over the mountain journal high school football preview

OVER THE MOUNTAINJ O U R N A L

2010 OTM High School Football PreviewTeam Profiles, Schedules, Team Photos and Rosters, Key Players to Watch and More!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010

BRIARWOOD NEW AGE page 6

HOMEWOOD BUILDING BLOCKS page 8

HOOVERFULL SPEED AHEAD page 10 JOHN CARROLLSELLING POINT page 12 MOUNTAIN BROOK SPARTAN REWIND page 14 OAK MOUNTAINOPTION PLAYS page 16 SPAIN PARKJAG ADJUSTMENTS page 18 VESTAVIA39 AND HOLDING page 20 PLUS MOUNTAIN-DOSAMFORD HOMECOMING

2 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL2010 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BY LEE DAVISJOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

In some people’s minds, high school football in Alabama went back to nor-mal in 2009.

That’s because after a three-year drought, the Hoover Bucs regained

the state 6A crown.Hoover’s return to the top of the heap

was the first of many head-turning events for Over-the-Mountain schools in the season just past. Coach Buddy Anderson’s Vestavia Hills Rebels – who handed the Bucs their only defeat – suffered a surprising regular season loss to Pelham and an even more sur-prising playoff defeat at the hands of Minor.

Spain Park led archrival Hoover 21-0 at the half, only to fall by a painfully close 24-21 count. Homewood struggled early but battled back to be one of the area’s stronger teams by the end of the season.

Mountain Brook and Oak Mountain suffered through disappointing years, but Briarwood and John Carroll Catholic turned in solid records in Class 5A.

All of that was memorable, but it’s also part of the past. The new season is upon us, and like life itself, the more things change, the more they stay the same. All of the Over- the-Mountain Class 6A teams are bunched in Region 6, which also includes Pelham and Thompson. Class 5A’s Briarwood and John Carroll will compete in Regions 5 and 4, respectively.

The Hoover Bucs once again begin the season as the team to beat, both in their region and statewide. Coach Josh Niblett won the state championship in the second year of his tenure, after finishing runner-up the previous season. Ryan Carter returns for his senior season as the Bucs’ quarterback and is likely to be better than ever.

This year, the date to circle on your cal-endar is Oct. 15, when Hoover hosts archri-val Vestavia Hills. After the Rebels’ 30-27 upset last year, this year’s renewal should be classic.

Once again, the road to the state champi-onship leads through Hoover.

Over the last 33 years, Coach Buddy Anderson has become synonymous with Vestavia football. And with good reason: For three decades, he has commanded one of the state’s best programs. Many thought the Rebels might claim their third state title last season, before they were beaten by Minor in the playoffs’ first round.

Many of the stars of that team are gone, but it’s a snowy day in August when Vestavia is low on talent. Georgie Salem has the ability to be an outstanding running back. And maybe best of all for the Rebels is that Anderson probably knows what it takes to defeat Hoover better than anyone in north Alabama.

Spain Park put together an impressive 10-3 mark last season, but even that couldn’t completely erase the disappointment of the loss to Hoover. Without a doubt, however, Coach David Shores has established the Jaguars as a legitimate statewide power. Look for more success this fall – and

remember that the Bucs must go to Spain Park to meet the Jags this year.

Homewood once again got off to a slow start in 2009, but that’s an occupational haz-ard when a team faces the likes of Hoover and Vestavia in the first half of the season. The Patriots were only a few students away from moving down to smaller Class 5A – a classification they dominated for years.

But Homewood fans shouldn’t despair; this could be a big year for Coach Dickey Wright’s team. Senior Ameer Abdullah may be one of the finest running backs in Alabama. Homewood may not contend for a state title, but you can always count on the Patriots to pull off an upset or two.

Mountain Brook posted a 4-6 record

last autumn, which is far below what the Spartans usually produce. Coach Chris Yeager’s players are determined to bounce back in a big way and probably have the tools to do so. Linebacker Miller Williams leads what should be a sound Mountain Brook defensive unit. As usual, however, the Spartans’ schedule is brutal as they open with Shades Valley, Vestavia, Pelham and Homewood in their first four games.

Oak Mountain went 4-6 in Coach Jeff Harris’s first season but could do much bet-ter this time. The schedule, however, is dif-ficult, as the Eagles face Hoover and Spain Park in succession in September. The good news is that the talent level at Heardmont Park is rising, and that could be bad news

for some of Oak Mountain’s opponents.In Class 5A, the Briarwood Lions may

have the skills to compete for their first state championship since 2003. Coach Fred Yancey has a large and talented offensive line and enough talented athletes overall to make a serious run for the title.

It’s possible that John Carroll Catholic fans haven’t been so excited about an upcoming football season since the 1970s. Coach Chris Musso welcomed back an impressive array of football players. There’s something special brewing on the Carroll campus and there may be more to it than many people realize.

Enough talk. Let’s go play. ❖

AREA OVERVIEW

Mountain-DoOnce Again Area Football Will Dominate State Scene

This year, the date to circle on your calendar is Oct. 15, when Hoover hosts archrival Vestavia Hills. After the Rebels’ 30-27 upset last year, this year’s renewal should be classic.

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BY CARY ESTESJOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

John Michael Clay has been running around the Samford University football field for 20 years. Which is saying a lot, since he is just now entering his

senior season as a defensive lineman with the Bulldogs.

But as the son of two Samford alums, Clay said Seibert Stadium was his second home as a small child. His parents attended most of the games while he was growing up in Vestavia Hills, and he said he has been sliding down the grassy hills sur-rounding the playing field “since I was a baby.”

So it’s only appropriate that for the past three years, Clay has been just as much a fixture on the Seibert Stadium field as a player as he once was in the stands as a fan. Clay has played in 32 of the Bulldogs’ 33 games since his freshman season in 2007 and has started 21 of the past 22 games.

“He’s been one of the staples on our team since I got here,” said Samford head coach Pat Sullivan, whose first year with the Bulldogs coincided with Clay’s fresh-man season. “We always know that John Michael is out there. We don’t worry about what we’re going to get from him.”

All of this seemed like an unlikely sce-nario just five years ago. As a freshman on the Vestavia Hills football team, Clay kept experiencing pinched nerves in his neck, known as burners or stingers. He finally received an MRI and was diagnosed with cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.

The situation wasn’t overly serious, but doctors suggested it would probably be best if Clay didn’t participate in a violent con-tact sport like football. So Clay spent the next two years working with the football team as a student coach, while continuing to compete for the Vestavia Hills wrestling and baseball teams.

Then before he began his senior year, new tests revealed that Clay’s condition had improved, and he was cleared by a neurosurgeon and a cervical specialist to play football. Despite some anxious moments from his mother (“She was scared at first,” Clay said), he returned to the foot-ball field just in time for a farewell season with the Rebels.

That one season was enough for Clay to show what he was capable of doing on the field. He had 82 tackles, four quarterback sacks and two fumble recoveries. He was named to the All-Over the Mountain first team and received honorable mention all-state honors.

Clay’s performance caught Sullivan’s attention, and Samford was one of the few teams to offer Clay a football scholarship.

“You could see the potential for him to be what he is today,” Sullivan said. “You saw that big ol’ frame with that tough men-tality. It was just a matter of him getting the reps and some time to put the weight on.

And now you have a really good player.“He comes to play with a wrestler’s

mentality. Every day, he’s giving it every-thing he’s got. You know what you have with him every time that you tee it up.”

Clay agrees with the assessment that he plays football with a wrestler’s mentality. After all, he spent more time at Vestavia Hills wrestling than he did playing football, and he said much of what he learned from the sport has carried over to his college football career.

“To be a wrestler, you have to under-stand that your body has a limit, and then you have to be willing to go much further,” Clay said. “If you can accept that and then use it on the football field, it gives you an even bigger edge on outworking your opponent. Because you’ll never quit.

“It’s hard to break somebody who is a

wrestler. A wrestling practice is a lot more intense and grueling than a football prac-tice. It helps give that mental edge to any player.

“Being a lineman, it’s pretty much a wrestling match out there anyway. Just all the arms flailing and gaining leverage.

“I learned a lot from our football coach-es at Vestavia. They taught me a lot about being a football player and being a man.

“But the wrestling comes in handy every day.”

Whatever the key has been, it certainly has worked. Clay had 37 tackles and six sacks last season in being named sec-ond-team All-Southern Conference. And Sullivan said Clay is unquestionably one of the most important players on the Samford defense this season.

“He can bring it on the pass rush, he’s

solid on the run, he can protect on our punt team,” Sullivan said. “He just does what-ever you ask him to do.”

That will be the case for one final sea-son at Samford. While his parents cheer from the stands and new children slide down the hills at Seibert Stadium, Clay will take to the field and continue a journey that has been 20 years in the making.

“I always thought I wouldn’t go to Samford, that I would do something differ-ent,” Clay said. “But I had an opportunity to play football here, and I couldn’t turn it down. I’m truly blessed that I did come here.

