During the last seven years, I have covered some of the best, and worst, high school football the state has to offer. From the dreaded and most powerful region in the state, Class 6A, Region 6, to 1A, AISA and 8-man football, I have covered it all.But I have never been as excited about covering high school football as I am this season.With Bob Jones, the largest school in the state, com-ing off the best year in school history, and Madison Academy doing the same in Class 3A, I couldn’t ask for a more exciting set-up to the 2010 season.With that being said, it’s time to take a look at what will (or could) happen this season for the Patriots and the Mustangs:

Aug. 27MA @ North Jackson — The Chiefs are com-ing off a deep run in the Class 4A playoffs, which doesn’t spell good news for the Mustangs. The Mus-tangs should make a run at the 3A state title, but this 4A power may be too much on the road. While the MA defense will attempt to keep athlete Montel Hale in check, the Chiefs will prove to be too much: NJHS 28 – MA 24.

BJHS @ North Gwinnett (Aug. 28) — North Gwinnett has long been a powerhouse in the state of Georgia, but the Patriots are on the rise in the state of Alabama. However, the Patriots may not be ready for primetime yet, as the game is being re-gionally broadcast on CSS. Good news for Knology customers: this one may not be available locally: NGHS 35 – BJHS 21.

Sept. 3BJHS @ Hazel Green — Two road games to open the season? Not a problem for the Patriots. Look for Bob Jones to rebound in a big way to open 6A, Region 8, play: BJHS 50 – HGHS 7.

MA vs. Sardis — If the Mustangs aren’t ready, week 2 could be as difficult as week 1. Good news is that Sardis quarterback Kyle Garmon, also the school’s all-time leading tackler, is gone. Look for the Mustangs to rebound in another close game: MA 30 – SHS 27.

Sept. 10BJHS vs. Florence — The Patriots ran away with the win over the Falcons last season, but Florence bounced back from the loss to finish the season 9-3. Florence head coach Alvin Briggs is no stranger to winning, as he did in Greenville, and this Florence team will be no pushover. If the Patriots don’t come out focused, this one could be a toss-up: BJHS 26 – FHS 23.

MA @ Randolph — Randolph returns to varsity play for the first time in more than three decades, which spells good news for the Mustangs. Madison scored three touchdowns in one quarter of play against Randolph during a fall jamboree. This one will be three times as bad: MA 60 – Ran. 7.

Sept. 17BJHS @ Grissom — In a reversal of roles, Bob Jones has replaced the Grissom Tigers as the large 6A power in North Alabama. Grissom head coach Bobby Rhoads jumped ship and headed to Pelham, where his father once coached, which means the Tigers will be searching for, yet, another offensive identity. But that may be good news for a

team that lost to the Patriots last season, 49-0: BJHS 49 – GHS 3.

MA vs. New Hope — Get there early for this one. The Mustang starters will rack up the numbers, the back-ups will rack up the playing time: MA 49 – NHHS 3.

Sept. 24BJHS @ Spain Park — Whoever scheduled North Gwinnett and Spain Park on the road (and Hoover at home) should be fired. Well, if it’s the same guy who led the Patriots to an 11-2 record, the best in school history, I guess we’ll have to give him a break. This could be a great tune up for the remain-der of the region schedule, or it could be the straw that breaks the Patriots’ back: BJHS 22 – SPHS 17.

MA @ Plainview — The Plainview Bears are turn-ing the corner, and hosting this game doesn’t hurt. However, the Mustangs speed will be too much as quarterback Joe Dobson hooks up with receiver Kam Jackson early and often, while running back Josh Hamlett wears down the Bears in the end: MA 35 – PHS 14.

Oct. 1BJHS vs. Huntsville — Homecoming couldn’t come at a better week, as the Patriots will be heal-ing from a hard-fought battle against Spain Park. Huntsville will remember last year’s 31-0 shutout, but they will also remember Trai Ragland and Col-lins Moore for years to come. Expect the running back and wide receiver to have record nights: BJHS 35 – HHS 14.

MA vs. Sylvania — Sylvania is deeper than it was last year, but so is Madison Academy. While the Mustangs held strong and battled Leeds to the end, Sylvania was the Green Wave’s first victim in the playoffs to the tune of 56-0. Look the Mustangs to not take it much easier on the Rams: MA 40 – SHS 10.

Oct. 8BJHS vs. Buckhorn — This one won’t last long. The Bucks have taken the same approach as Bob Jones by scheduling the likes of Oak Mountain, Gardendale and Mountain Brook, but this schedule will wear down Buckhorn, while it strengthens the Patriots: BJHS 38 – Buck. 10.

MA @ Pisgah — The Pisgah Eagles scored a lot of points in 2009, but had the unfortunate experience of running into the eventual 3A champs — Pied-mont — in the first round. The Eagles will be explosive on offense, testing the Mustangs until the last play: MA 24 – PHS 23.

Oct. 15BJHS @ Sparkman — This one wasn’t close last year — 23-0 — but it was closer than it should have been. Look for the Patriots to separate that margin with big plays from big players: BJHS 45 – SHS 7.

MA vs. Geraldine — The Geraldine Bulldogs just made the playoffs last season, and was quickly booted by Clay County in 2A. The Mustangs will prove to have too much depth and too much size for the Bulldogs: MA 44 – GHS 14.

Oct. 22BJHS vs. Decatur — It took the Patriots a game-saving interception by Collins Moore, a 30-yard reception by Moore and a 30-plus-yard field goal by Braden Hager with seconds left to defeat the Red Raiders in the playoffs. The Patriots had an easier time in the regular season — 20-7. The Red Raider defense will be stout, but the offense has too many question marks to win this one in Madison: BJHS 17 – DHS 7.

MA @ Brindlee Mountain — This one won’t be close. It will, however, be a great warm-up to rest some starters and get some back-ups playing time before the playoffs: MA 55 – BMHS 7.

Oct. 29BJHS vs. Hoover — Revenge is sweet. Or so the Patriots are hoping. The Bucs got the best of the Patriots in the quarterfinals last season, and the Pa-triots will do everything to make certain that doesn’t happen again. Although this game is one week from the playoffs beginning, don’t look for either team to look ahead. Yes, revenge is sweet. But the second time these two schools meet, it will count for all the marbles: BJHS 20 – HHS 17.

MA @ West Limestone — The West Limestone Wildcats are on the rise, returning 15 starters from a team that doubled its wins from the 2008 season. The Mustangs got the better of the 4A Wildcats last season, 36-21, and should be poised to do the same this season as the playoffs loom: MA 35 — WLHS 20.

With the following games working out as predicted, the Bob Jones Patriots will be looking at another one-loss regular season and region championship, while the Mustangs will be looking at a one-loss season and another region championship. Both schools face a much tougher schedule, but out-of-region games should prepare the teams for region play, and beyond. Don’t be surprised if you see both teams playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn come December.

The Madison RecordSTAFF

ManagementErica Slone

President & Publisher

EditorialAustin Phillips

Editor

P.O. Box 859151-C Hughes RoadMadison, AL 35758phone: 256.772-6677

Is the sky the limit for BJHS, MA?RecoRdeditoR

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QuarterbacksZach Freeman missed the Hoover playoff game last season with a concussion, and the senior gunslinger is eager to get back in the action. Freeman threw for more than 2,000 yards last season, accounting for 21 touch-downs and just four interceptions. Rose said Freeman is as good as any quarterback in the state, and, at 6’4, 175 pounds, he has the size to prove it. Jeffrey Moss, who filled in for Freeman with a 200-yard plus performance in the Hoover game, will back up Freeman, but Rose said both quarterbacks will play. Colin Cantrell, a smart senior who made a 33 on his ACT, could also see playing time.

Running BacksTrai Ragland, a two-year starter with an offer from South Alabama, has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, and Rose said he is expecting big things from the senior. Xavier Gaddy will also see play-ing time in the backfield, but the explosive speedster has been slowed in fall practice by a sports hernia. Nick Beavers, a two-time state champion in the 300-meter hurdles, will back up Ragland and see ample playing time.

Wide ReceiverCollins Moore was slowed during fall prac-tice last year following shoulder surgery, but Rose said Moore’s “light came on” during the Patriots’ 49-10 win over Buckhorn in the 2009 season-opener. Moore recently commit-ted to Ole Miss, and Rose is expecting big things from the senior. Carson Cooper, Nick Dahlgren, Yianni Sarris and Gaddy will also line up at receiver, for the Patriots.

Offensive LineTyler Ratliff is the only returning starter for a unit that is young and “pretty green up front,” said Rose. Ratliff will line up at left tackle, while Glenn Reese is expected to start

at center, Brett Janikowski at right tackle, Scott Compton at left guard and Logan Brost at right guard. Giovanni Insignaris and Zack King will also look to work into the rotation.

Defensive LineSeth Thomas, who has garnered offers from Jacksonville State and UAB, is the lone re-turning starter on the defensive line, although Sharad Tibbs gained significant playing time last season. Calynn Mitchell will also look to start on the D-line, while Daniel Johnson and Antonio Wilson will work into the mix.

LinebackerReggie Ragland was an All-State selection last year at tight end, but Rose has moved the junior to the defensive side of the ball to com-pliment Darius Tibbs. Rose said Tibbs is one of the best players he’s ever coached, and the dynamic of Ragland and Tibbs should make the Patriot defense a force to be reckoned with. Chris Caudle and Fred Williams will also see playing time.

SecondaryRashad Goode and Alex Gilbert, whose fa-ther, Greg, played at the University of Ala-bama, are expected to line up on the cor-ners. Rose said Gilbert had a great summer in 7-on-7 camps, and he expects his corners to lock down opposing receivers. Playmak-er Dez Dennis will see ample playing time, while Zach Warren and Tony Brutofski are expected to start at the safety positions.

Special TeamsBraden Hager proved he can stand up to the pressure by nailing the game-winning kick against Decatur last season, and Rose is hop-ing Hager’s momentum will roll over into the 2010 season. Although he hasn’t punted for the Patriots in the past, Hager is also expect-ed to start at punter.

A Hoover High School banner adorns the Bob Jones weight room, and the banner reads “2009 Class 6A State Champions.” Bob Jones head coach Kevin Rose put the banner up to inspire his team, which lost to Hoover last season in the Class 6A quarterfinals. Rose said he would take the banner down the when his team earned a replace-ment. Will this be the banner year?

Patriots

OPPONENT @ North Gwinnett@ Hazel Green*

SCHEDULE

GAME TO WATCH

DATEAug. 28Sept. 3

‘09 ScoreDNP

66-20

Florence*@ Grissom*@ Spain ParkHuntsville*Buckhorn*@ Sparkman*Decutur*

PlayoffsHewitt-TrussvilleDecaturHoover

Sept.10Sept.17Sept.24Oct. 1Oct. 8 Oct.15Oct. 22

41-2649-0DNP31-0

49-1023-020-7

35-1417-1424-34

HooverOct. 29 DNP

Although the two teams did not meet in the regular season last year, the Bucs outlasted the Patriots in the quarterfi nals en route to another state 6A championship.

