GLENCOE YELLOW JACKETS
Class, Region: Class 3A, Region 5
Head Coach: Rusty Davis
2016 Record: 3-7
2016 Playoffs: None
2016 Rewind: Playing in the toughest region in Class 3A,
the Yellow Jackets struggled a bit in head coach Rusty Davis’
first season. The Glencoe offense averaged 31 points in the
games they won. The Jackets were young (with only 10 seniors
on the team) and many underclassmen were asked to step up
and play key roles.
Bradley Scott
Key Losses: Aaron (WR) and Austin (RB) Bush were dynamic
playmakers for the last few years at Glencoe. In addition to their offensive duties, the
brothers played pivotal roles in the Yellow Jacket secondary. The team also lost starting
quarterback Cole Holbrooks.
Players to Watch: Senior Jakeb Amberson will take over as Glencoe’s starting
quarterback. He will be joined in the backfield by Cade Alred (RB) who led the team
in rushing in 2016. The strength of the offense will be the line who picked up a lot of
experience over the years. Dawson Bass is a three-year starter, Jake Trimm is back at center,
Seth Gilchrist will take over at right tackle and Bradley Scott returns at tight end. Scott and
Nathan Kuykendall will also be forces on defense as linebackers. Defensive back Noah Huff
will also be one to watch.
2017 Roundup: After taking their lumps last year, Glencoe’s seasoned veterans are ready
to take a big step forward. The Jackets have a large senior class (20 players) and many of
them have played a lot of snaps against quality opponents. Head Coach Rusty Davis has
been pleased with their progress and leadership. “I can’t say enough of how hard our kids
have worked,” Davis said. “They’ve bought into what we want. We have really asked a lot of
them and they have responded.” Glencoe has a tough schedule playing on the road for the
first three weeks. Expect to see a much improved team this fall.
Did You Know? Glencoe had arguably the toughest schedule in Class 3A.
Last season the Yellow Jackets opponents went 92-43 (.681 win%).
HOKES BLUFF EAGLES
Class, Region: Class 4A, Region 5
Head Coach: Mike Robertson
2016 Record: 9-5
2016 Playoffs: The Eagles soared all the way to the Class 4A semi-finals before falling at
home to state runner-up Madison Academy 24-21.
2016 Rewind: Hokes Bluff lost their first three games before winning 9 of the next 10 to
finish with the most wins since 2007, and their deepest playoff run since 2004.
Key Losses: Up front is where the Bluff suffered the most significant losses. OL anchor
Adam Patterson is gone along with leading tackler and All-State linebacker Fisher Simmons.
Other key losses include RB/LB Cam Downey, and cornerbacks
Hayes Evans and Andrew Colley.
Players to Watch: Sophomore running back Darian Meades (5’10, 200) exploded on the
scene in 2016, rushing for over 1,800 years. QB Landon Johnson (6’2, 195) is back bigger and
stronger in 2017 after an excellent year in ’16. Junior safety Braden Hill (6’3, 190) is a player
to watch at receiver as well. Hokes Bluff lost 4 of 5 offensive linemen with only Hunter Coffey
(6’1, 210 Sr.) returning. Other players to watch include FB/LB Levi Taliaferro, sophomore
linebacker Ashton Gulledge (who was the third leading tackler on the team), and wingback/
defensive back Carson Eubanks.
2017 Roundup: The Eagles lost a good class of 14 seniors, but the talent is in place for Hokes
Bluff to make lots of noise again in Class 4A. Coach Mike Robertson will need to replace most
of his offensive and defensive lines and linbackers, but the returning skill players are as good
as anyone in 4A. Robertson states that the team speed is even better this year and the team has
not been complacent after last year’s run to the state semi-finals. Look for the Eagles to again
compete for a region title and be among the top 4A teams in North Alabama.
Did You Know? Hokes Bluff Head Coach Mike Robertson has coached more
football games than any other coach in Eagle history. Robertson begins his
22nd year at the helm at Hokes Bluff, making him the longest tenured coach in
school history. Coach Rob has won 133 games as Head Coach at Hokes Bluff.
2017 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine | 45