WHITE PLAINS WILDCATS
Class, Region: Class 4A, Region 5 Head Coach: Chris White
2015 Record: 1-9 2015 Playoffs: None
2015 Rewind: Longtime defensive assistant Chris White spent his first year on the job as the Wildcats’ head coach in 2015. White Plains finished 1-9 overall with a victory over Pleasant Valley in week 5. The season provided a lot of learning moments for White that he will take into 2016. White says he’ s learned several things as a new head Blake Roszell- Quarterback # 6 coach: from how to clearly set expectations Alex Howard- Running Back # 10 for his team to managing practice and week to week preparation. He adds the players also have a clearer sense of what to expect and believes it will help add to a better season in 2016.
Key Losses: Kevin Carr will arguably be the biggest loss for the Wildcats in 2016. Carr was a versatile player who was a leader both on and off the field. He possessed the ability to line up just about anywhere on the field and make plays. Caleb Turner will also be tough to replace. Turner gave the Wildcats a physical player on both sides of the ball as a linebacker and offensive lineman.
Players to Watch:“ Blake Roszell( QB) has emerged as one of the team leaders in the offseason. He is one of just three players that have played football since the 7th grade,” says White. The head coach adds that Alex Howard has also come on strong this in the spring. Howard will see action as a tailback and linebacker for the Wildcats.
2016 Roundup: White says the team has worked hard in the weight room during the offseason and he hopes that leads to improved physicality on Friday nights. Leaders have started to bubble to the surface and he believes that is a great sign for team chemistry. The schedule is still very difficult in Class 4A Region 5. County rival Anniston and perennial power Oneonta are on the slate for the first time in history. Their non-region opponents are Ohatchee, Westbrook Christian, and Wellborn.
WINTERBORO BULLDOGS
Class, Region: Class 1A, Region 4 Head Coach: Alan Beckett
2015 Record: 6-4 2015 Playoffs: None
2015 Rewind: The Winterboro Bulldogs entered year three under head coach Alan Beckett in the 2015 season. The Bulldogs went 6-4, with three of those losses being very close games. In a very tough region they finished 5th in 1A Region 5.
Key Losses: The Bulldogs lost several key players from last year, but a major loss is one who did not graduate, but will not be playing due to injury. Starting center Jason Geise will be out for the 2016 season due to a neck injury.
Players to Watch: A player to keep your eye on this season for Winterboro is right tackle Khalil Keith. Keith was second team All-State last season, and has been receiving a lot of college attention and some offers as well.
Clay Twymon
Quarterback
2016 Roundup: Entering the 2016 season Coach Beckett says,“ Participation is up, ef-fort and buying into the program is way up.” The Bulldogs have some familiar faces re-turning this season, as they return 16 starters including quarterback Clay Twyman, of-fensive lineman Justus Garrett, and linebacker Marcus McMeans. All of them were All-Region players last season.
Did You Know? Bulldog boss Alan Beckett is the son of legendary prep coach Bobby Beckett. The elder Beckett passed away earlier this year after a lengthy career at nu-merous schools in East Alabama, including Cherokee County, Gaylesville, Ragland, and Collinsville.
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