Head Coach: Kevin Rose(11-2, 1 year)

Assistants: Lance Clark, Chris Jones, Shane Medlen, Jimmy Don Nave, Travis Schrimsher, Bryan Styles, Eric Terrell and Kurt Yancey

AHSAA 6A, REGION 82009: 11-2 (8-0)

Collins Moore

* Region game

2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 5

BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL ROSTER

stadium Madison City Schools Stadium off campus, Madison

6 2010 MADISON FOOTBALL

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.1 Jeffrey Moss QB 6-4 175 Jr.2 Nic Dahlgren WR 6-2 195 Sr.3 Zac Warren DB 5-8 170 Jr.4 Nick Beavers RB 5-7 160 Jr.5 Darius Tibbs LB 5-8 185 Jr.6 Nick Richardson DB 6-3 180 Jr.7 Doug Hess WR 5-10 180 Sr.8 Collins Moore WR 6-3 185 Sr.9 Dez Dennis DB 5-11 180 Jr.10 Colin Cantrell QB 6-0 180 Sr.11 Yianni Sarris WR 5-7 165 Jr.12 Zach Freeman QB 6-4 175 Sr.13 Tony Brutofsky LB 5-9 185 Jr.14 Vaughn McCrary RB 6-2 185 Sr.15 Casey Pursiful WR 6-1 175 Sr.16 Rashad Goode DB 6-0 175 Jr.17 Wesley Johnson WR 5-11 165 Jr.18 Paris Erskin WR 5-10 160 Jr.19 Reggie Ragland LB 6-3 240 Jr.20 Trai Ragland RB 5-11 210 Sr.21 Kailen Mitchell RB 5-11 225 Sr.22 Alex Gilbert DB 5-11 175 Sr.23 Xavier Gaddy RB 5-9 160 Sr.24 Kevin Wright DB 5-10 175 Jr.25 D’Marko Douglas RB 5-9 175 Jr.26 Frankie Okirie RB 5-9 170 Jr.28 Draylen Parker DB 5-10 175 Sr.

No. Name Pos. Ht. 240 Yr.29 Gary McKelvey DB 5-10 175 Sr.30 Deonte’ Campbell DB 5-9 170 Jr.31 DeMarcus Haffl ey RB 5-7 165 Sr.32 Fred Williams LB 6-0 180 Sr.33 Jabbar Franklin RB 6-1 180 Jr.34 John Caudle LB 5-10 185 Jr.36 Ben Sanders WR 5-9 160 Sr.37 Zack Noojin DE 5-9 165 Jr.39 Alexan Herrington LB 6-1 170 Jr.40 Leon Green LB 5-9 165 Jr.41 Dustin Harraway LB 5-9 165 Jr.43 Chris Caudle LB 5-9 195 Sr.44 Casey Whitt LB 6-0 190 Sr.45 Darian Madkins DE 5-10 175 Jr.48 Josh Koopman OL 6-1 175 Jr.50 Taylore Ernst OL 5-10 190 Jr.52 LaDrake Abernathy DL 5-10 180 Sr.53 Seth Thomas DL 6-3 260 Sr.54 James Cox OL 5-10 200 Jr.55 Jeremy Tuttle OL 6-0 235 Jr.56 Branden Ray OL 6-2 195 So.57 Carl Smith DE 5-10 175 Jr.59 Wil Francis OL 6-1 180 Jr.61 Ryan Rhodes OL 6-1 170 Jr.62 Scott Compton OL 6-0 240 Jr.63 Zack King OL 5-8 180 Jr.64 Glen Reese OL 6-3 225 Jr.

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.65 Brent Rhodes OL 6-1 170 Jr.66 Isobe Daso OL 5-10 175 Jr.69 James Cooke DL 5-11 205 Sr.70 Zack Nelson OL 6-5 270 Sr.71 Brett Janikowski OL 6-3 240 Jr.72 Giovanni Insignaris OL 5-11 240 Jr.74 Logan Brost OL 5-10 240 Jr.76 Tyler Ratliff OL 6-3 285 Sr.77 Josh Harold DL 6-2 265 Sr.80 Zack Jacobs DE 6-0 175 Sr.81 Peter West WR 5-7 145 Jr.83 Austin Stewart DT 5-6 155 Jr.84 Nelson Blair WR 5-6 155 Jr.87 Brian Rainwater OL 5-8 160 Jr.88 Carson Cooper WR 5-10 170 Sr.89 Jamel Harper TE 6-2 200 Jr.90 Daniel Johnson DL 6-3 210 Jr.91 Josiah Gibson WR 6-2 185 Sr.92 Trey Williams WR 5-10 230 Jr.93 Dominiq Johnson DL 5-10 180 Jr.94 Antonio Wilson DL 5-9 215 Sr.95 Conner Clark DL 6-0 190 Sr.96 Shanard Tibbs DL 5-11 215 Sr.97 Jock Sanders WR 5-9 190 Jr.98 Braden Hager K 6-0 190 Sr.99 Cole Sparks DL 6-3 160 Jr.

