McClendon, Gavin Parris,
Samuel Gable and Phillips.
Seth Williams will be
tasked with replacing All-
State performer Jordan
Lacey at linebacker.
Peppers, Brodi Williams
and Devon Johnson
comprise the rest of the unit.
Ayala (an All-State
selection in 2019) and Estell
are three-year starters in the
secondary who will provide
leadership for Cold Springs.
Goodwin, Andrew Weaver,
Nunn and Alexander will
also garner playing time in
the defensive backfield this
fall.
The Eagles have improved
slightly on defense each of
the past two seasons, and
Cornelius is hoping to see
that continue despite having
to replace numerous starters
on that side of the ball.
“I want to be tough. I want
to be hard-nosed. I want
to be physical,” he said. “It
starts up front and radiates
from there. We’ve got some
pieces to sort out — I think
we lost seven or so starters
from last year’s squad — and
there’s some big shoes to
fill. But I think we’ve got the
right guys to do that.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ayala will handle all
kicking and punting duties
for Cold Springs.
He will also join Alexander
in returning kicks and punts
this season.
There’s no shortage of excitement in
Cold Springs.
Nor is there any enthusiasm lacking
from Cornelius as he prepares to lead
the team this fall.
The Blue and Gold, who reached
the playoffs last season for the first
time since 2016, return experienced
playmakers at several key positions
and are looking to kick off a new era
with a strong 2020 campaign.
Region 5, however, is no picnic with
perennial 2A contenders Addison and
Aliceville the early favorites.
But Cornelius has a plan in place to
get the Eagles where they want to go.
And this season is all about laying
the groundwork.
“I’m not going into this thing
gauging it on wins and losses,” he said.
“Those are very important, but I also
think the most important thing is,
‘What are we teaching these kids along
the way?’ It’s letting them know that
this is bigger than them. It’s about the
team. They’ve got to make that switch
in their minds to try and accomplish
that.”
That said, Cornelius knows this
team could make some noise if
everything clicks into place.
“Take it one game at a time,” he said.
“Win that first game and let it pile up.
Let’s not lose two straight. Let’s try to
string together wins. This region is
tough, though. I know it’s tough. But
I don’t for one minute doubt what we
can accomplish with this group.”
12 2020 FOOTBALL PREVIEW