“Now all I want to do is have a relation-ship with my teammates that I can carry on throughout the years and make some memories that I can cherish.” ❖

COLLEGE DAYS

Samford HomecomingClay Plays College Football In Familiar Surroundings

John Michael Clay has played in 32 of the Bulldogs’ 33 games since his freshman season in 2007 and has started 21 of the past 22 games. Photos courtesy Samford Athletics


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Aug. 27 Demopolis HOMESept. 3 Moody HOMESept. 10 Erwin AwaySept. 17 Chelsea HOMESept. 24 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 1 Talladega AwayOct. 8 Pinson Valley AwayOct. 15 Shelby County HCOct. 22 Sylacauga HOMEOct. 29 Anniston HOME

2010 Briarwood High School Football Schedule

Date Opponent LocationAug. 27 Bessemer City HOMESept. 3 Thompson AwaySept. 10 Spain Park HOMESept. 16 Mountain Brook AwaySept. 24 Huntsville AwayOct. 1 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 8 Hoover HOMEOct. 15 Oak Mountain AwayOct. 22 Pelham HOMEOct. 29 Grissom HOME

Date Opponent Location

Aug. 27 Jacksonville AwaySept. 3 Pleasant Grove HOMESept. 10 McAdory AwaySept. 17 Parker HOMESept. 24 Chelsea AwayOct. 1 Wenonah AwayOct. 8 Woodlawn HOMEOct. 15 Hueytown AwayOct. 22 Fairfield HOMEOct. 29 Thompson HOME

2010 John Carroll High School Football Schedule

Date Opponent LocationAug. 27 Shades Valley HOMESept. 3 Vestavia Hills AwaySept. 10 Pelham AwaySept. 16 Homewood HOMESept. 24 Grissom HOMEOct. 1 Spain Park HCOct. 7 Oak Mountain AwayOct. 15 Thompson HOMEOct. 22 Hoover AwayOct. 29 Buckhorn Away

2010 Mtn. Brook. High School Football Schedule

Date Opponent LocationAug. 27 Buckhorn HOMESept. 3 Pelham AwaySept. 10 Hoover HOMESept. 16 Spain Park AwaySept. 24 Northridge HOMEOct. 1 Thompson AwayOct. 8 Mountain Brook AwayOct. 15 Homewood HOMEOct. 22 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 29 Pinson Valley HOME

2010 Oak Mtn. High School Football Schedule


Aug. 28 North Gwinnett (Ga.) AwaySept. 3 Hoover AwaySept. 10 Homewood AwaySept. 16 Oak Mountain HOMESept. 24 Bob Jones HCOct. 1 Mountain Brook AwayOct. 8 Vestavia Hills HOMEOct. 15 Pelham HOMEOct. 22 Thompson AwayOct. 29 Clay-Chalkville Away

2010 Spain Park High School Football Schedule

Aug. 27 Florence AwaySept. 3 Mountain Brook HOMESept. 10 Thompson HOMESept. 17 Pelham AwaySept. 24 Briarwood HCOct. 1 Homewood HOMEOct. 8. Spain Park AwayOct. 15 Hoover AwayOct. 22 Oak Mountain HOMEOct. 28 Shades Valley Away

2010 Vestavia High School Football Schedule


2010 Hoover High School Football Schedule

Date Opponent LocationAug. 28 Byrnes (S.C.) AwaySept. 3 Spain Park HOMESept. 10 Oak Mountain AwaySept. 17 Thompson AwaySept. 24 Gadsden City HOMEOct. 1 Pelham HOMEOct. 8 Homewood AwayOct. 15 Vestavia Hills HOMEOct. 22 Mountain Brook HOMEOct. 28 Bob Jones Away

2010 Homewood High School Football Schedule

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MOUNTAIN BROOKSPORTING GOODS

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Aug. 27 Parkway AwaySept. 3 Pickens County AwaySept. 10 Autaugaville AwaySept. 17 Maplesville HOMESept. 24 Thorsby HCOct. 1 Holy Spirit HOMEOct. 8 Sunshine HOMEOct. 15 Keith AwayOct. 22 John Essex HOMEOct. 29 Isabella Away

2010 Shades Mountain Christian High School Football Schedule

Date Opponent LocationDate Opponent Location



Believe it or not, Briarwood coach Fred Yancey turns 65 this year.

Yancey could easily pass for a man who is 10 years

younger, a rare distinction for someone who has spent his entire professional life coaching big-time high school football.

One reason Yancey looks so young is because he’s had a lot of success since tak-ing over the Lion program 21 years ago. Briarwood was a traditional doormat when he arrived on campus, but the Memphis native has built his team into one of Class 5A’s most consistent powers.

And for all his success, Yancey doesn’t seem in any hurry to retire. “I’m planning on being here as long as they want me,” he promises. “Briarwood is my last stop.”

The odds are certain that the school administration is going to want him around for a long time. Briarwood posted a 9-4 record in 2009 but looks to be much stron-ger this time around.

“We had a good team last year, but now the hard part is making the jump from good to great,” said Yancey. “We’ve got a good group of kids, who have worked hard

in the off-season. I feel like we have the talent, so if we continue to work hard, we could have a big year.”

Yancey isn’t kidding. The Lions are talented and deep enough to be a legitimate contender for the state 5A title.

Two top quarterbacks are available to run Yancey’s spread offense. Junior Ben Craft and sophomore Tanner Cunningham are excellent passers and runners. Neither had won the starting role by press time. Suffice it to say that Yancey thinks he’ll be

in good hands no matter who wins the job.“Ben and Tanner both do a lot of good

things,” said the coach.Junior Sam Whitaker returns as full-

back for the Lions. A power runner at 215 pounds, Whitaker is difficult to bring down. Matthew Furito, a junior, will be the starter at the other running back spot and help make Briarwood’s running game one of the best in the area.

Craft and Cunningham will have superb targets at wide receiver. Junior Devan

Bowman and senior Wilson Whorton can both catch the ball and run effectively. Michael Lathem will be another wide receiver and also share tight end responsi-bilities with Canon Smith.

Yancey has his largest offensive line since 2003 – which may be a good omen since that was the last year Briarwood won a state championship. But the line is not only large, it’s talented.

The center is Nick Maxey, a 250-pound returning starter. On the left side are tackle Tim Crenshaw and guard Preston Pittman, who both weigh 265 pounds. On the right are guard Patrick Morton, who weighs 265, and tackle Bradley Byers, who weighs 245.

Providing valuable depth will be Alex Cain at 260 and Wesley Jones, a 245-pounder.DEFENSE

Briarwood’s defensive unit returns rela-tively few starters, but that could be decep-tive.

“We have a lot of kids that didn’t start last year but saw plenty of playing time,” said Yancey.

Members of the 2010 Briarwood Christian High School varsity football team include Cole Pearson, Ben Craft, Zacahary Bekken, Kalan Reed, Regan White, Matthew Furito, Jon Stapleton, Keith Stapleton, Kevin McKelvey, Tanner Cunningham, Daniel Robert, Sam Morris, Phillip Smith, Bankston Barnes, Holden Gulley, Grier McMillian, Chad Davis, Justin Palmer, Ben Parks, Wilson Whorton, Gunner Patrick, Forest Roberson, Will Byers, Matthew Caldwell, Dylan Harrington, Keeton Russell, William Rutledge, Cooper Harrington, Jackson Crutchfield, Wynne Morris, Taylor Core, Tanner Gann, Jordan Carroll, Michael Day, Scottie Dreher, David Townes, Michael Belling, John Dutton, Tom Muir-Taylor, Roy Gilbert, Tyler Nix, Turner Herron, David Hodges, Wells Holliday, Kevin Wilson, Chris Waltz, Robert Price, Drew Campbell, Patrick Morton, Jake Proctor, Jonathan Paramore, Tyler Mitchell, Kyle Jennings, Brooks Bell, Dahler Battle, D.J. Johnson, Matthew Drennen, Wesley Jones, Jared Core, Arjen Meter, Tyler Whitworth, Karson Jones, Jake Whaley, Jackson Thomas, Nick Maxey, Tim Crenshaw, Alex Cain, David Carlin, Bradley Byers, Preston Pittman, Caleb Ward, Camdon Condo, Taylor Bussel, Michael Lathem, Will Dyson, Miller Bradford, Devin Bowman, Harlan Bailey, J.D. Parkerson, Brooks Willoughby, Carter Tyra, Jim Bosley, Gabe Partain, Cole Lanier, Houston Herron, Wade Cline, John Roberson, Thomas Hess and Canon Smith.

Briarwood

Key Players to Watch

2009 Record: 9-4Head Coach: Fred Yancey Stadium: Lion Pride Stadium Region: Class 5A Region 5 Region Opponents: Chelsea, Erwin, Moody, Pinson Valley, Shelby County, Sylacauga, and TalladegaState Championships: 1977, 1998, 1999, 2003

Quick Facts

Lion leaders with Coach Fred Yanceyare, from left: Cooper Harrington, Wilson Whorton, Caleb Ward and Tyler Whitworth.

New Age Briarwood Success Keeps Coach Looking Young


The defensive ends are Caleb Ward, a three-year starter, and Jake Whaley. Senior Tyler Whitworth and junior Jackson Thomas are the interior tackles. Canon Smith and Thomas Hess will provide depth.

The talented trio of Brooks Willoughby, Roy Gilbert and Tom Muir-Taylor will man the linebacker spots.