2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 7

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QuarterbacksJoe Dobson, a transfer from Sparkman High, will take over under center this season, and Cohu is expecting a lot from the strong, fast and accurate passer. Dobson arrived in the spring and went through spring training with the Mustangs, something Cohu feels will be a tremendous asset when the season starts. Dobson threw for more than 200 yards in the spring jamboree game. Chris Clouser will back up Dobson, and the 6-0, 150-pound se-nior showed during the fall jamboree that he is more than capable of running the offense.

Running BacksJake Hamlett is back and looks to lead a strong trio of Mustang running backs. Join-ing Hamlett will be Marcus Sease, who was ineligible last season due to transferring. Cohu said his running backs should com-pliment each other, as Hamlet is strong and tough, while Sease is extremely fast, tall and athletic. Khyle Jackson, brother of wide re-ceiver Kameron, will also work into the mix. Hamlett, Sease and Jackson offer differing styles that will wear down opposing defenses with up-the-middle power and outside get-away speed.

Wide ReceiversKam Jackson, is a quick and explosive re-ceiver, and Cohu calls him one of the quick-est athletes he has ever coached. Not only is Jackson sure-handed and fast, but he has the uncanny ability to find the ball, and the end zone, at anytime. Look for Jackson to be one of the best receivers in the state. Hunter Olive, Ben Seabrook, Nick Haas and Chan-dler Trach will also line up on the outside for the Mustangs. Denver Rickets is expected to line up as a tight end for the Mustangs, while Colby Turner will see time at both tight end and receiver.

Offensive LineThe Mustangs have no returning starters on the offensive line, but Cohu said what his line lacks in experience, they make up for in size. Jeff Coe and Hunter Whitener will look to line up at the tackles, Cole Corder and Blake Copeland at guard and Cole Swearengen at center. Look for Bennett Smith and Nick Colemen to also see ample playing time.

Defensive LineJust like the Mustangs’ offensive line, the defensive line returns no starters. Jeff Coe, Cole Swearengen and Hunter Whitener are expected to work into the starting rotation, but Cohu said to expect at least nine players will play on the line, as the Mustangs look to attack opposing offenses by committee.

LinebackersColby Turner, Denver Ricketts, Jake Ham-lett, Bennett Smith, Marcus Sease and Blake Copeland will all rotate at linebacker in Co-hu’s 3-4 defense, giving the Mustang front seven some new faces and fresh legs through-out the game.

SecondaryHunter Olive and Kam Jackson both return as starters on the corners, and Cohu said the duo is as good as any in the state. Chandler Trach and Nick Haas will provide depth on the corners. Khyle Jackson, Zefen Riggins and Hayden Faith are expected to rotate at the safety positions.

Special TeamsBennett Smith is expected to handle both the placekicking and punting duties, and Cohu said Smith has strengthened his leg over the summer and gotten plenty of reps. Chandler Trach will look to handle kickoff duties.

The Madison Academy Mustangs finished with the best record in school history in 2009 by capping off a perfect regular season and an appearance in the quarterfinals in head coach Eric Cohu’s first season. While the Mustangs lost several keys players from last year’s squad, Cohu is hoping that 2009 will be the second-best year in Madison Academy history — second only to 2010.

