Pigskin Roundup 2017 | Page 62

WALTER WELLBORN PANTHERS Class, Region: Class 3A, Region 5 Head Coach: Jeff Smith 2016 Record: 5-4 2016 Playoffs: None 2016 Rewind: Last season the Wellborn Panthers went 5-4, 2-4 in Class 3A, Region 5. The Panthers finished 5th in the Region, and did not make the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons. Key Losses: A big loss for the Wellborn Panthers from last season is running back/safety Jordan Montgomery, who will be continuing his football career this season for the Samford Bulldogs. Some other key losses for Wellborn include linebacker Kane Pitts and defensive tackle Jamesio Elston. Players to Watch: The Panthers have several players returning that will be looking to stand out this season. Third year starter and senior quarterback Austin McQueen will be back leading the Panthers. Most of the Wellborn team plays on both sides of the ball including JaMyron Curry at defensive end/fullback, linebacker/running back Javion Thomas, and defensive back/wide receiver Walker Hayes Austin McQueen 2017 Roundup: Coach Jeff Smith is heading into his 9th season as the head coach at Wellborn. Having made the AHSAA state playoffs seven of his eight seasons so far, the Panthers look to return to playoff competition in 2017. They will look to do so, with six starters returning on offense and four returning on defense. Coach Smith has ten seniors on this year’s squad. The Panthers started freshmen linebackers Jett Smith and Kentrez Hunt in the spring game. GADSDEN OFFICE 507 South 4th Street RAINBOW CITY OFFICE 524 W. Grand Ave (Hwy 77) On-Site MRI • On-Site Physical Therapy • • • William R. Stewart, M.D. • George “Butch” Douthit, M.D. • Daniel O. Ryan, M.D. Christopher G. Kelley, M.D. • Adam F. Shaw, M.D. • Ginger Gladden Medders, M.D. Did You Know? Head Coach Jeff Smith is the third longest tenured coach in Wellborn history. Smith’s nine years at the helm trail only Mike Battles and Ed Deupree in the total number of years coached at Wellborn. Supporting schools in our community since 1909. WESTBROOK CHRISTIAN WARRIORS Class, Region: Class 2A, Region 6 Head Coach: Brian Mintz 2016 Record: 3-7 2016 Playoffs: None 2016 Rewind: Brian Mintz took over as Head Coach in week three of the season and won three of eight games to finish 3-7. Key Losses: Key losses include wide receiver Blake Young, running back Dakota Trammell, and offensive lineman Connor Bolton. #22 Addison Ponder #44 Court Coley Local Bankers. Local decisions. Local commitment. Players To Watch: All-State LB/FB Court Coley and All-State safety Caden Godfrey are expected to have standout seasons. The most versatile athlete on the team is Addison Ponder who will be a utility player and play all over the field, especially on defense. Senior Michael Thompson (6’2, 245) is the best offensive and defensive lineman. The quarterback will be 6’4 Jackson Cox who played free safety last year. OL/DE Jackson Luttrell (6’5, 225 Jr.) has lots of potential. 2017 Roundup: Head Coach Brian Mintz has six starters back on both offense and defense and a total roster of 40. Mintz believes because of the coaching change the Warriors are way ahead of where they were last year at this time. Mintz says the two big intangibles will be an improved work ethic and improved teamwork. Member FDIC www.exba.com 256.547.2572 60 | 2017 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine Equal Housing Lender Did You Know?: Head Coach Brian Mintz begins his 23rd year as a Head Coach. In addition to Westbrook Christian, Mintz has served as Head Coach at Ragland, Glencoe, Southside, and Cheatham County, Tennessee.