playoff experience, even if Weatherford prefers not to play him both ways. Behind them are a solid group of freshmen in Colt Faulkner, Ty Torbert and Caleb Millender. For this group, it’s all about reacting and controlling gaps while playing good team football in hopes of recreating a strength of last year’s team.

Vincent has an All-State leader up from in Austin Osbourne, and he and Alex Ware have been the leaders of this team both by example and with their words. Zahmir McMillan also brings a veteran presence LINEBACKER here as well. On the interior, Max Sanders Aden Gardner burst onto the scene last was forced into the starting center role year with 141 tackles as a first-year starter, against Pisgah and played very well, so he’s and he’s only gotten bigger and stronger.

Landon Archer KEY LOSSES Cayden Carroll, LB One of the state’s top tacklers and an All-State First Team pick, Carroll’s elite playmaking ability will be missed. Jayden Roberts, RB Roberts realized his full potential in 2024, carrying the offense with an All-County First Team performance. KJ Chapman, DE Chapman was a multi-year starter in the front seven for Vincent and played a key role in getting stops on the edge. 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 101

2026 VINCENT Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Lane Mims

POSITION QB/DB

YEAR Sr.

Walker Wills

QB/DB

Jr.

Dayterrius Norwood

OL/DL

Fr.

Wyatt Carlisle

RB/DB

Sr.

Darian Lewis

WR/DB

So.

Alex Ware

OL/LB

Sr.

Jay Posey

RB/DB

Sr.

Brady Cooper

WR/DB

Fr.

Ty Torbert

OL/DL

Fr.

R.J. Ivy

WR/DB

So.

Quadarius Jews

WR/DB

Jr.

Brody Weldon

OL/LB

Fr.

Westin Waldrop

WR/DB

So.

Kellan Lathan

FB/LB

Fr.

Bryson Sims

OL/DL

Fr.

Aden Gardner

RB/LB

Jr.

Da’marian Elston

WR/DB

Sr.

Colton Davis

OL/DL

Fr.

Owen White

TE/LB

Jr.

Dalton Valenti

FB/LB

So.

Zahmir McMillian

OL/DL

Sr.

Tanner Smith

RB/DB

Sr.

King Curry

FB/LB

Sr.

Austin Osbourne

OL/DL

Sr.

Zachary Morehead

WR/LB

Sr.

Bentley Donaldson

OL/LB

So.

Hunter Osbourne

OL/DL

Jr.

Joshua Wyatt

RB/DL

Sr.

Max Sanders

OL/LB

So.

Colt Faulkner

OL/DL

Fr.

Avery Buchanan

TE/LB

So.

Miles Gulde

OL/DL

So.

Caleb Millender

OL/DL

Fr.

Landon Archer

WR/DB

Sr.

Logan Carter

OL/DL

Fr.

Callyn Henson

OL/DL

Jr.

Nolan Whitfield

QB/LB

So.

Zaiden Cook

OL/DL

Fr.

Bryson Brown

TE/LB

Fr.

Colby Lowery

OL/DL

Jr.

QUICK HITS REPLACING ROBERTS Arguably the biggest need for Vincent this year is to replace Jayden Roberts, who literally ran away with the county rushing title with 1,510 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also got that done on a county-high 212 touches too, meaning the backs behind him didn’t get many reps last season. Wyatt Carlisle did though to the tune of around 500 yards, and his time learning the offense behind Roberts will pay dividends now. He’ll have more help this year though with a physical option in Josh Wyatt and speed backs in Jay Posey and Tanner Smith. CHANGING FACES After two perennial non-region matchups with Winterboro and B.B. Comer, it’s a completely new schedule for the final eight games. Vincent slid into a region with seven teams in the Gadsden and Anniston area of the Northeast. Those include two fellow nine-win teams from last year in Pleasant Valley and Piedmont, the latter of which went 13-1 in 3A and reached the semifinals. However, five of the eight teams also finished below .500, giving the Jackets an opportunity to remain in contention if all trends hold. STARTING STRONG If there’s one perennial problem with the Jackets, it’s starting slow. Each of Vincent’s last three openers were tight, low-scoring games, and last year, the Jackets outright lost at home to Winterboro. While the Bulldogs went on to be a top-10 team in 1A, it was a wakeup call for Vincent, and once region play hit, it was full steam ahead. Weatherford doesn’t want history to repeat itself and hopes for a strong start before Pleasant Valley visits.

