Pigskin Roundup 2016 | Page 70

RANBURNE BULLDOGS Class, Region: Class 2A, Region 5 Head Coach: Stephen Bailey 2015 Record: 10-2 2015 Playoffs: Advanced to the Class 2A quarter-finals before falling at state runner-up Fyffe 24-20 2015 Rewind: Finished 10-2 and Runners-up in Class 2A Region 5. After a double-overtime win over Tanner 56-55 in the 2nd round of the playoffs, the Bulldogs ended their season at Fyffe 24-20 the following week. Riley Smith Lineman Key Losses: QB Dylan Wiggins, who leaves Ranburne as the record-holder for passing yardage and touchdowns. As a senior, he completed 129 of his 204 passes for 1,889 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed 125 times for another 902 yards and 13 TD’s. Coach Chad Young takes over as Cleburne County Superintendent at year’s end and Stephen Bailey has been named his successor. Bailey served as Offensive Coordinator for the past four seasons. Players to Watch: Riley Smith was an All-State performer on the offensive line in 2015 and will anchor the line on defense as well this season. LB Hunter McAdams is 3-year starter. McAdams and Aaron Benefield will get their share of carries in 2016. Jordan English and Josh Ralston are in a battle for the quarterback spot. The Bulldogs’ kicking game is in great shape as the reliable Jake Howle returns for his senior season. 2016 Roundup: Bailey says the Class 2A, Region 5 race is wide open with tough battles expected every week. He listed Lanett as his “team to beat” but felt that any team in the region could beat the other on a given Friday night. The Bulldogs will host Mt. Zion, GA in the opener. A tough Region 5 schedule sends the Bulldogs on the road to Woodland, Lanett and Lafayette in 2016. Did You Know? For only the 3rd time since 1962 there will be a new Head Coach at Ranburne High School. Stephen Bailey will replace Chad Young, who will take over as Superintendent on January 1st. 68 | 2016 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine