With standout linemen returning on both sides of the ball to go along with a wealth of speed, Prattville enters 2011 with great expectations.
From left to right: Caleb Gulledge, Justin Thomas, head coach Jamey DuBose, and Justin Shanks.
Photo by Joe Boyd
With tremendous depth and talent on the offensive and defensive lines, and one of the fastest quarterbacks in the country, Prattville may end up as the best team in the country in 2011.
Over the last five seasons, Prattville has established itself as one of the top programs in Alabama. This season, the Lions return what appears to be their strongest team ever.
Head coach Jamey DuBose’s squad returns a whopping 17 starters as well as a number of second-string players that saw quality minutes a year ago.
Speedy quarterback Justin Thomas commands the offense for the Lions. He has the luxury of handing off to a trio of capable running backs. The receivers will be inexperienced, but will be fast, as speed is key to Prattville’s offense.
Defensively, the Lions return their entire secondary, an entire group of six defensive linemen who rotated last season and two starting linebackers.
This team is going to be extremely difficult to beat. An August showdown with No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas will be one of the biggest games of the season.
Local look: "The level of excitement for this upcoming season is already starting to reach a fever pitch. You go to a spring practice and it's like a mini college coaches convention on the sidelines with all the coaches checking out the prospects. There is little doubt that this Prattville team is the most talented team I've seen around these parts. If the kids play up to the level they are capable of, it ought to be one heck of a show this season."
- Stacy “Millzer” Mills, Prattville Lions Network
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SCHOOL PROFILE
School size: 6A
Head coach Jamey DuBose.
Photo by Joe Boyd
2,109
2010 finish: 8-4 (5-2 in league)
Head coach: Jamey DuBose
Career record: 43-19
Years at school: 4
Notable players coached:K Brian Egan (Parade All-American, Western Illinois)
ATH Corey Shelton (Troy)
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KEY RETURNERS
Justin Thomas is one of the fastest players in the country.
Photo by Joe Boyd
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SEASON OUTLOOK
Prattville will have depth at all positions in 2011.
Photo by Joe Boyd
Aquinas. The Raiders should have the athletes to match Prattville and potentially a defense that will frustrate Justin Thomas.
Caleb Gulledge has already committed to Alabama.
Photo by Joe Boyd
Hoover ended Prattville’s streak of three consecutive state titles in 2009 and fell short in the finals in 2010 to Daphne; both squads should be good in 2011. Davidson, which played Prattville tough in its spring jamboree game, could be the biggest threat to the Lions.
Overall outlook: In addition to Aquinas in its opener, Prattville will face a few difficult opponents on its regular season schedule. If it remains focused, it has a chance to have a special season that would likely place the Lions among the state’s best teams of all-time.
Coach quote: “We’re gonna have to stay away from the injury bug, stay away from distractions and stay focused. We’re going to have to have hunger. I expect our guys to really want it. We came out today and had a great first day of workouts. We’re going to have to take it one day and one game at a time.” - Jamey DuBose
