Huskies playing with chip on their shoulder
Some people have written off the Hewitt-Trussville High School football team after losing record-setting offensive players like quarterback Paul Tyson, offensive lineman Pierce Quick and wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson to the likes of Alabama and Auburn.
That’s served as fuel to the Huskies over the spring and summer.
“We lost some high-profile guys, and we’re obviously going to miss those guys,” sixth-year head coach Josh Floyd said. “That’s lit a fire under our guys.”
Last year marked the third straight season Hewitt-Trussville has advanced to the quarterfinals. The Huskies are determined to keep pushing the limits of that proverbial ceiling and go even further.
“We’re just trying to take that next step,” Floyd said. “It starts with trying to win a region championship.”
OFFENSE
Hewitt-Trussville’s offense averaged nearly 40 points per game last fall with so much dynamic talent on that side of the ball. While it will be hard to achieve that pace again this year, Floyd has proven adept at scoring points. The last three years account for the three highest season point totals in school history.
The first challenge for the Huskies is finding a quarterback to replace Tyson. Seth Shelnutt appears to be in line to do that, with Jackson Holland and Cade Carruth also working at the position.
“Our system is always based on our quarterback and what he can do,” Floyd said.
While Tyson was a prototypical drop-back passer, all three of this year’s potential starters are considered to be dual threats. Shelnutt played safety for the Huskies last season, and Floyd said Holland could do the same thing this year if he’s not the starting quarterback.
At running back, the Huskies return junior Armoni Goodwin, who racked up 1,458 yards and 15 touchdowns last fall. Behind him, Sean Jackson and Omari Kelly should receive some carries as well.
Out wide, Dazalin Worsham is the leader of the receiver unit. The senior comes off a season during which he caught 87 passes for 1,022 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kelly will also play some receiver, along with Jamyre Reese and others. Matt Miller is a versatile player who can play fullback and tight end.
Floyd said there’s no way to replace a talent like Quick, but his brother Riley Quick is among those who will attempt to protect a new quarterback. Troy commit Logan Self will be a three-year starter along the line, where Miller Malone and Jonathan Moore are expected to start.
DEFENSE
After taking a step forward on defense in 2017, the 2018 Huskies defense surrendered over 100 points more than the previous season. Enter new defensive coordinator Sean Talsma, who enters the fray after 13 years at Clay-Chalkville.
“Sean’s done a great job just setting the tone here,” Floyd said. “Our kids are flying around on defense, and they’re having fun. They’re learning a new system, so there’s an adjustment with that. But they’ve done a great job.”
Floyd said the scheme is “definitely different,” but the Huskies should be able to present different looks to counteract the elite offenses they will face throughout the season.
On the line, Eric Taylor leads the way. At 6-foot-5, 295 pounds, Taylor committed to play at LSU over the summer and recorded 10 tackles for loss last fall. He also made a critical play in the win over Hoover, returning an interception for a touchdown. Taylor will be joined on the line by sophomore Justice Finkley, who played some last year. Floyd also said the sky is the limit for pass-rusher Phillip Bentley, a senior.
Hewitt-Trussville struggled at the linebacker position last year, but Floyd likes his options in the middle of the defense. Sam Jones, Clint Simpson, Michael Edwards and Landen Berguson played some last year, and Floyd threw Jamarion White in the mix as well.
In the secondary, the Huskies have an elite defensive back in Alabama commit Malachi Moore. He has been a shutdown corner during his time in high school, but the Huskies have moved him around some in the spring with the intention of increasing his impact on the game. Moore could even find his way onto the offensive side of the ball at times as well.
“He’s one of the best in the country, and we’re fortunate to have him,” Floyd said.
Trey Washington, Holland, Kelly, Chase Patterson, Connor Thomas and Ethan Womack are also vying for playing time on the back end.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Gone is four-year starter Parker Colburn, so the Huskies will need to find a new kicker. Anthony Sanchez and CJ Curtis are contending for the kicking and punting duties, and Floyd said the Huskies have a bevy of skilled options in the return game, such as Washington, Goodwin, Worsham, Kelly, Thomas and others.
SCHEDULE
Hewitt-Trussville returned to 7A, Region 3 last fall after a two-year unbeaten run through Region 4. The Huskies will see region foes Spain Park, Vestavia Hills and Thompson visit Hewitt-Trussville Stadium, while they go on the road to face Oak Mountain, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Tuscaloosa County.
Outside of region action, the Huskies open the season against two-time reigning 6A champion Pinson Valley on Aug. 23, before hosting West Forsyth (Georgia) the following week. They visit Huffman on Sept. 27.