Mustangs

OPPONENT @ North JacksonSardis*

SCHEDULE

GAME TO WATCH

DATEAug. 27Sept. 3

‘09 ScoreDNPDNP

@ Randolph School*New Hope*@ Plainview*Sylvania*@ Pisgah*Geraldine*@ Brindlee Mountain*

2009 PlayoffsDanvilleWinfi eldLeeds

Sept.10Sept.17Sept.24Oct. 1Oct. 8 Oct.15Oct. 22

DNPDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP

36-21

21-317-1321-24

West LimestoneOct. 29 36-21

Although the Mustangs got the better of the 4A Wildcats last season, look for West Limestone to be better prepared against the Mustangs this go around.

Head Coach: Eric Cohu(12-1, 1 year)

Assistants: Mark Berryman, Bobby Chandler, Chris Hersh-fi eld, Granville LeCroix, Gary Mayes, Ken Ricketts and Shannon Wimberly

AHSAA 3A, REGION 72009: 12-1 (7-0)

Jake Hamlett

* Region game

2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 9

MADISON ACADEMY ROSTER

stadium Bill Washington Stadium on campus, Madison

10 2010 MADISON FOOTBALL

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.1 Joe Dobson WR 5-11 180 Sr.2 Clay Whitaker DB 6-0 170 Sr.3 Kameron Jackson DB 6-0 180 Sr.4 Chris Clouser WR 6-0 150 Sr.5 Ben Seabrook DB 5-10 155 Sr.6 Marcus Sease DB 6-1 200 Jr.7 Hunter Olive WR 5-11 170 Jr.8 Khyle Jackson DB 6-0 185 Jr.9 Zefen Riggins WR 5-8 180 Jr.10 Thomas Nay QB 5-8 145 Jr.11 Colby Crossfi eld QB 6-0 145 So.12 Logan Hamlett QB 5-8 155 Fr.13 Nick Haas RB 5-10 130 Sr.14 Will Brown WR 6-0 160 So.15 Jake Hamlett P 5-9 175 Sr.16 Hayden Faith WR 6-0 165 Jr.17 Tyler Hogan P/K 5-11 135 Jr.18 Justin Wimberly K 5-9 140 So.

No. Name Pos. Ht. 240 Yr.19 Zach Adams WR 5-9 150 Sr.20 Blain Denton RB 5-11 160 Sr.21 Taylor Ziak DB 5-9 185 Fr.23 Houston Lee LB 5-6 125 So.24 Chandler Trach DB 5-7 150 So.25 Patrick Hammond RB 6-0 155 So.28 Chris Moorefi eld RB 5-9 160 Jr.30 Covie Rigdon RB 5-7 135 So.32 Peyton Royster DB 5-6 125 Fr.33 Andrew Watson DB 5-8 125 So.34 Colt Stewart DB 6-0 165 Fr.45 Taylor Kelley RB 6-2 180 Fr.50 Nick Holman RB 6-3 210 Fr.51 Blake Copeland DB 5-10 175 Jr.53 Ben McCafferty RB 5-9 170 So.56 David Brothers DE 5-8 190 So.58 William Harwell LB 5-2 145 Fr.

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.60 R.J. Scruggs LB 5-7 215 So.62 Bennett Smith LB 6-1 215 Sr.63 Gray Huffman LB 6-0 225 Fr.65 Garrett Lindsey LB 5-9 205 Fr.66 Jamie Marshall DE 5-9 170 Fr.68 Daniel Graveman OL 5-11 200 Jr.71 Cole Swearengen OL 6-0 260 So.73 Frank Williams OL 5-8 210 Fr.75 Jacob Deep OL 5-10 220 Jr.76 Cole Corder OL 5-9 240 So.77 Hunter Whitener LB 6-0 260 Sr.78 Jeff Coe OL 6-3 210 Sr.80 Denver Ricketts DE 6-3 190 Sr.82 Hunter Nelson OL 5-11 140 Fr.85 Colby Turner OL 6-2 210 Sr.88 Alex Hairston OL 5-8 130 Fr.89 Kevin Karosich OL 6-1 145 So.

2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 11

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