As usual, the secondary will be one of the strongest components of the Lion defense. Cooper Harrington – who has already committed to the University of Southern Mississippi – will play at one safety spot and see some work on offense, too. Chad Davis, Wynne Morris and Kalan

Reed will also get the job done.

Forest Roberson will relieve all of the starters in the secondary.

As always, the goals are high.

“We’d like to go as deep in the playoffs as we can,” said Yancey. “Somebody’s got to go to Auburn (to play for the state 5A championship), so it might as well be us.”

The Lions clearly have the makings of a team capable of a strong play-off run, but it won’t be easy. Briarwood moves into Region 5, which includes Chelsea, Erwin, Moody, Pinson Valley, Shelby County, Sylacauga and Talladega. Outside of the region, the Lions face defending state 5A champ

Demopolis and perennial 6A superpower Vestavia Hills.RETURNING LION

A new addition to Briarwood’s staff is former Lion quarterback Joe Craddock as offensive coordinator. Craddock starred at Middle Tennessee State University before returning to his high school alma mater.

“It’s good to have Joe back,” said Yancey. “We try to be like a family here.”

The family feeling is great, but success on the field is why Yancey looks much younger than his 65 years. This year’s team isn’t likely to age him much either.❖

2010 Briarwood High School Football Schedule


Aug. 27 Demopolis HomeSept. 3 Moody HomeSept. 10 Erwin AwaySept. 17 Chelsea HomeSept. 24 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 1 Talladega AwayOct. 8 Pinson Valley AwayOct. 15 Shelby County HCOct. 22 Sylacauga HomeOct. 29 Anniston Home

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All 5-5 seasons are not created equal. Homewood head coach Dickey Wright experienced that firsthand last year, as the Patriots

lost their starting quarterback in the open-ing game, began the season 0-4 and then rallied for a .500 record that, in many ways, felt like a winning campaign.

“I was real proud of the way our kids finished off the season as strongly as they did,” Wright said. “Most teams would have probably folded.

“Our kids showed a lot of character in sticking with it and sticking with the plan that we had outlined. And they wound up playing real consistent ball the second half of the season.”

Not only did the Patriots close the 2009 season by winning five of their final six games, but three of their losses were by a touchdown or less. So despite the early injury to quarterback Garrett Powell, Homewood was not far from being a play-off team.

Wright said his returning players know that, and he expects the positive feelings

from last year to carry over into this sea-son.

“All you can ask is that you get your-self in position to win, and we did that for the most part last year,” Wright said. “So our kids are excited about this season. We finished on a positive note last year, and it carried over to our off-season program and spring training.

“Now we have to go out and produce.”

Stephen Baggett stepped in as the start-ing quarterback after Powell was injured. Baggett was only a sophomore at the time, and Wright said it “took him a little while to get his consistency.” But now Baggett has a full year of playing and practice experience, and Wright said he expects to see considerable improvement from the junior this season.

“He’s always been a real good runner,

and now he’s improved his arm strength and accuracy tremendously,” Wright said. “He had a real good off-season and pre-season practice so far.”

Senior tailback Ameer Abdullah, who rushed for nearly 1,100 yards and scored 14 touchdowns last season, returns as the Patriots’ primary threat out of the back-field. Abdullah, the MVP of the Arians Pro Football Academy Combine this summer, is such a talented player that Wright said he will line up occasionally as a slot receiver and play some defense.

“He’s tremendously fast, probably one of the quickest kids I’ve ever been around,” Wright said. “He looks small (5-9, 170 pounds), but he makes up for it with his speed.

“He had a tremendous off-season in a lot of camps and combines. He’s just an all-around great athlete.”

Speed also can be found at the wide receiver position; senior Aaron Ernest, Wright said, has been electronically timed at 10.4 seconds in the 100 meters.

Members of the 2010 Homewood High School varsity football team include: Ernest Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Aaron Rowell, Devante Brown, Kenny Thompson, Adam Salls, John Hudson, Luke Porter, Warner Thompson, Stephen Baggett, Ronnie House, Trey Holman, Caine Kadle, Burke Smith, Noah Crocker, Taylor Alford, Matt Anderson, Nyck Young, Connor Kadle, Grant Smith, Justin Hardy, Oliver Fort, Quindarius Jones, Eric Schatz, Jaquan Barber, C.J. Mizerany, Will Pearson, Connor Rivers, Arthur Alexis, Nate Mann, Micah Martin, Cole Preston, Chris O’Neal, Jordan Edwards, Rolando Bishop, Jay Williams, Forrest Gaines, Horace Richardson, Tywaun Ward, David Boyette, Montell Davis, Conner Peterson, Mark Rawls, Patrick Stevens, Zack Johnson, D.Q. Mitchell, Junior Villegas, Darrion Young, Stephen Hines, John Helf, Jake Ankenbrandt, Preston Fittro, Bobby Brown, Sergio Dominquez, Kern Williams, Chris Finley, Zac Sims, Micah Brittingham, Raphael Trinidad, Jesus Gallardo, Anthony Waldrop, John David Cook, Denis Ngei, Breon Bilal, Johnny Scott, Aaron Ernest, Burton Nabors, Mohoud Yagoub, Taylor Alford and Charles Berry.

Homewood

2009 Record: 5-5Head Coach: Dickey WrightStadium: Waldrop StadiumRegion: Class 6A, Region 6Region Opponents: Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Spain Park, Thompson, Vestavia HillsState Championships: 6 - 1974, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004. 2005

Quick Facts

Building BlocksStrong ’09 Finish ShouldGive Pats a Good Start

Key Players to WatchPatriot key players with Coach Dickey Wright are, front, from left: Jake Ankenbrandt, Stephen Baggett and Chris O'Neal. Standing from left: Grant Smith and Ameer Abdullah.


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“That kind of speaks for itself,” said Wright. “Aaron is the fastest guy on our team, maybe one of the fastest kids we’ve ever had in our program. Hopefully he can have another good year for us.”

Adam Salls will join Ernest in the start-ing lineup at receiver, and Wright said the senior is a contrast in style to Ernest.

“He’s not the fastest kid in the world, but he has good height (6-2) and he runs great routes and has good hands,” Wright said. “He’s hopefully going to be one of those possession receivers who you count on getting the first down when you need it.”

The only returning fulltime starter along the offensive line is senior Jake

Ankenbrandt. Wright said the rest of the line will be composed primarily of juniors who received some playing time last season, but didn’t start.

“Most of our line has been with us, they just didn’t fill starting roles last year,” said Wright. “They were a lot of backups.

“Jake is really the only true starter back from last year. We’re junior heavy on the offensive line. There are some seniors who are going to be in the rotation, but Jake is the one who started most of last year.

“He’s done a really good job with leadership this summer.”DEFENSE

The Patriots also have quite a few new faces on

defense. In fact, Wright said the team has only three defensive players who started last season.

“We start with Grant Smith at lineback-er,” Wright said. “He played outside line-backer last year and has moved to inside this year. He’s going to have to be one of our primary leaders on defense.

“At free safety we have Micah Martin. We’ll kind of build the center of our defense around him and Grant.

“And then at defensive tackle we have Stephen Hines. He played on a rotational basis for us last year, and we’re hoping he will have a big year for us this year.

2010 Homewood High School Football Schedule


Aug. 27 Bessemer City HomeSept. 3 Thompson AwaySept. 10 Spain Park HomeSept. 16 Mountain Brook AwaySept. 24 Huntsville AwayOct. 1 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 8 Hoover HomeOct. 15 Oak Mountain AwayOct. 22 Pelham HomeOct. 29 Grissom Home

See Homewood, page 22



The record book says the Hoover Bucs are the defending Class 6A state champions. But don’t tell that to Hoover head coach Josh Niblett. As far as he’s con-

cerned, there is no need to make any con-nection between this year’s Hoover team and the 2009 edition.

“We’re not defending anything or repeating anything. It’s a new year,” Niblett said. “This is a different group. This group has a legacy they have to build for them-selves.”

Of course, while that might be the atti-tude the Bucs are taking within the team, the outside world has a significantly differ-ent view of Hoover.

The Bucs are ranked No. 1 in Class 6A in the Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason poll, and it’s not even close. Hoover received 35 of 36 first-place votes, with second-place Prattville receiving the remaining vote. Several national polls have Hoover ranked as one of the top 10 teams in the country.

That’s what happens when a program enjoys the run of success Hoover has had the past decade. Last year’s title was Hoover’s sixth in the 10-year span from 2000 to 2009 (though the first since 2005), to go along with three runner-up finishes. The Bucs’ 14-1 record last year means that since 2000, they have gone an astounding 135-12.

So while Niblett is working to keep his players grounded, he acknowledges that most people have sky-high expectations for his team.

“We understand the expectations within our community and this state, and within the country, really,” Niblett said. “We were very blessed to have had the success we had last year.

“But while I want our kids to remember that feeling, the biggest thing is for them to understand how hard they worked to get there. And then you have to take it to even another level, because everybody you play this year is going to be shooting for that target on your back.”

Hoover has some holes to fill this sea-son, especially at wide receiver. The Bucs lost 10 starters (five on offense and five on defense), and while many of the backups from last year probably will prove to be talented players, the fact is some starters will begin this season lacking in playing experience.

