Cullman Times, Football Preview 2020 | Page 56

well, making up for the departures of Levi Farley and Will Brown. The Warriors also have to replace linebacker Brody Rusk, their most productive defensive player in 2019. “Our defense is up to the challenge,” Farley said. “We suffered early injuries last season, so some of our starters this year earned valuable minutes because of that.” SPECIAL TEAMS Logan Selby will handle kicking and punting duties, and West Point will rely on a host of players in the return game. Farley enters his eighth season as head coach and 23rd overall on the sideline. After falling just shy last season, the Warriors have a solid chance to return to the 5A postseason – an expectation Farley has established during his tenure. “We believe every game is going to be a fourth-quarter game,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a team in our region writing down an automatic win or loss on their schedule right now. Every Friday night during region play is going to be a coin flip to see who is gaining ground for one of the four playoff spots. Every team is going to be scratching and clawing. Everyone in this region is competitive.” West Point opens at Good Hope on Aug. 28, followed by four consecutive home games. Despite the COVID-19 uncertainties hanging in the balance, Farley wants the Warriors to embrace their playoff aspirations and new-look schedule. “We’re not taking any day for granted. It seems like things change daily around us, so we’re prepared to play as safely as we can and follow the proper protocols. We’ll control what we can control,” he said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what this senior class can accomplish. We can give our community and fans something to be proud of and provide normalcy.” Member FDIC with offices in Cullman | Hwy 157 | Fairview | Hanceville | Arab www.merchantsbankal.com Toll-Free 800-840-4458 EQUAL HOUSING LENDER 56 2020 FOOTBALL PREVIEW