Pigskin Roundup 2015 | Page 40

CLASS 1A REGION 5 TALLADEGA COUNTY CENTRAL TIGERS After stints at Talladega High and Woodlawn, Chris Mahand came back home in 2014. After posting a 33-7 mark from 2006-08 at Talladega County Central, Mahand’s return to Howell Cove was more of the success he generated in his first tenure. The Tigers finished out the year at 6-5 after finishing fourth in the tough Region 5. The Tigers’ season drew to a close in an offensive explosion in Round one of the 1A Playoffs, combining fo r a school record 98 points in a 58-40 loss to Hackleburg. The 2015 edition of the Tigers may be short on experience but Mahand sees a world of possibilities. “We are still a young team,” Mahand said. “If we can continue to grow and gain consistency, we will have a chance in every game.” After a slow offensive start last season, the Tigers scored more than 20 points in each of their last seven games. Jordan Swain will move under center for TCC this fall and will have a couple of talented players to join him in the backfield. Kris Embry brings a huge threat to the tailback spot while Darrell Maple has proven that he can make some big plays out of the backfield as well. CHRIS MAHAND TCC Head Coach SCHEDULE 8/21 Talladega..................Away 8/28 Open 9/04 Donoho....................Away* 9/11 Victory Christian.........Away* 9/18 Wadley.....................Home* 9/25 Spring Garden.............Home 10/02 Ragland....................Away* 10/09 Appalachian...............Home* 10/16 Winterboro................Away* 10/23 Open 10/29 Vincent....................Home Defensively, the Tigers allowed 98 points in their final two outings and Coach Mahand realizes they must shore up that side of the football. With only four returners on defense, several newcomers must step up in a hurry for the Tigers to succeed this fall. Defenders like Darrin Swain, Daquavius Wright and Daquan Davis will be counted on heavily for the Tigers. Region 5 will once again provide tough competition each week. “Ragland will always be tough. Wadley is WINTERBORO BULLDOGS After a 4-6 season in the 2014 campaign, the Winterboro Bulldogs and Coach Alan Beckett are looking to make this season one to remember and will be looking to do so on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs are returning their entire offensive line from last season including All Region lineman Justus Garrett. During the spring game five running backs participated- Marcus McMeans, Kaleb Hale, Nvjavion Brown, Jaquon Jackson, and Marquel Bryant, and Coach Beckett says that all five can help. One of those running backs is also an important part of the defense. Marcus McMeans was All Region last season as a linebacker. Clay Twyman will be returning as the starting quarterback, SCHEDULE 8/28 Coosa Christian...........Away 9/04 Ellwood Christian........Home 9/11 Ragland....................Home* 9/18 Donoho....................Home* 9/25 Thorsby....................Home 10/02 Appalachian...............Away* 10/09 Victory Christian.........Away* 10/16 Talladega Co. Central....Home* 10/23 Wadley.....................Away* 10/30 Fayetteville................Home and there will be a new look to the offense, as the team was in the I formation this spring. 38 | 2015 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine COACH ALAN BECKETT... “Winterboro has lots of talent up and down the hallway. The key is getting kids to care and work hard. The fact that kids cared in the spring was huge.” still full of talent and Donoho will be good once again. The rest of our region will be better. We will have to come to play every week, “ Mahand said. The Tigers open up with Talladega on August 21st.