“It doesn’t matter whether you view the glass as half full or half empty. Either way, it still isn’t full,” Niblett said. “We are going to work as hard as we can to make sure we are a full-glass team.”

A returning starting quarterback is always a good way to help fill that glass, and Hoover has that in Ryan Carter, who “has done a great job of developing,” Niblett said. The question is: To whom will Carter throw the ball now that Maudrecus Humphrey has left for Arkansas and Josh Magee has gone to Southern Miss?

Enter Jaylon Denson, who already has

committed to Auburn. Denson had to bide his time last season at tight end, but now the 6-3, 205-pound senior has moved to wideout, where Niblett said he will be Hoover’s “big target.”

“He has good speed and is very physi-cal,” Niblett said. “He gives us that pres-ence on the outside that can create a match-up problem if somebody goes one-on-one with him. He’s a hard guy to tackle and a

hard guy to cover because he’s so physical and strong.”

Joining Denson in the receiving corps are Reginald Johnson and Dakota Daniel. Caleb Sims will line up at both receiver and running back and will also return punts.

The Bucs return their leading rusher from last season, the speedy Justin McArthur. He will be paired with 200-pound Brandon Cochran, giving Hoover a varied one-two punch out of the backfield.

“Those two guys are a big part of our offense,” Niblett said. “Justin is more of a speed guy, a breakaway guy. Brandon is more of our physical guy who gets the hard yards inside and does a really good job blocking and catching the ball.”

Members of the 2010 Hoover High School varsity football team are: Robert Richardson, Reginald Johnson, Preston Sanford, Josh Jackson, Dakota Daniel, Justin McArthur, Nigel Cribbs, Caleb Sims, Sam Gillikin, Scott Head, Christian Sanford, Xavier Woods, Payton Holmes, Bradley Bramblett, Ryan Carter, Larsen Real, Ce’Derrious Davis, Will McCallum, Drew Neill, Jerry Woody, Connor Coskery, Richard Gilliland, Montez Carlton, Harley Cadet, Brett Bowden, Philip Crochen, Braxton Lowe, Marcus Matthews, Malcolm Hollifield, Brandon Cochran, Blake Patterson, Matt McCay, Jason Jones, Brandon Clark, Craig White, Tyler Roberts, Andrew Nix, Ryan Winters, Raymond Morris, Teryence Glaze, Russell Brown, Kenneth Shanks, Shane Price, Jake Crozier, Connor Eagan, Jeremiah Harris, Eric Sledge, Taylor Mason, Jay Rogers, Jackson Armstrong, Jeremy Boyd, Kevin Belk, Logan Paul, John Salter, Grant Wyatt, Jacob Blenkinsop, Daniel Aust, Blake Burk, Juwan Hudson, Brandon Morgan, Carson Haley, William Eads, Markius Wright, Brandon Sly, Bryant Harris, Courtney Grant, Davis Vickery, Jaylon Denson, Damon Holditch, Michael Nysewander, Trent Dunne, Rod Toliver, Kadarius Embry, Henderson Jerrick, Rickney Hunter, Max Elliott and Brad Shaw.

Hoover

2009 record: 14-1 Head Coach: Josh Niblett Stadium: Regions Park Class Region: Class 6A, Region 6Region opponents: Spain Park, Oak Mountain, Thompson, Pelham, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain BrookState Championships: 7 - 1977, 1982, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009

Quick Facts

With Coach Josh Niblett are key Buc leaders, from left: Ryan Carter, Brandon Morgan, Blake Burk and Brett Bowden.

Full Speed AheadNo Looking BackFor Hoover Bucs



Hoover returns two starters on the offensive line in seniors Brandon Morgan (6-1, 286 pounds) and Blake Burk (6-1, 294). They will be joined by new starters Daniel Aust (6-2, 244), Carson Haley (6-1, 260) and Jake Crozier (6-1, 218).

Larsen Real returns as the starting kick-er, while William Eads takes over as the long snapper.DEFENSE

Defensively, in addition to replacing five starters, the Bucs have several new assistant coaches as well as some changes in strategy and terminology.

“There are some new things we’re doing that the kids are having to pick up on,”

Niblett said. “But I’m very excited about how well they’ve done and how much we’ve been able to install.”

The Bucs have plenty of experience along the defensive line. Tyler Roberts and Michael Nysewander both started last season at defensive end, and Max Elliott start-ed the second half of the season at defensive tackle.

“Tyler and Michael both play with a lot of high energy and do what you ask them to do,” Niblett said. “Max Elliott improved as the season went along last year, and he continued to get bigger and stronger in the weight room during the off-sea-son.”

The starting line-backers will be led by

Teryence Glaze, who “has unbelievable speed and tackles real well,” the coach said. Joining Glaze at linebacker will be Marcus Matthews, Braxton Lowe and Connor Eagan.

Niblett said he likes the team’s depth in the secondary, with four experienced play-ers -- Preston Sanford, Montez Carlton, Nigel Cribbs and Ce’Derrious Davis -- able to line up at cornerback, and senior Brett Bowden leading the defense from the safety position.

“Brett does a really good job of being the quarterback for us as far as getting the

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2010 Hoover High School Football Schedule


Aug. 28 Byrnes (S.C.) AwaySept. 3 Spain Park HomeSept. 10 Oak Mountain AwaySept. 17 Thompson AwaySept. 24 Gadsden City HomeOct. 1 Pelham HomeOct. 8 Homewood AwayOct. 15 Vestavia Hills HomeOct. 22 Mountain Brook HomeOct. 28 Bob Jones Away

See Hoover, page 22

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Two years ago, Chris Musso came to John Carroll Catholic selling a vision of the Cavaliers returning to the football heights they enjoyed in the 1960s and

1970s.In 2010, a lot of people are buying into

that vision.After posting one of finest seasons in

years, John Carroll is ready for more good

times. And Musso says there is one big reason for it.

“Our kids have bought into the work ethic that we preached when we first came here,” he said. “They have brought a posi-tive attitude and worked together as a team to get better.”

The coach points with special pride to a senior class with 17 three-year starters, all whom have been with Musso from the beginning.

“Those seniors are the strength of our team,” he said. “They have blended togeth-er well and create excitement for the whole program.”

John Carroll’s option-oriented offense should bring some excitement, too. The quarterback is junior Johnny Boohaker, who shined at seven-on-seven camps throughout the state during the summer.

“Johnny has a strong arm and is a real tough kid,” said Musso. “He also does a good job of reading defenses.”

Senior Will Mara will provide back-up help.

In the backfield will be one of the best running tandems in all of Metro Birmingham. Senior running back Adric Merchant is a breakaway threat every time he touches a football. Marcus Richardson is outstanding as well.

“They are great football players and great kids,” said Musso. “They are defi-nitely college prospects.”

Providing depth in the backfield are Daniel Bostick, Robert Burgess and Kenny Johnson.

Carroll’s receiving corps should be excellent as seniors Trent Covington and Antonio Hullman are all-star candidates. Kameron Wood – who recently verbally committed to the University of Mississippi – is one of the best tight ends in Alabama. William Shores, Jonathan Perlich and Connor Chandler will also see playing time at tight end.

Wesley Dismuke, the only sophomore starter, will play at wingback.

The Cavs’ offensive line is solid. Senior Taylor Eatmon returns at center. Guards Khory Marable and Devin Taylor can explode off the ball. Juniors D.J. Culotta and Chase Foshee are capable at the tackle spots.

For an idea of how good Carroll’s front wall can be, consider that Marable bench

presses 340 pounds and can run a 4.8 40-yard dash.

Junior Michael Lathem will handle kick-off and punting duties. Jonathan Hutchens will kick field goals and extra points.DEFENSE

The Cavs’ defensive unit might be one of the best in its region. The core of its strength could come from a group of outstanding linebackers. Daniel Bostick is the middle man, and Musso calls him “the leader of the defense.” Robert Burgess,

The 2010 John Carroll High School varsity football team includes Jonathan Hutchens, Brandon Turner, Antonio Hullum, Kameron Wood, Wesley Dismuke, Trevor Brooks, Trenton Covington, Michael Lathem, Johnny Boohaker, Nick Hand, Justin Brownlee, Will Mara, William Shores, Aron Vasha, Alfred Maiola, Trent Marshall, Philip West, Adric Merchant, Roderick Turner, Kenny Johnson, James Duncan, Trey Cotton, Conner Chandler, Taylor Schiffman, Michael Cowan, Marcus Richardson, Daniel Bostick, Robert Burgess, Ben Olivier, Gregory Giraud, Joey Marino, LeMonte Harris, Devonte Lee, Ellis Till, Rodney Cosby, Jalen Simpson, Christian Maziarz, Khory Marable, Eddie Washington, Devin Taylor, Taylor Eatmon, Conner Mara, Austin Baecher, David Tanory, Myles Foshee, Eduwardo Cedeno, Chase Foshee, Mauricio Cedeno, Leon Boackle, D.J. Culotta, Peter Atkins, Shellie Moore, Kevin Terry, Rob Williams, Alex Fawal, Jonathan Perlich and Ryan Carney.

