Hewitt-Trussville Football Preview: Consistent Huskies looking to break through
The Hewitt-Trussville High School football program has been a model of consistency over Josh Floyd’s tenure.
The Huskies have qualified for the playoffs in seven of the eight seasons Floyd has been there (even in the year they didn’t make it, they capped off the season with an upset of eventual state champion Thompson).
One of the keys to being able to do that is by constantly striving for improvement and investing in the process of developing players as they rise through the youth and middle school programs.
Floyd takes pride in that development process, and that consistency allows the Huskies to have big goals to take the program to the next level.
“We’re chasing a blue map [state championship],” he said. “That’s what we want to do. …We’re still trying to win that first state championship here and we’re going to keep trying.”
OFFENSE
Peyton Floyd will assume the role of full-time starter at quarterback this fall. He filled in admirably for a few games last season in the absence of Cade Carruth.
“That obviously helped prepare him moving forward,” Josh Floyd said of Peyton. “He’s played some big-time matchups. He had to go out there, be the QB, to help us get in the playoffs. That helps for sure.”
Up front, senior Trace Wilbanks is back. He will be the first player to wear jersey number 70 since the tragic death of Brock Bowman in 2013. Wilbanks will don the number as the first winner of the Brock Bowman Award, presented to a player that exemplifies the pillars of the program — family, compete, humility, finish, and character, all built on a base of faith while striving to leave a legacy at Hewitt-Trussville High School.
Kade Martin is also back as a starter, while Trevor Pruet got some playing time last season as well.
James Hammonds will be a tough one to replace in the backfield, but Kennedy Mitchell appears to be in line to get that chance. Mitchell and Jaqson Melton have gotten most of the practice reps at running back, while Michael Igbinoghene will contribute on the offense, whether in the backfield or as a receiver.
The Huskies lost some explosiveness, particularly with the graduation of Omari Kelly. But Ka’Darius Barnes is ready to step into the role of a primary receiver after contributing last fall and making plenty of plays in the spring game. Jadon Loving led the Huskies in the spring game and will be a big factor. Noah Walls, Brett Moseley, Jacob Serena and Steven Sigler are all guys that could make their way into the rotation as well.
Donovan Price is an asset from the tight end spot, proving a physical blocker in the run game. TaRell Seals could also see time at the position.
DEFENSE
Hewitt-Trussville has two of the top players in the state on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive lineman Hunter Osborne is ready to take the mantle from Justice Finkley, who signed with Texas last year.
“The thing I appreciate about Hunter is he keeps trying to get better every day,” Floyd said. “He comes to work every day.”
Osborne, a four-star prospect, will get plenty of attention from opposing defenses, much like Finkley did a year ago. That allowed Osborne and Tyrell Averhart, who returns as well, to wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields. Skyler Carrillo gives the Huskies three returning starters along that line.
Three-star corner Rickey Gibson has length, speed and ball skills, traits that lead to opponents avoiding throwing the ball his way at all costs. Floyd expects much of the same this fall and even mentioned taking advantage of his skills on offense some as well.
Riggs Dunn and MJ Smith are also back in the secondary, with each earning playing time a season ago. Ethan Shotts and Rob Wright are players contending for a key role as well.
In the middle, Braylon Chatman and Hunter Jones return as starting linebackers. Floyd said Chatman had a productive offseason, while Jones — a state-champion wrestler and the team’s leading returning tackler — will be a force once again. Nick Hill will also factor in there.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Riley Rigg punted much of last season and could take over kicking duties for the Huskies as well this season, with Floyd expressing confidence in his progress and ability.
Dunn, Loving and Gibson will undoubtedly be factors for Hewitt in the return game this fall.
SCHEDULE
Hewitt-Trussville begins the season with a tough trip to Central-Phenix City. The Huskies follow that up with a game against Gadsden City and also play Huffman in the middle of the year.
Class 7A, Region 3 features four new coaches, with Chelsea, Hoover, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills all having new leaders this season. The Huskies will compete against those foes, as well as Oak Mountain, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County, looking for another playoff berth.