Pigskin Roundup 2015 | Page 74

CLASS 5A REGION 7 ETOWAH BLUE DEVILS Lots of positives surround the Etowah program as the 2014 football season looms. Drew Noles begins year three as head coach and enthusiasm is high around Attalla. The Blue Devils return nine starters on offense and seven on defense, boast 75 total players, and have a nice group of 17 seniors. In addition there is a great junior class of 28 players. The Devils return four of five offensive linemen including center Peyton Nance (6’0,280) who already has 22 starts heading into his junior year, 30 game starter Austin Gibbs (6’0, 310), junior Austin McDaniel (6’3, 240), and sophomore Dylan Carden (6’1, 260). That line will be blocking for a loaded backfield led by the senior duo of Stacy Williams (5’9, 175) and Paul Ruiz (5’8, 165) splitting time at tailback and returning Jr. QB Andy Noles, who has played three seasons at the position. Two terrific sophomores will play big roles for Etowah in 2015 as well. Caleb Horton (5’10, 170) and Cory Thomas will play all of the skill positions and both had a great spring training. Receiver Perez Wilson is the top receiver and has great speed. Malik Wilson and Lee Green will also see time at receiver. SCHEDULE 8/21 Northridge............ Home 8/28 Cullman................ Away 9/04 Douglas................ Away* 9/11 Randolph.............. Home* 9/18 Fairview............... Home* 9/25 Open 10/02 Guntersville........... Away* 10/09 Open 10/16 Boaz.................... Home* 10/23 Madison County....... Away* 10/30 St. Clair County....... Home Wilson and Green will also start in the secondary on defense along with safety Omar Smothers (5’10, 165), who could be a college prospect. The leader of the defense will be linebacker Darrius Moore (6’0, 195 Sr.). Moore has started every game since Coach Noles has been at Etowah and Noles says he is a great player with great speed and is one of the best players he has ever coached. Junior linebacker Kaleb Nelms (6’1, 220) is the backup QB also and will be a college prospect next year. The defensive front is led by Chr ishun Young (6’1, 250) and noseguard Kaleb Oneck. Coach Noles also likes the character of this team as they have a team GPA of 88.7 and are the reigning FCA/Grace Radio Sportsmanship Team of the Year from 2014. COACH DREW NOLES... “The biggest thing is the character of our kids. We are excited about the number and quality of starters we have returning. We have a chance to have a great football team.” REKINDLING GLORY The Etowah County duo of Paul Ruiz and Stacy Williams return for their senior seasons with the goal of rekindling Etowah’s gridiron glory. See their story on Page 31 72 | 2015 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine Supporting schools in our community since 1909. Local Bankers. Local decisions. Local commitment. Member FDIC www.exba.com 256.547.2572 Equal Housing Lender