John Carroll


2009 Record: 5-5Head Coach: Chris MussoStadium: John Carroll FieldRegion: Class 5A, Region 4Region Opponents: Fairfield, Hueytown, McAdory, Parker, Pleasant Grove, Wenonah, WoodlawnState Championships: 1 - 1973

Quick Facts

Selling Point Cavaliers Looking ForBig Season In 2010

Key members of the Caaliers' 2010 team, with Coach Chris Musso are, from left: Marcus RIchardson, Michael Cowan, Antonio Hullum, Kameron Wood, William Shores, Adric Merchant and Trent Covington.

“Our kids have bought into the work ethic that we preached when we first came here. They have brought a positive atti-tude and worked together as a team to get better.”

—Chris Musso

Kameron Wood and Marcus Richardson will work the outside linebacker slots.

John Carroll’s defensive front should complement the linebacker corps nicely. William Shores, Rodney Cosby, LeMonte Harris and Jonathan Perlich are the starters upfront.

The secondary could be outstand-ing as well. Free safety Michael Cowan intercepted seven passes in one day at a seven-on-seven camp. Cornerback Trevor Brooks, Ben Olivier, Brandon Turner, Trent Marshall and Aron Vasha will all rotate at the other positions.

Carroll is aligned in Class 5A’s Region 4, which includes Pleasant Grove,

McAdory, Parker, Wenonah, Woodlawn, Hueytown and Fairfield. The non-region schedule includes Jacksonville, Chelsea and Class 6A’s Thompson.

“There are no easy games,” said Musso. “Every team in our region has talent. We have to be ready to play every Friday night.”

That may sound like standard coaches’ lan-guage, but the fact is that nobody considers the Cavs an easy mark, either.GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Expectations on the Lakeshore Drive campus are as high as they’ve been in decades, but Musso believes slow and

steady wins the race.“We’re going to look at every game as a

weekly championship game,” Musso said. “Week by week, all we want to do is to win against the team we are playing.

“If you overlook anybody, you’re going to pay the price. We just want to go for-ward one step at a time.”

Can John Carroll be a legitimate con-tender for the state 5A championship? There’s no way to know for sure, but the Cavs clearly have the talent to be competi-tive with almost anyone.

That vision Musso was selling two years ago is becoming a reality. ❖


2010 John Carroll Catholic High School Football Schedule


Aug. 27 Jacksonville AwaySept. 3 Pleasant Grove HomeSept. 10 McAdory AwaySept. 17 Parker HomeSept. 24 Chelsea AwayOct. 1 Wenonah AwayOct. 8 Woodlawn HomeOct. 15 Hueytown AwayOct. 22 Fairfield HomeOct. 29 Thompson Home

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Since taking over the head coach-ing position at Mountain Brook five years ago, Chris Yeager has kept the Spartans among the state’s most consistent Class 6A

football programs.That’s why last season’s 4-6 record was

such a disappointment to Mountain Brook players, coaches and fans alike.

Yeager is direct when talking about his team’s issues in 2009.

“We just weren’t consistent last year,” said the coach. “We just didn’t play Mountain Brook-type football. Too many times, we seemed to lose focus in key situ-ations and couldn’t quite get the job done.”

But even with that, things weren’t all that bad on Bethune Drive. The Spartans still had a shot at making the playoffs late in the season, so maybe Mountain Brook isn’t rebuilding as much as refocusing in 2010.

“We want to work on doing everything better,” said Yeager. “People are always

asking what are the goals for the season. If we just focus on doing things better, the wins and the goals will take care of them-selves.”

And the odds are that Mountain Brook will be improved—which it will have to be if the Spartans plan to be competitive in Class 6A’s rugged Region 6, almost cer-tainly Alabama’s strongest football align-

ment.“I wouldn’t want us to be in any other

region,” said Yeager. “It means much more to us to be in a region where every game has a playoff-like atmosphere. That’s better than being in some rag-tag region where even winning it doesn’t mean much.”

Offensively, Mountain Brook looks solid in most key positions. Edward Aldag,

who started the final two games of 2009, returns at quarterback.

“Edward came on strong at the end of last year,” said Yeager. “We have plenty of confidence in him.”

Senior John Beck is the Spartans’ top returning running back, and junior Mark Rector is solid. Aldag will have an out-standing corps of receivers as targets. Seniors John McCrary, Walker Cox and Thomas Shows, along with junior Gavin Golsan, all have excellent skills.

Three veterans will lead the all-impor-tant offensive line, including seniors Adam Trant and Michael Tortorici and junior Walker Byrd. Ross Hamilton and Harris Anthony will both see extensive time at tight end.

Warren Handrahan, a junior, will handle Mountain Brook’s placekicking assign-ments.


Mtn. Brook

Standouts for Mountain Brook in 2010, with Coach Chris Yeager are, front, from left: Miller Williams and Adam Trant. Standing, from left: MichaelTortorici, Harris Anthony and John Beck.


2009 Record: 4-6Head Coach: Chris YeagerStadium: Spartan Stadium Region: Class 6A, Region 6Region Opponents: Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Spain Park, Homewood, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Thompson.State Championships: 2 – 1975, 1976

Quick Facts

Members of the 2010 Mountain Brook High School varsity football team include Harrison Smith, Edward Aldag, Will Deer, Walker Cox, Thomas Shows, John Beck, Sam Centano, John Cunningham, Mark Rector, John McCrary, Ross Hamilton, Harris Anthony, Coates Doss, Lewis Callaway, John Harris Britton, Jordan Donald, Gavin Golsan, Reagan Alexander, Hilyer Isbell, Josh Donnell, Allen Hoskins, Crawford Cox, Patrick Sullivan, Andrew Pickering, Davis Underwood, Owen Elliott, Alan Gambril, Coley Holtkamp, Mel Wilcox, Henry Waller, Zach Gillen, Miller Cooper, Brian Smith, Robert Eckert, Michael Resha, Joe Brown, Will Howell, Taylor Harsh, Henry Ballard, Will Sparks, Kenny Cobb, Clay Yeager, Matt Moore, Rhett Monroe, Chris Diethelm, Adam Trant, Drew Herndon, Jack Luckie, Aaron Shapiro, Zackary Weaver, Walker Byrd, John Marshall Morrissette, Eric Mussell, Matt Wiginton, James Harmon, Hunter Morrissette, Paul Davis, Michael Tortorici, Pat Lewis, Daniel Swecker, Talbot Richey, Dan Shelton, John Grady Welden, David Hutchins, Brennan Peck, John Moorer, Warren Handrahan, Ross Gray, Hatton Smith, Drake St. John, Win Cowden, Crosby Taylor, Jimbo Kent, Miller Sisson, Richmond Watson, Cannon Corey, Wade Bramlett, Hinton Bishop, Robert Fritze, Reeves Favrot, Will Kenan, William Thomas, Miller Williams, Matthew Gambril, Niketas Jackson, Bobby Cope, Blake Goldstein, Thomson Wooley, Jake O’Shields, Will Hamn, William Coons, Harrison Aslami, Adam Harvey, Connor Herfurth, Josh Lapidus, Quinton Kimbrough, Harrison Wright, Barrett Price, Douglas Nabors, Douglass Hubbard, Harry Reich, Will Sharp and Cody Vise.

Spartan RewindMountain Brook Hopes for More Consistency in 2010


DEFENSEThe Spartans’ defense has a chance to

be one of the best in the region. A player to watch is senior Miller Williams, who has attracted the attention of college recruiters. Williams will also play fullback in certain short yardage situations.

Other defenders to keep an eye on are senior linebackers Mel Wilcox, Hatton Smith and John Moorer and tackle Harrison Wright. All are experienced and understand what it takes to be successful in Region 6.

As usual, Mountain Brook will have an outstanding secondary. Walker Cox, Andrew Pickering, Crawford Cox and Zach

Gillen defend against the run and pass with equal effectiveness. All except Gillen are upperclassmen.

“I feel good about where we are,” said Yeager. “We’ve got some guys who have played and know what we expect from them.

“As I said, the key is consistency. We didn’t always have that last year.”

Yeager refused to set a concrete goal for the new season.

“The years we’ve done the best were the ones where we tried to focus on the process of getting better,” said the coach, sounding a little like Alabama’s Nick Saban. “We want to get better every day, in every prac-tice and every game. If we

do that, winning will take care of itself.”Mountain Brook fans will find out

quickly how far their team has come, as the schedule is brutal. The Spartans host improving Shades Valley before visiting archrival Vestavia Hills and Pelham on consecutive Friday nights. Another home date against Homewood begins a difficult second half run that includes visits to Oak Mountain and state champion Hoover.

Yeager said his team won’t be intimi-dated by the tough run ahead.

“It’s fun,” he said. “Every week we’re

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2010 Mountain Brook High School Football Schedule


Aug. 27 Shades Valley HomeSept. 3 Vestavia Hills AwaySept. 10 Pelham AwaySept. 16 Homewood HomeSept. 24 Grissom HomeOct. 1 Spain Park HCOct. 7 Oak Mountain AwayOct. 15 Thompson HomeOct. 22 Hoover Away Oct. 29 Buckhorn Away

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Despite a final 4-6 record, Oak Mountain was oh so close to making the playoffs last season. All the Eagles had to do was hang onto a 12-point

lead against a Thompson team that was on a nine-game losing streak, and they would have grabbed the fourth and final playoff spot out of Class 6A Region 6.

