By Bobby Mathews, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE — High school football in the state of Alabama kicks off, literally, this Friday night at 7 p.m. for area teams. Below are times and locations for each of the seven high school football teams in The Tribune’s coverage area going into the first week of the season on August 20.
The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies gather around head coach Josh Floyd prior to Friday, August 13’s preseason jamboree. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)
Hewitt-Trussville:
When: 7 p.m., August 20
Who: vs. Pinson Valley
Where: Hewitt-Trussville Stadium
What to watch: Hewitt-Trussville wideout Omari Kelly will be a hot target for quarterback Cade Ott Carruth, and Carruth should have some time to throw behind offensive linemen like Ryan Gunter and Riley Quick. But for the Huskies, it may come down to defense. Justice Finkley is a force on the defensive line, but the defensive backfield is full of experienced talent. KJ Jackson and Connor Thomas are returning seniors, and Rickey Gibson is a junior who worked himself into the starting lineup by the end of the 2020 season for the Huskies.
Pinson Valley has a lot more unanswered questions than the Huskies. They’ve lost 15 starters from the 2020 team that won the 6A state title, including Alabama’s ‘Mr. Football’ for the year, Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry. That’s not to say that PVHS is bereft of talent. Far from it. Quarterback Zach Pyron has weapons on offense, and as long as he remains under center, the Pinson Valley team will be in the hunt for another championship. Head coach Sam Shade looked forward last year, getting some of those rising underclassmen some significant minutes during mop-up time.
Clay-Chalkville
When: 7 p.m., August 20
Who: vs. Shades Valley
Where: Cougar Stadium
What to watch: Khalib Johnson put on a show last year. The Louisville commit, a 6-foot, 2-inch senior quarterback passed for 1,923 yards last year in a season that saw Clay-Chalkville go 11-2. If not for Pinson Valley, the Cougars might have been able to take the state title. Against Shades Valley, Expect Johnson to target Marquarius White, while Edward Osley will carry the load on the ground. Lamar Croskey will be key in the defensive backfield for the Cougars, who beat Shades Valley going away last season, 37-19.
Leeds
When: 7 p.m., August 20
Who: vs. Sylacauga
Where: Homer Smiles Field
What to watch: When the Green Wave has the ball, keep an eye on quarterback Jarod Latta and wide receiver Josh Huff. Latta throws a precise pass with a good spiral, and Huff has the ability to get open in space and the speed to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball. The defense is keyed around Kavion Henderson, but Tucker Summers looked good in pursuit, also. C.J. Douglas is dangerous in the defensive backfield, with tremendous closing speed and a physicality that can intimidate a crossing receiver. When these two teams played in 2020, it was Sylacauga taking the win, 33-27. Now the Green Wave wants to roll.
Moody
When: 7 p.m., August 20
Who: at Elmore County
Where: Burt-Haynie Field
What to watch: 2020 was a rough season for the Blue Devils, but coach Adam Wallace hopes that means that the returning players are stronger and more experienced for the 0-10 Moody squad. Early signs show they’ll be better on the field. A.J. Wallace will lead the offense at quarterback, and he’ll continue to be dangerous slinging the rock. But the onus will be on the offensive line, which looks like it’s gelled well in the offseason. The special teams squads look consistent in practice, and that in and of itself is enough to make a difference as the season goes on.
Center Point
When: 7 p.m., August 20
Who: vs. Wenonah
Where: Bowman Field
What to watch: Eagles coach George Bates was not satisfied with a 7-5 season last year. Despite scoring more than 40 points in four different games in 2020, Bates expects more from his team. Expect junior running back Troy Bruce Jr. to get the ball in his hands a lot — maybe as much as 20-30 touches a game — and Jabari Collier will be a dual-threat quarterback after emerging as a starter in seven games last season. Last season, the Eagles dropped Wenonah in the opener, 26-19, and they hope to do it again to get the 2021 season started off on the right foot.
Springville
The Tigers have one more week off before the season kicks off for them, and then they’ll be facing off against St. Clair County for some bragging rights in that one.
