Huskies set to rebound after missing playoffs
Editor's Note: As of press time, the high school football season was still set to begin Aug. 21. It is unclear at this time whether the season will be altered due to the impact of COVID-19.
Last fall, the Hewitt-Trussville High School football team started strong and finished on a high note, but a rough stretch in the middle left the Huskies on the outside looking in once the playoffs rolled around.
It was the first time in head coach Josh Floyd’s tenure the Huskies failed to make the playoffs, but the team dealt with a gamut of injuries, particularly at the quarterback position. Three of Hewitt’s four losses were by a combined 10 points.
“Every game last year was a nail biter,” Floyd said.
Due in large part to the injuries, many young Huskies gained valuable experience that should pay dividends for the 2020 campaign. Pair that with a strong senior class and Floyd is upbeat about this fall.
“They’re winners and they’re used to winning,” Floyd said of the senior class. “Going back to seventh grade, they were winners. They won a championship then. They’re guys that stuck together.”
OFFENSE
After senior quarterback Seth Shelnutt went down in the season opener last fall, Jackson Holland and Cade Ott Carruth carried the load for the duration. Both played well despite battling their own injuries at various points.
“They’re a little bit different but I feel very confident we can win games with either one of them,” Floyd said.
Adding to the equation is Holland’s ability on the other side of the ball as well. When not playing quarterback last fall, Holland was one of the Huskies’ top defenders at the safety position.
“We’re just going to wait and see how it plays out,” Floyd said.
Explosive tailback Armoni Goodwin — an Auburn commit — is back for the Huskies after suffering a knee injury last fall. In his stead, Sean Jackson was more than adequate. With both set to share the backfield, the Huskies’ offense has plenty of potential.
“Sean was one of our leading receivers last year, and Armoni is one of the most explosive guys I’ve ever coached,” said Floyd, who added that Jackson was one of the most complete running backs he’s had.
Omari Kelly is a breakout candidate at the receiver spot as he steps into the role of unquestioned leader of the unit. Tight end Matt Miller is a name to watch catching passes from Holland or Carruth as well, with Ryan Shoop, Cayson Zackery and Carter Hollis also looking to break into the mix.
Up front, Miller Malone, Riley Quick and Stephen Horsley are back as full-time starters from last season’s offensive line. Maverick McIntyre played some at center last year and returns. DJ Carter, Ryan Gunter, Kyle Wright and Harrison Asbury are other linemen in contention for playing time.
DEFENSE
Hewitt-Trussville’s defense should only improve in defensive coordinator Sean Talsma’s second season leading the group.
“The kids believe in the system and what he’s doing,” Floyd said. “That’s something that’s really positive. We did a lot better job not giving up big plays last year as a defense.”
The strength of the Hewitt-Trussville defense is likely in the middle, as all the Huskies linebackers return for 2020. Bam White, Landen Berguson, Michael Edwards and Clint Simpson are all back, possessing plenty of experience.
The defensive line is highlighted by Justice Finkley, one of the top defensive end prospects in the country. Floyd said the Huskies will move him around the line throughout games to give him different looks.
“He’s a heck of a player,” Floyd said.
Connor Knight, Hunter Osborne and Antonio Rios are some other candidates making a case for some playing time along the front.
The secondary is headlined by Trey Washington, a rising star at cornerback and recent Ole Miss commit. Floyd said he got better and better as last season progressed, and the Huskies even used him at wide receiver because of his penchant for big plays. If Holland is not under center, he will be a factor at safety.
Ethan Womack, Connor Thomas and Elijah Thomas are names to watch in the secondary as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jordan Lynn captured headlines and provided the Huskies with a steady foot in the kicking game last fall, but her graduation leaves a hole in the special teams units.
Floyd said the likes of CJ Curtis, Ethan Wilson and Riley Rigg are among the candidates to help out with the kicking and punting duties this fall.
SCHEDULE
Hewitt-Trussville already plays in Class 7A, Region 3, with the likes of defending state champion Thompson, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, etc. But the Huskies begin the season by playing two of the top 6A teams in the state, Pinson Valley and Saraland.
In the region, Gadsden City replaces Mountain Brook, which moved down to 6A.
The Huskies also play Huffman in the middle of the season. They will play 10 straight weeks before having a week off before a potential playoff appearance begins.