Instead, Thompson scored three unan-swered touchdowns – two in the fourth quarter – and the Eagles missed the play-offs for the fourth consecutive season.

“That was a big disappointment,” Oak Mountain head coach Jeff Harris said. “We were very, very close to possibly having a special year.

“That has worked out to be the motiva-tor that has pushed us through this off-sea-son.”

The problem is, it might take a lot more than just motivation to get the Eagles to the playoffs this season. That’s because Oak Mountain faces a mountain of obstacles, with only one returning starter on defense and no returning starters on the offensive line.

The starting lineup is filled with sopho-mores and juniors, including many who have never played in a varsity game.

And while the Eagles will have a senior quarterback, it’s not the player they expected to have at the position. Last year’s starter, Paul Angel, tore his ACL during baseball practice earlier this year and is out for the season.

He has been replaced by senior wide receiver Trey Page, who has played a back-up role at quarterback on occasion but has

never been a starter.“You don’t want to go through the sea-

son with a 15-year-old sophomore quarter-back like we did last year, but everybody would love to have a junior with one year under his belt, which is what we thought we were going to have this year,” Harris said. “We were very optimistic about what we were going to be able to do offensively after going through those growing pains with Paul.

“You invest in that kid, and you really go through the growing up process with him, and now he’s going to be out. That was obviously a disappointing blow to our team.”

To accommodate Page as he changes positions, Harris said the Eagles are alter-ing their spread-formation offense to include option plays that will give Page the opportunity to run the ball more often.

“Basically, we shifted gears early in the summer and started moving more towards

a spread-option team,” Harris said. “We’re still going to be in the gun. We’re still in the spread formation.

“But Trey is going to allow us to do some things a little bit differently than what Paul brought to the table. Paul was more of a pocket-passing quarterback. Trey is going to bring some athleticism there that I think will be tough to defend.

“So we’re going to run some options and some sprint-out passing, which will give him the option of running or throwing it. He throws the ball on the run real well.”

Look for several of those option plays to include junior tailback Bradley Bostick, a 5-6, 150-pound spitfire who has been clocked at 4.3 in the 40-yard dash.

“He brings tremendous speed back there,” Harris said. “Because of Trey’s run-ning threat and the fact we have a fast run-ning back beside him, we feel like we’re going to be very effective in our play-action passing game.”

When the Eagles do take to the air, the primary target will be senior Rico Dunn, who is the son of former University of Alabama All-American Eric Curry.

“We expect big things out of him on both sides of the ball,” Harris said of Dunn, who will also play in the defensive second-ary. “He has great genes, and he’s being actively recruited by a lot of colleges.”DEFENSE

Lining up on the opposite side of the field will be junior Jakaryus Redwine, who, like Dunn, will play both wide receiver and defensive back. Redwine runs a 4.4 in the 40, while Dunn has been timed at 4.5.

“We feel like we have some pretty good speed on the perimeter with those two guys,” Harris said.”

Other wideouts expected to receive playing time this season include junior Jordan Pierce, sophomore Scott Hester and senior Grant Davis.

The offensive line will be led by senior captain Brady Faulkner, who is moving to center after playing on the defensive front last season.

“He’s done an outstanding job and will be our leader on the line,” Harris said. “The rest of the line is wide open. He’s the only definite in there. The rest is day-to-day competition.”

On defense, the lone returning starter is middle linebacker Andy Whitcomb, a 6-1, 200-pound senior who was second on the team in tackles last season.

“He’s a good one to get back,” Harris said. “He’ll provide solid leadership for us


Oak Mountain


2009 Record: 4-6Head Coach: Jeff HarrisStadium: Heardmont Park Region: Class 6A Region 6 Region Opponents: Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Spain Park, Thompson, Vestavia Hills

Quick Facts

Members of the 2010 Oak Mountain High School varsity football team include: Austin Abernathy, Matthew Allers, Noah Barcroft, Steven Beard, James Beauchaine, Cameron Bice, Bradley Bostick, Shawn Clarke, Michael Cole, Alex Corley, Billy Dasher, Al Davis, Grant Davis, Rico Dunn, Brady Faulkner, Jesse France, Tony Fusco, Barrett Gossett, Jacob Guillory, Harman Guraya, Bowen Gurkin, Scott Hester, Sam Hix, Hunt Hobbs, Heath Holbert, Michael Jointer, Chris Jones, Bryant Kelley, Jake Kelley, Nick Kidd, Vincent Kimbrough, E.J. Langan, Gunnar Lantrip, Grant Layton, Hayden Long, Will Maddox, Mitch Mathias, Tommy McGowan, Jordan McLain, Jake Miller, John Michael Miller, Dylan Minor, Austin Moro, Trey Page, Justin Paulus, Dejuan Phillips, Jordan Pierce, Matt Pressley, Heath Quinn, Jakaryus Redwine, Grant Reese, Hayden Reese, Christopher Richmond, Taylor Rinks, Angel Sanchez, Jonathan Schmohl, Will Schweer, Josh Self, Jackson Smart, Marquell Smith, Tyler Sockwell, Zach Stephenson, Austen Swinsick, Jonathan Taylor, Lloyd Time, Chase Tourney, Alex Tucker, Avery Wambles, Evan Webb, Andy Whitcomb, Adrian Williams, Cory Wilson and Luke Wise.

Option PlaysDespite Inexperience,Eagles Hope to Soar

Oak Mountain leaders, with Coach Jeff Harris, are, from left: Rico Dunn, Andy Wicomb Brady Faulkner and Trey Page.

there, and he should be playing somewhere (in college) next year.”

Al Davis will be a first-year starter at linebacker, but Harris said the senior already has established himself as one of the team’s key leaders.

“He does everything you ask him to do to the best of his ability, and he pretty much demands that out of his teammates,” Harris said. “He’s a great leader for us and puts on very positive peer pressure when needed.”

On the defensive line, Harris said he is particularly excited about the potential

of tackle Austin Moro. Despite being only a sophomore, Moro is 6-3 and weighs 240, and he’s already a 300-pound bench presser.

“We’re really excited about him,” Harris said. “He’s strong and he runs very well. If he progresses like he should, he’ll be an SEC-caliber player one day.”

The rest of the starting defensive line will consist of seniors Tony Fusco and Hayden Long and sopho-more Lloyd Time, who “has the potential to be a big-time Division I pros-pect,” said Harris.

Joining Redwine as one of the starting cornerbacks is senior Bryant Kelley, who, Harris said, “is another solid leader who will be very dependable and do a good job.”

Junior Cameron Bice and sophomore Barrett Gossett are expect-ed to start at the safety positions.

“We have a small senior class,” Harris said. “We have good leadership in that group, but it’s not really big in numbers. So we’re going to be a young team.

“But they are good players, and what they lack in experience, they’ve made up for it by working very hard. They’ve earned the opportunity to be out there.

“It will definitely pay dividends down the road for us.” ❖


2010 Oak Mountain High School Football Schedule


Aug. 27 Buckhorn HomeSept. 3 Pelham AwaySept. 10 Hoover HomeSept. 16 Spain Park AwaySept. 24 Northridge HomeOct. 1 Thompson AwayOct. 8 Mountain Brook AwayOct. 15 Homewood HomeOct. 22 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 29 Pinson Valley Home

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THE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK, HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS, HOOVER, AND NORTH SHELBY COUNTY JUNE 17, 2010

The Ballet Guild of Birmingham recently presented the 50th Ball of Roses at the Country Club of Birmingham. Nearly 70 young women dressed in their beautiful gowns

with long, white gloves were presented this year. Among those attending the ball were, from left: William W. Brooke with daughter Sarah Margaret Brooke and Rita Cecil

Sander Wright with father Andrew Wright III. See Social, page 10.

The Fourth Annual Funky Monkey Silent Auction is set for June 24. The event at the B&A Warehouse will benefit Camp Smile-A-Mile. See About Town, page 5.

Looking for a different way to celebrate the big day? Check out some of the unique wedding venues the area has to offer. See Weddings & Engagements, page 18.

Graduation is always a special time, and even more so when it’s your father who is graduating from your alma mater. See Life, page 8.

A Golden Night for Ball of Roses

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Visit our redesigned website otmj.com for daily updates!OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM



The Spain Park Jaguars have plenty of pleasant memories of the 2009 season. It was the sec-ond-best campaign in the pro-gram’s eight-year history, with

a 10-3 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Class 6A playoffs. On offense, the Jags averaged nearly 30 points per game and topped the 40-point mark three times.

Memories of that offense are all Spain Park will have this year, because it is gone. At least, the scoring part of it is. In what has to be one of the most amazing statistics of the high school preseason, the Jaguars have absolutely no players on their roster who scored a touchdown last season. None.

“That’s a pretty daunting stat,” Spain Park head coach David Shores said with a nervous chuckle. “Last year we had five senior receivers, three senior running backs and a senior quarterback. So basically we lost our entire skill set on offense.

“It will be a challenge. We’re trying to adapt our philosophy and our schemes to the players who we have this year. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that so far.

