CALHOUN COUNTY, AL – The Calhoun County Quarterback Club held its annual High School Football Media Day this week, featuring all 14 football programs from across the county. Commissioner Danny Shears served as the event host, welcoming coaches and players from schools ranging from 2A to 6A classifications, plus AISA and eight-man football programs.
The event, which has grown significantly over the years, provided a platform for each school to showcase their players and discuss expectations for the upcoming season.
Alexandria Valley Cubs (4A Region 6)
Coach Todd Ginn brought junior quarterback Cole Wheeler and junior lineman Parker Neal. Ginn emphasized the team’s physical mentality and noted they are no longer a youthful team, with older players providing leadership. Wheeler enters his third year as starting quarterback, while the team looks to build on last year’s playoff appearance. Notable players include MJ Morris, a 10th-grade athlete, and the Trantham twins – Royce (6’6″, 250 lbs tight end) and his brother (6’4″, 230 lbs center/guard).
Anniston Bulldogs (4A Region 6)
Coach Rico Jackson was accompanied by senior defensive end Charles Thomas and senior running back Jabari Williams. Jackson highlighted the team’s strong finish last year after starting 2-4, crediting the players’ mental growth. The team features nine returning starters on defense and has high expectations for running back Williams, with Jackson setting a goal of 2,000 yards. The program benefits from a new turf field, and Jackson emphasized consistency as this year’s focus.
Hope Christian Saints (AISA)
In their inaugural football season, Coach Chris Stone brought senior lineman Terrence Young and junior quarterback Kanan Bozeman. With 26 players spanning 7th through 12th grade, the Saints will play a seven-game AISA schedule starting August 22nd at home against Valley Cross. Stone emphasized the school’s Christian foundation and the goal of setting a foundation for future years. The team will play at the former Barber field off Airport Road.
Jacksonville Golden Eagles (5A Region 6)
New head coach Jeremy Sullivan, formerly of Boaz, brought senior center Ben Bridgit and senior defensive back Xavier Moore. Sullivan noted the challenge of taking over a successful program and emphasized the transition from 4A to 5A competition. The coaching staff includes several former Oxford assistants, and Sullivan stressed his focus has shifted from just wins and losses to making a positive impact on players’ lives.
Jacksonville Christian Thunder (8-Man Football)
Veteran coach Miller, in possibly his 47th season, brought senior quarterback Noah Lee (his grandson) and senior center Preston Strouder. The team won the 8-man state championship last year and faces the challenge of replacing several key players. Lee has committed to Jacksonville State after an intense recruiting period. Miller emphasized that the Christian mission remains paramount to winning games.
Ohatchee Indians (3A Region 6)
Coach Blake Jennings returned to his former school after two years at White Plains, bringing junior running back/linebacker Gus Hunter and junior lineman Braxton Davis. With only five seniors, the team underwent a significant roster reset, losing 16-17 seniors from last year. Jennings emphasized returning to “smash mouth football” and strong defense. The team will face familiar region opponents including Wellborn, Piedmont, and Weaver.
Oxford Yellow Jackets (6A Region 6)
Coach Sam Adams brought senior linebacker Keenan Britt (committed to South Carolina) and senior wide receiver Jalen Taylor (committed to Marshall). Despite a 13-1 record last year, the team faces the challenge of replacing quarterback Maddox Maples with his younger brother. Adams noted having roughly half the starters returning on each side of the ball. Taylor led 6A in receiving yards last year, while Britt was named first-team All-State.
Piedmont Bulldogs (3A Region 6)
Coach Jonathan Miller brought senior wide receiver Raleigh Pinto and junior lineman Braylon Williams. Pinto set the Alabama state record for receiving yards in a season (1,828 yards across all classifications) and has committed to Jacksonville State. The team lost 12 seniors but returns key players including linebackers Bentley Chandler and Chase Kirkpatrick. Sophomore Cole Austin will take over at quarterback.
Pleasant Valley Raiders (2A Region 7)
Coach Jonathan Nix brought junior quarterback/linebacker Braxton Soster and senior running back/linebacker Jayden Sparks. Coming off their first playoff appearance in years, the team has set a goal of going 10-0. Sparks was named MVP of the region, while Soster was defensive MVP. The team emphasizes unity and player leadership, with most of the core group having played together since elementary school.
Saks High School (3A Region 6)
New coach Felder brought senior quarterback/linebacker Landis Allen and senior lineman Daniel Childs. Operating with only 18 varsity players, Felder acknowledged the numbers challenge but praised the character of his players. The coach, who previously had success at Donoho and Talladega with low numbers, emphasized building relationships and inspiring players beyond football.
Weaver Bearcats (3A Region 6)
Coach Ken Cofer, in his third year, brought senior running back Lonnie Becker and senior wide receiver/defensive back Sean Luca Torres. After making the playoffs for the first time since 2018, the team has approximately 50-55 players in the program (7th-12th grade). Cofer emphasized making players believe in themselves and the program, noting the importance of developing “swagger” through the weight room.
Wellborn Panthers (3A Region 6)
Coach Jeff Smith, in his 17th year, brought junior lineman Parker Williams and senior lineman Brady Greenwood. Smith noted the team reminds him of his 2018 squad that preceded their successful 2019 season. The team has had excellent summer participation and features several legacy players whose families have long Wellborn football traditions. Smith emphasized the balance between work and life while maintaining his competitive drive.
White Plains Wildcats (4A Region 6)
New coach Clint Smith, formerly of Jacksonville, brought junior lineman Hudson Inglesby and junior wide receiver/defensive back Bryson Cheatwood. Smith and his family have longtime connections to White Plains, and he brought several assistants from his previous stops. The program has grown to approximately 100 players across junior high and varsity levels. Smith emphasized building relationships and competing for four quarters as keys to reaching the playoffs.
The media day was sponsored by Warren Avery accounting firm, which provided lunch for all attendees. Commissioner Shears announced the Calhoun County Quarterback Club meets every Monday night during the eight-week football season, featuring coaches and players along with notable speakers including Holly Rowe, Butch Thompson, and former Alabama quarterback Walter Lewis.
The comprehensive event highlighted the depth and competitiveness of Calhoun County football, with programs spanning multiple classifications and philosophies while sharing common goals of developing young men both on and off the field.
