Hoover enters the fall as the top-ranked team in Alabama. Don't forget Clay-Chalkville, McGill-Toolen, Daphne and Prattville.
Devon Earl is one of the state's top defensive backs, and his Hoover teammates are the only Alabama team in the Preseason Xcellent 25.
Photo by Joe Boyd
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Head coach: Josh Niblett
Team previewAlabama’s representative in the Preseason Xcellent 25 (
they are ranked No. 24), the Buccaneers begin as the state’s top-ranked team. Quarterback
Connor Short enjoyed a strong summer and should be continue his momentum into the season. While Hoover’s group of sophomores has received much attention for its depth and quality, the team’s best player is a junior: defensive back
Marlon Humphrey, who will team with
Devon Earl to form what will likely be the best secondary in the state. Hoover's name can be found often on the list of
Alabama state football champions for the past 10 years.
2. Clay-Chalkville (Pinson)2011 finish: 1-9
Head coach: Jerry Hood
Team previewDon’t let Clay-Chalkville’s 1-9 record deceive you; Jerry Hood’s squad was undefeated and ranked the No. 1 team in Class 6A before being forced to forfeit nine games due to an ineligible player. This season, 12 starters return, including top target
DeAndre Woods. The quarterback job will be won by either
Hayden Moore or
Blake Bailey. Keep an eye on 6-foot-5 sophomore defensive end
Kendall Jones, who is already attracting the eyes of college recruiters. Search for Clay-Chalkville players on our
2011 Alabama Super 12 All-State teams list.
3. McGill-Toolen (Mobile)2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Bart Sessions
Team previewIt will be hard to pick against McGill-Toolen in 2012, thanks to returning quarterback
Jason Smith. The swift-footed senior accounted for more than 2,000 yards of offense last season and is the main reason most are pegging McGill-Toolen as the top team in the southern Alabama - if not the whole state. McGill-Toolen ranks No. 9 on our list of
Alabama's Top 10 most consistent football programs.
4. Daphne2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Glenn Vickery
Team previewThere are several impressive quarterbacks in Alabama this season, and Daphne has one of them in
TJ Fleeton. The 6-3 senior had a good summer after effectively guiding the Trojans as a junior. Defensive lineman
Duquan Able, who recorded 4.5 sacks last season, returns up front. The team will need to replace superb running back T.J. Yeldon, who graduated and moved on to Alabama. Daphne ranks No. 3 on our June, 2011 list of
Alabama's Top 10 football dynasties.
5. Prattville2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Chad Anderson
Team previewIt’s easy to forecast the demise of Prattville, given that it lost its head coach and roughly a dozen Division 1 players. However, the Lions won’t be as down as some expect. Sophomore
Kalen Whitlow is expected to take over behind center. He’ll line up behind a big offensive line that features Florida State recruit
Austin Golson.
Kamryn Pettway, a 6-0, 220-pound junior transfer at running back, may be the best kept secret in the state. Look for him to have a breakout season. Prattville had two players on the list of
Alabama Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