“But the only thing that will really tell us is when we line up and play and see how these young kids respond and see exactly what we have in a game situation.”

The tall task facing the Jaguars on offense is most glaringly obvious at wide receiver, where senior Zak Michael is the only returning player who even took a snap in a varsity game last season. Michael averaged more than 20 yards per catch in his limited playing time, which by default makes him Spain Park’s big-play receiver this year.

“When he was on the field last year, he made his presence known,” Shores said. “But he didn’t get a lot of reps because we had so many seniors in front of him.

“He’s a guy we’ll depend on for big-play capabilities in the open field. After that, it will be interesting.”

Depth at wide receiver might not matter, because there is a chance the Jaguars won’t be throwing the ball that much. Shores said new starting quarterback Reed Reinagel is still bothered by injuries he suffered to his throwing arm as a freshman playing lacrosse and as a sophomore in a junior varsity football game.

“Throwing the ball can be painful for him. He has issues with it sometimes,” Shores said. “But he is a dynamic player running the ball. He’s as good as any run-ning back we have.

“Hopefully we can force some people into situations where they are trying to stop the run, and we open up some throwing capabilities.”

The Jags’ rushing ability hinges heav-ily on the offensive line, and that is the one area of the offense where Spain Park has some experienced returning players. Shores said the anchor of the offensive line is senior left tackle Lance Feagin, who moved from the defensive front last season and excelled at his new position.

“We didn’t know how good he would be, but he did a phenomenal job,” Shores said. “He’s a little undersized, but he’s a fighter and does a great job with tech-nique.”

Joining Shores along the line will be senior right guard Taylor Kelly (a two-year starter), senior center Ryan Fox, junior right tackle Bagwell and junior left guard Ben Tamburello, son of the former Auburn

star.“Our O-line was sort of what we hung

our hat on last year, the physicality that we had running the ball and play-action stuff,” Shores said. “I think this group has every opportunity to be as good as last year’s line if they’re able to stay healthy. That’s going to be the real tell-all for us.”

Shores said at least four tailbacks will be running behind that line. The group

includes juniors Ashton Daniel, Alex Roberson and Thompson transfer John Mwaituka, as well as sophomore Kevron McMillan, who’s “going to be a fantastic player,” said the coach.

The starting fullback will be senior Steven Silvio, who Shores said has been “one of our biggest surprises, with what he’s done to become a good athlete and a leader.” His backup will be Jacob Wolkow, whose father, Troy, played for the New England Patriots in the late 1980s.

“I feel very confident in the abilities of our running backs,” Shores said. “Our rushing attack should be fairly potent if our offensive line can stay healthy. We feel like we can have some success moving the chains and running the clock.”DEFENSE

The outlook is not quite as uncertain on the defensive side of the ball, where the Jags return several starters from a unit that pitched consecutive shutouts in the first

Spain Park

Members of the 2010 Spain Park High School varsity football team include: Sean Mardis, Cade Hoffman, Zak Michael, Kegan Gaither, Justin Carter, Kevron McMillan, Drake Grisham, Jamel Cook, Nick Mullens, Alex Roberson, Will McDonald, Reid Reinagel, Ben Olinger, Payton Gray, Hunter Kahn, Brandon Nolan, Jake Hoffman, Destin Challenger, Mason Durden, Jalon Hollie, Marquis McCullum, Ashton Daniel, Kymari Johnson, John Mwaituka, Alando McDonald, Chris Humes, Cole Campbell, Devon Brown, Jacob Wolkow, Steven Silvio, Wesley Barrentine, Ben Holcomb, Thomas Rush, Zac Newton, Charleston Watkins, Jake Payne, Keylan King, Patrick Scott, Grant Stoverink, Hank King, Daniel Sanders, Qua Thompson, Kevin Wozniak, Zach Soto, Taylor Kelley, Jeniah Jackson, Jordan Brook, Bryant Williams, David Sanders, Ben Tamburello, Alex Payne, Justin Kane, Madden Saverse, John Pizzatola, J.T. Haywood, Lance Feagin, Joseph Defalco, Ryan Fox, Austin Harris, Bryant Novick, Martin Canales, Alex Dickson, Robert Bagwell, Chris Robinson, Trevor Nelson, Kameron Herron, Jacob Heitz, Chandler Moore, Jamie Andrews, Thomas Outzen, Scout Johnson, Conner Whatley, Cass Holley, Blake Dudchok, Andrew Philpott, Brandon Bilek, Dustin Cowart, Moe Mills, Kameron Ricks, Ryan Akers, Jacob Chaffin, Emanuel Cooper, Devonte Moyer and Matthew Taylor.


2009 Record: 10-3Head Coach: David ShoresStadium: Spain Park Stadium at Bob Finley FieldRegion: Class 6A Region 6Region Opponents: Homewood, Pelham, Thompson, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills,Oak Mountain.

Quick Facts

Jaguar leaders, with Coach David Shores, are, from left: Alex Payne, Steven Silvio, Taylor Kelly, Chris Humes and Zak Michael.

Jaguar Adjustments:Offense Starts Fresh,Defense Still Strong


two rounds of the playoffs.The defense is led by junior cornerback

Chris Humes, who already has received a scholarship offer from Auburn. Humes has been timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash and has a 38-inch vertical leap.

“He is of the most phenomenal athletes I’ve coached, just in terms of natural abil-ity, and I’ve had some pretty good ones,” Shores said. “On the other side, junior Devon Brown has great ball skills. So I feel very good about our corners.”

The starting safeties will be junior Justin Carter, who started every game as

a sophomore, and senior Jamel Cook, a transfer from Homewood.

“There’s a lot of tal-ent back there, guys who have the ability to run and cover people, which we’ve never really had here,” Shores said. “I’m very happy about our sec-ondary.”

At linebacker, senior Alex Payne begins his third season as a starter and is on track to finish with more than 400 career tackles. He will be joined in the starting lineup by Homewood transfer Destin Challenger and possibly senior Keylan King, though King has been bothered with a shoulder injury.

If King can’t start, Shores said the nod might go to sophomore Jeniah Jackson, brother of

Arkansas freshman Jeremiah Jackson.There also is plenty of talent on the

defensive line, with two Division I recruits in seniors Emmanuel Cooper and Ryan Akers. But Shores said the star of the defensive front might prove to be Jacob Chaffin, a 6-3, 240-pound sophomore.

“He may go down as the best lineman who has come through here,” Shores said. “I’m making an early prediction.

“He’s a special player. He has a lot of ability, and I think he’ll only get better over time.” ❖

2010 Spain Park High School Football Schedule


Aug. 28 No. Gwinnett (Ga.) AwaySept. 3 Hoover AwaySept. 10 Homewood AwaySept. 16 Oak Mountain HomeSept. 24 Bob Jones HCOct. 1 Mountain Brook AwayOct. 8 Vestavia Hills HomeOct. 15 Pelham HomeOct. 22 Thompson AwayOct. 29 Clay-Chalkville Away

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Buddy Anderson uses an old Hollywood joke from the 1950s to describe his nearly four decades at Vestavia Hills High School.

“This is my 33rd year as head coach and 39th year overall,” said Anderson. “Maybe I’m stuck on 39, just like Jack Benny.”

The joke is funny, but the Rebels’ oppo-nents have found Anderson’s tenure at Vestavia to be considerably less than amus-ing. He has guided his team to two state championships, a slew of region titles and is moving inexorably toward the 300 career victory mark.

Last year’s Rebel team posted a 9-2 record, highlighted by an upset of even-tual Class 6A champion Hoover. Multiple stars from that unit have picked up their diplomas, but Anderson remains optimistic about the season ahead.

“No question we lost some great players from last year,” said Anderson. “But our kids are working very hard. The goal is to try to get one percent better every day.”

Offensively, Vestavia will utilize its traditional I formation, but two key com-ponents from last year – quarterback Ryan Howard and running back Michael Brown

– are among the graduated stars.Senior Patrick Prewitt will step in as

the new signal-caller, and so far Anderson likes what he sees.

“Patrick’s getting better at both running and passing every day,” said the coach. “He spent two years playing in the sec-ondary, so that has helped him understand defenses.”

Prewitt is no slouch in the classroom either, as he holds a 4.0-plus grade point average.

Prewitt’s backup is another senior, Henry Davis, who also has his coach’s confidence. Davis will see a lot of playing time in the defensive backfield.

Having quality at the tailback position is a long-time Rebel trademark. The heir apparent to Brown’s old spot is junior Georgie Salem, an outstanding runner, blocker and pass receiver.

“Georgie always comes to practice ready to work hard and with a great atti-tude,” said Anderson. “He’s getting better all the time.”

Junior Jack Yancey and sophomore Stuart Jacobs are also working at tailback.

Evan Ryland, a senior, is the frontrunner at fullback. Daniel Kines and Walker Gann will also see playing time.

Vestavia’s receiving corps should be outstanding. Maricruz Harper returns for

his senior season as one of Alabama’s best. Neal Gannaway and Jordan Howard also saw extensive playing time last season. Austin Ward, Will Hutson and Schaefer Amos will add important depth.

Senior Wade Lowry is a returning start-er at tight end. Also in the mix are Julious Griffin, Alex Perez, Raener Ayers-Fleming and Brody Williamson.

