Mountain Brook Spartans
The Mountain Brook Spartans have finished the last two seasons at 3-7 but have some good things coming into 2016 football season. The Spartans return 40 plus seniors and 10 starters off the offense from last season.
Mountain Brook averaged 12.4 points per game last season in region play and know if they can get another score this season, they will be in the thick of the 2016 Class 7A, Region 3 race this season. Spain Park, Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Hewitt-Trussville, the top four Region 3 teams, scored over three touchdowns last season and will have to do that again this season to make the playoffs.
"This is a whole brand new year with the lessons that we acquired over those last two years," said Spartans Head coach Chris Yeager. "A lot of these guys have started three years ago and think they can use that wisdom in situations that they can apply this year. We think we have grown up and the seniors have been part of the process and we look forward to what they can accomplish on the field this season."
For the Spartans to score more points, returning quarterback Hamp Sisson will have to build off his sophomore season. Sisson has the ability to run or throw the football deep. He is a pretty accurate passer with a good touch on the football. Yearger has been at Mountain Brook for 18-years and knows what it will take to win in this deep region. "The team that their quarterback plays the most consistently the best and can make plays will win the region and make a run in the playoffs," said Yeager. "Hamp has to play well for this team to be successful. Hamp is smart of the chart and has a high standard for himself. He has great legs and throws a great ball. I think he has a great chance to be one of the great quarterbacks we have ever had at Mountain Brook."
"We said in the spring that we need to find guys that can make plays, but we have to develop consistency on offense when we have the chance to put points on the board," added Yearger. "We had a good week of practice and look to build off this in the coming weeks."
Guys that can make plays for the Spartans this upcoming season will be running backs Harold Joiner, Sam Everette and McKee Brown. Joiner holds an offer from Jacksonville State but looks for more offers to come his way the next two years. "Harold is a very great athlete," said Yearger. "Sam is a system guy that does a great job of reading blocks and is very fast. McKee was the last guy standing last season. Were deep at running back." All three backs can get a long score or pound it in from short yardage.
The other weapons that have developed are receivers Sims Herron, Sean Elmore, Aubrey Hart, JP Darnall and Wilson Higgins. Herron and Elmore provide fire power for the Spartans offense. Both players can score on deep routs or screen plays around the line of scrimmage. "Sims and JP have been three year starters for us," said Yeager. "Put Sean in the mix and we have some great weapons to put around the passing game." Elmore was hurt in the first game of the third quarter with a hip injury and didn't see any action after that game. The Spartans need a healthy Elmore to add quickness and speed to those Spartans receiving core.
The Mountain Brook offensive line will be another key to the offense. Coach Yeager, one of the best line coaches in the state, will find a way to get the most out of his lineman. Three-year starter Price Delk along with Christian Johnston, John Pelham, Will Carothers and Johnny Leara will lead the way for Spartans offensive line. When you walk about Delk to coach Yeager, a smile breaks out about how hard this young man plays the game and does whatever he can do to help lead his team.
On defense, it starts with two guys that have played many snaps for the Spartans. Safety Zachary Carroll and linebacker Will Wetzler lead the defense that gave up around 26 points per game last season. "Zach is the brains and has such playmaking ability," said Yeager. "Will has the heart of the bunch. I'm so glad they are in the middle of the defense that can play side to side."
The front defensive line will be led by seniors Butler Wilbanks and Sam Colvin. Both have solid pass rushing skills and look to make a difference on the Spartans defense this season.
Special teams has place-kicker and punter Mason Dillard. Dillard had ice in his veins in a game last season against Tuscaloosa County where he kicked the game winning field goal for the Spartans.
Region 3 has a new look team for Mountain Brook. Huffman comes into the region while Hewitt-Trussville goes to Region 4 the next two years. Up first for Mountain Brook is going to the beach and taking on Gulf Shores. It will be the first meeting between the two teams.
"This region is still about playing solid defense, with good special teams," added Yeager. "Were looking forward to hitting the field."
Davidson Warriors
The Davidson Warriors are coming off three straight years not making the playoff under 13-year Head coach Fred Riley. The Warriors are looking to make a better run in 2016. Davidson has some key weapons that can make a difference but to the Warriors have the big guys up front to carry them into the playoffs. Davidson has 27 seniors and 25 juniors on the team this season that came off a 3-7 record last season.
"I really like our matchups this season," said Riley. "Can we run the ball and stop the run. Can we stop 3rd and 2 on defense to get our defense off the field and can we make 3rd and 2 to keep our defense off the field. I think our whole season will be built around that."
On offense, the Warriors have a great quarterback in Cephus Johnson. Johnson will be a good as his offensive line gives him time to do his skill set. The South Alabama commit is one of the best quarterbacks in the state. "Cephus is the best pure quarterback we have ever had here at Davidson in my 13-years," Riley added. "He is 6-foot-4, 4.5 kid and throws it very well. It is the best skilled people we have around him since 2010. Our offensive line has to play well for him to play well."
The Davidson offensive line needs to keep progressing into a dominate offensive line to help the offense to be effective. If the line gives Johnson the time he needs with the Davidson skill set, they will make it back into the playoffs. Center Anthony Pettaway leads the group of blockers that looks to make an impact for Davidson. "Anthony is a returning starter," said Riley. "He gives us a lot of direction and will continue to do that for us this season."
The ground game is in good hands with running back Donte Edwards. Edwards is a commit to Jones County Community College. Edwards needs to have a healthy 2016 for the Warriors to be successful. Edwards can run down hill or get the edge if need be. If Edwards and Johnson have a big season, that will mean the offensive line has come together for the Warriors to make a playoff run.
On defense, the Warriors have a solid linebacking crew to lead Davidson. Zach Portlock has the wheels to go sideline to sideline while Jerry Garner can stuff the running back up the middle. Garrner is a little thicker than his partner but uses his strength to stop the run. Linebacker Cornelius Harris is another run stuffer for the Warriors. Defensive lineman Jeff Marks hopes to fill some holds and take some blockers for the linebackers.
The secondary will have Scipio Staten and Jacob Coleman. The secondary will have to make more plays against the passing game and give the offense a few more snaps.
Davidson has to start the season with two road games. The Warriors will travel to Daphne to open the season and then play 7A Champion McGill-Toolen in its second game of the year.
