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Photos by James Nicholas.
Aaron Frye (14).
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Photos by James Nicholas.
JT Jones (57)
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Photo by Todd Thompson.
Deon Callins (7).
Complacency will not be an issue for Clay-Chalkville this fall.
It may not have been last season, but human nature is a funny thing. After winning the 2023 Class 6A state championship, the Cougars never quite clicked on all cylinders in 2024 and finished with a 9-3 record.
As Stuart Floyd enters his second year as head coach, he sees the Cougars as a team eager to reclaim its lofty standing among the state’s elite.
“It’s getting that hunger back,” he said. “It’s one thing approaching the year with a championship [the previous year]; it’s an entirely different thing without it.”
Clay-Chalkville had a region winning streak that extended past three years before Oxford snapped it and won the Region 6 title a year ago.
In region play this fall, the Cougars get Pell City, Oxford and Pinson Valley at home, while hitting the road to play Shades Valley, Mountain Brook and Huffman.
Outside of region action, the Cougars open the season at Hueytown and also have home games against Ramsay, Brandon (Miss.) and Thompson.
OFFENSE
Aaron Frye got the full experience last fall, leading the Cougars as the full-time quarterback for the first time. He had plenty of great moments, and Floyd believes he can take the next step this fall as a senior. He said Frye commands the team now and is an unquestioned leader.
Frye has a dynamic duo flanking him in the backfield, with Joshua Woods and Aaron Robinson returning. Floyd compared them to thunder and lightning, as Woods is a solid, dependable, every-down back, while Robinson is a quick-hitting, change-of-pace type of back.
Out wide, Corey Barber has transferred back to Clay-Chalkville after a standout year at Spain Park, where he emerged as a top receiver in the 2026 class. Barber will be the focal point of the Cougars’ passing attack, with plenty of intriguing options around him. Jacari Johnson and Kaleb Amerson figure to be starters, with Floyd effusing high praise for Amerson. Although just a sophomore, Floyd said Amerson has similar physical traits to former Cougar turned NFL star Nico Collins. Caden Farris, Braxton Burt, Cartier Barnes and Zaylin Nash are also pushing to be in the mix.
Floyd is also excited about utilizing Nasir Ray in the offense. He can line up at tight end, receiver, running back or be utilized as a fullback.
The offensive line should be a strength for Clay-Chalkville as well. The Cougars welcome back three returning starters, with JT Jones, Tavaris Powell and Christian Bennett all back. Jones is moving to the center position and will be starting for the fourth straight year, while Powell and Bennett will bookend the line as tackles. Shamar Smith is ready to step in at left guard, with the right guard spot still up in the air.
DEFENSE
Clay-Chalkville’s defense was one of the state’s best last fall, allowing fewer than 12 points per game. There are a few major holes to fill, particularly up front, but plenty of star power returning to give the Cougars a great starting point.
Along the defensive front, Colton McIntyre is back and has assumed the leadership role for the line. Keith Richmond is a potential breakout player, featuring a high motor with playmaking ability. Lincoln Moxey, JT Taylor and Carlos Pope are names to watch.
Isaiah Brown is back at linebacker after playing every snap on last year’s defense. Floyd was impressed with what he saw toward the end of last season from Quinton Lowe, who is expected to take on a significant role this year. Leland Johnson is an incoming transfer and Jamario Yadao is in the mix as well.
There are three lynchpins coming back in the secondary. Deon Callins has the makings of a lockdown cornerback, while Xavier Starks and Josh Ivy are back at safety. Brayden Butler will get his chance at corner after missing last season with a knee injury.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Joseph Del Toro gives Clay-Chalkville a steady and reliable option at kicker, while some of the other key roles on special teams are up for grabs. Floyd mentioned a player like CJ Eldridge as an option for long snapper. Eldridge’s athleticism allows him to excel in a variety of roles, as he also serves as the Cougars’ backup quarterback and is a catcher on the baseball diamond.