The Rebels’ offensive line could be one of the best in their region. Alex Harrellson is the starter at center, with support from Carter Brown. Vying for positions at guard are Jacob Brown, a converted defensive tackle, along with Patrick Moriarty, Frank Roberts, Kyle Parrish, and Charlie Vines.

Senior Justin Ivory, a strong candidate for all-state honors, returns at one tackle. Senior Seth Dyess might get the other spot; also in contention are Robert Thomas, Drew Holmes, Charlie Vines, Chris Byars and Hunter Haynes.

Ryan Raspino will handle placekicking chores for the Rebels.DEFENSE

Vestavia had one of the best defenses in Metro Birmingham a year ago, and this one might be just as good. Jeffery Milner, along with David D’Amico and Maricruz Harper,

Vestavia

Members of the 2010 Vestavia Hills High School varsity football team are: D.L. Biddings, Ben Brown, Jack Yancey, Alex Vogt, Wil Hutson, Neil Gannaway, Austin Ward, Marcus Ward, Josh Ellington, Corbin Potter, Spencer Towns, Patrick Visintainer, Cameron Little, Ryan Raspino, Jordan Howard, Henry Davis, Jack Cole, Patrick Prewitt, Paden Crowder, Jahaad Jackson, Kevin Shannon, Georgie Salem, Schaefer Amos, John Castleberry, John Michael Fine, Jack Turner, Oscar Harper, Daniel Kines, Jonathan Kuhn, Hunter Sexton, Jimmy Laughlin, Stuart Jacobs, Drew Grindle, Alex Perez, Jack Nelson, Grant Benson, Jered Wolski, Chris Edwards, Elliot Martin, Josh Brown, Maricuz Harper, Matt Stopak, Brody Williamson, Steven Brown, Walker Gann, Thomas Woods, Winn Gathings, Matthew Crane, Evan Ryland, David D’Amico, Hunter Haynes, Justin Ivory, Ben Thomas, Chris Smith, Kyle Parrish, Alex Harrelson, Anderson Barnett, Alex Torbert, Charlie Vines, Hopson Nance, Carter Brown, Jacob Brown, Bailey Cadden, Jeffery Milner, Wil Brantley, Max Norris, Chris Byars, Keaton Lett, Trevor Jones, Zach Malone, Seth Dyess, Walker Hays, Robert Thomas, Chris Bruno, Drew Holmes, Patrick Moriarty, Carson Tortorice, Frank Roberts, Jake Long, Jose Casanova, Gabe Adkins, Raener Ayes-Fleming, Jimmy Witt, Andrew McCrory, Cole Adams, Parker Blaylock, Joseph Harrison, Wynston Gully, Kalvin Robinson, Wade Lowry, Matt Duren, Austin Duke, Sumner Hackney, Julious Griffin, Alex Gathings, Tim Robin, Will Looney, Colin Harper, Ben Packard and Garrett Murphy.

2009 Record: 9-2Head Coach: Buddy AndersonStadium: Buddy Anderson Field at Thompson Reynolds Stadium Region: Class 6A, Region 6Region opponents: Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Spain Park, Thompson.State Championships: 2 - 1980, 1998

Quick Facts


Thirty-Nine and HoldingAgeless Anderson LooksFor Big Season For Rebels

Key Rebel players, with Coach Buddy Anderson are, from left: Elliot Martin, Jacob Brown, Wade Lowry, Jose Casanova, and Patrick Prewitt.


all return at defensive end. Wynston Gully, Jahaad Jackson, and Kalvin Robinson are also very much in the picture.

Jose Casanova and Jacob Brown are two senior stalwarts at tackle. Walker Hayes, Gabe Adkins, Carson Tortorici, Chris Bruno and Trevor Jones will provide valu-able depth.

As usual, the Rebel linebacker corps should be outstanding. The starters are likely to be seniors Paden Crowder and Elliot Martin and junior Keaton Lett. Rotating in could be Patrick Visintainer

—the son of a former Vestavia star—along with John Castleberry, John Michael Fine and Brody Williamson.

The secondary should be strong. D.L. Biddings and Jack Turner are returning seniors at cornerback, and junior Cobin Potter will see time at both cornerback and safety. Potter comes by his talents naturally; he’s the grandson of former All-American quarterback Jimmy Sidle of Auburn University.

Jonathan Kuhn, Marcus Ward and Jack Nelson also will play key roles.

The safeties are Jimmy Laughlin and Henry Davis along with Kevin Shannon, Hunter Sexton and Potter. Georgie Salem might even see some

playing time in the secondary.Raspino or Jack Turner will be the

punter.“We’ve got some good speed and quick-

ness on our defense,” said Anderson. “It’s just a matter of coming together – and we can’t afford to have any injuries.”

Vestavia will compete in Class 6A’s Region 6, along with Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Spain Park and Thompson. The date to

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See Vestavia, page 22

2010 Vestavia Hills High School Football Schedule


Aug. 27 Florence AwaySept. 3 Mountain Brook HomeSept. 10 Thompson HomeSept. 17 Pelham AwaySept. 24 Briarwood HCOct. 1 Homewood HomeOct. 8. Spain Park AwayOct. 15 Hoover AwayOct. 22 Oak Mountain HomeOct. 28 Shades Valley Away


circle on your calendar could be Oct. 15, when the Rebels travel to face archrival Hoover.

The Rebels don’t get relief in their non-region schedule either, as they face Florence, Class 5A power Briarwood and Shades Valley.

“Blame our schedule on the athletic director,” Anderson said, laughing. “That’s me.”

Last season ended on a disappointing note, as Vestavia lost in the first round of the playoffs when Minor pulled a stunning 21-0 upset. But Anderson has been around long enough to know that you can’t look back.

“This is a different team and a differ-ent year,” he said. “Every team has its own heartbeat.”

Teams may change, but Anderson has been the constant at Vestavia. Two of his present assistants, Peter Braasch and Bruce Evans, were on his original staff in 1978. But with nearly 40 years at one school under his belt, Anderson isn’t close to hanging up his whistle.

“God called me to be coach,” he said. “This isn’t a job, it’s a calling.”

And that’s no Jack Benny joke. ❖

“And that’s basically it. The rest of them are going to be a lot of new faces. There are some guys who spot-played for us last year. But defensively, those three are pretty much our main core.”

Because of the lack of experience on defense, Wright said the Patriots have moved senior Chris O’Neal and junior Aaron Rowell from offense over to the linebacker position. Joining Martin in the secondary will be a trio of juniors: John Hudson, Warner Thompson and Quindarius Jones.

The Patriots return their two starting kickers from last season in senior place-kicker Trey Holman and senior punter Burton Nabors.

“It’s a big plus having both those guys back,” Wright said. “Trey Holman has a chance to have a great, great season. He had a tremendous off-season. He did well in several kicking camps.”

Wright said avoiding injuries will once again be important for the team, especially since the Patriots lack experience and depth at several positions. But if the pri-mary players can remain healthy, Wright said he is encouraged about the possibili-ties for Homewood this season.

“The thing I’ve really been pleased with so far has been our consistency,” said the coach. “Practice has been a lot bet-ter this year, and hopefully that will carry over into the games.

“We just have to make sure we don’t get injuries in key spots. That’s our big-gest concern. We don’t have a whole lot of depth in certain areas. If we get some key people hurt, we have problems.

“If we can stay healthy, start off the season well and remain consistent, then we can hopefully have a good year.” ❖

Homewood, from page 9

Vestavia from page 21

checks and reads that we need in the sec-ondary,” Niblett said. “He’s a real smart player. He understands the concept of what we’re doing on defense.”

Will it all add up to a championship

repeat for the Bucs? Possibly, but Niblett insists that is something the team simply is not discussing.

“There are two things we don’t talk about: winning and yesterday,” Niblett said. “Both those things are real easy to talk about all the time, and then you get too keyed up.

“We want our kids to just worry about making good decisions and being good men, and let everything else take care of itself.” ❖

Hoover from page 11

facing quality coaches, quality players and quality teams.

“I think the best football in the state is played right here in Metro Birmingham generally, and over the mountain in par-ticular. If we can’t be excited about this

schedule, then we probably should be doing something else.”

A strong beginning to the season might get Mountain Brook even more excited. Victories for the Spartans in two of the first three games would give them plenty of confidence going into their Sept. 16 match with Homewood. A win in that slot might put Mountain Brook in prime posi-tion for a playoff spot.

“I’m sensing a lot of positives,” said Yeager. “I’m encouraged that we’re going to be playing Mountain Brook’s style of football once again.”

If that’s the case, Spartan fans can be making their plans for playoffs in November. ❖

Mountain Brook, from page 15

“I wouldn’t want us to be in any other region. It means much more to us to be in a region where every game has a playoff-like atmosphere.” —Chris Yeager

“We’re not defending any-thing or repeating anything. It’s a new year. This is a dif-ferent group.” —Josh Niblett

The Hoover Bucs once again begin the season as the team to beat, both in their region and statewide. Coach Josh Niblett won the state championship in the second year of his tenure, after finishing runner-up the pre-vious season. Ryan Carter returns for his senior season as the Bucs’ quarterback and is likely to be better than ever.


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