102 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

POSITION

YEAR

POSITION

YEAR

The second inside linebacker position is up in the air between Owen White, Bentley Donaldson and Max Sanders. Alex Ware and Zach Morehead look to be strong playmakers outside, with Morehead now a three-year starter here. Walker Wills and Wyatt Carlisle will factor into the rotation as the next men continue to step up and replace Cayden Carroll and KJ Chapman.

excelled at stopping the run last year with an All-County campaign of 125 tackles. RJ Ivy is a utility man at either corner of safety, and Lane Mims and Westin Waldrop will support at corner. Weatherford qualified that there’s always a sleeper that emerges from this group, so look for a breakout that may not even be on the radar now.

SECONDARY

It’s all business as usual here after a transition year last year. Owen White had some growing pains at kicker in 2025 but consistent work has helped him be a truly reliable option, which helps maximize drives that stall out before the red zone. Landon Archer returns at punter, which is another underrated skill of his. Aden Gardner will support both at long snapper.

SPECIAL TEAMS You could argue this group is one of the best in Class 2A. Jay Posey returns at corner after an All-State year that saw him snag eight picks and return two for touchdowns. Landon Archer holds down the free safety spot, the perfect position for him to crash the ball and either make tackles or interceptions. Wyatt Carlisle

KEY NUMBERS

682

The days of Vincent flying under the radar of those around the state are long gone. Last year, four different Jackets were voted by the Alabama Sportswriters Association to not just the All-State team, but the First Team. It was Vincent’s fifth-straight season with an All-State selection, and remarkably, the fourth-straight year with a First Team pick. Jayden Roberts and Cayden Carroll both graduated, but Austin Osbourne returns to lead the offensive line and Jay Posey is back to hold down the second level at safety. That should give the Jackets great playmakers to build around once again.

If all you did was look at the stat sheet, Vincent’s tackling numbers wouldn’t even look real. That’s because the Jackets’ AllCounty honorees combined for 682 tackles in 2025. Of those, four eclipsed triple digits with 160 for Cayden Carroll, 141 for Aden Gardner, 125 for Wyatt Carlisle and 100 on the nose for KJ Chapman. Once you saw Vincent with your own eyes though, you knew it was legit. Last year’s Jackets swarmed the ball and stopped plays quickly, and it was a true team effort. With Gardner and Carlisle back in the same system, expect more of the same.

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2025 RESULTS Jay Posey

Winterboro @ B.B. Comer Bye @ Lamar County* Sulligent* Childersburg @ Tuscaloosa Academy* Aliceville* @ Isabella* Greene County* @ Montevallo Falkville# @ Pisgah#

5-YEAR WIN TREND

L W

8-18 37-18

W W W L W W W W W L

53-18 34-8 40-15 12-30 27-0 33-28 38-8 47-19 34-6 33-44

10 9

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

*Region game #Playoff game

EDITOR’S 2026 PREDICTION (8-2) 2025 STATS

This should be another great season for Vincent. The passing game grew over the course of the year last year and now should be in an outstanding spot with Lane Mims able to hit Landon Archer, Zach Morehead and Jay Posey at different levels. Wyatt Carlisle looks poised to continue the Jackets’ great lineage of running backs behind a standout offensive line. And that’s before you get to the defense, which returns a plethora of playmakers including an All-Stater in Posey plus multiple players with All-State potential like Aden Gardner, Carlisle and Archer. The key is staying healthy since injuries threatened to derail last year’s campaign. Region title contention is probably a step too far, but Vincent should absolutely secure its sixth-straight trip to the playoffs and have a shot at another deeper run.

OFFENSE Total Points: 396 Per Game: 33.0 County Rank: 3 DEFENSE Points Allowed: 212 Per Game: 17.7 County Rank: 3

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104 2026 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2 Walker Run, Alabaster, Alabama 35007

A concussion is nothing to play with. 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. 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.

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