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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Dylan Cope (4)
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Photo by James Nicholas.
Owen Robinson (30)
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd surveys the field during a game between the Vestavia Hills Rebels and the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at Thompson Reynolds Stadium in Vestavia, AL. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by James Nicholas.
Hewitt-Trussville line backer Parker Floyd (8) tackles Thompson running back Michael Dujon (5) during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Thompson High School’s on Friday, October 06th, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville High School, Hewitt-Trussville football Stadium Stadium in Trussville AL. Photo by James Nicholas
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Hoover linebacker Bradley Shaw (7) and Hewitt-Trussville offensive lineman Mason Holloway (72) battle during a game between Hoover High School and Hewitt-Trussville High School on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson.
It is difficult to follow up one of the best seasons in recent program history, but that is what the Hewitt-Trussville High School football team is tasked with this fall.
The Huskies advanced to the state semifinals last year for the first time since 1996, and they were competitive in the semifinal loss to Thompson.
But last year’s accolades win no games in 2024, so Hewitt will have to start from scratch once again.
“We’ve got some guys that we had to replace,” said Josh Floyd, who enters his 11th year as the head coach at Hewitt. “We had a really good senior class last year that did a lot for this program.”
Floyd feels as if his Huskies are being discounted a little because of how much production was lost. His guys seem to be using that as motivation entering the fall.
“I think we have a really good group that is returning, that wants to do something this year, that has a little bit of a chip on their shoulder,” he said.
OFFENSE
With Juan Johnson taking the head coaching job at Baker, Ethan Carroll joins the Huskies as the offensive coordinator. While there is no mistaking that it is Floyd’s offensive system being run, he said Carroll has brought plenty to the table.
The first order of business will be finding a new quarterback following the graduation of Peyton Floyd. Senior Noah Dobbins appears ready to step in and take the reins.
“I’ve been really pleased. He’s waited his turn, he’s been patient,” Floyd said.
Parker Floyd, one of the Huskies’ top linebackers, could also get some time at quarterback.
Up front, Mason Holloway is the leader of the offensive line at tackle. He’s one of the strongest players on the team and will even get some snaps on defense. Nate Brisco played tight end last year but is moving to the line. Jackson Webb, Joshua Moore, Jackson Reeves and D’Ante Pickett are names to watch as well.
Junior running backs Deuce Alston and James Kelly are set for a breakout season out of the backfield. Josh Floyd called them both “home run threats” who can catch the ball as well. Freshman running back CJ Davis, son of former Auburn star Chris Davis, is knocking on the door as well.
At receiver, Jacob Serena and Dylan Cope were extremely productive last fall and return. The duo combined for more than 100 catches on the year. Cooper Langston started a few games last fall and should take a step forward.
Floyd also mentioned tight end Jackson Martin, as the Huskies replace all-state player Donovan Price at that spot.
DEFENSE
Hewitt-Trussville gets its top two tacklers back this fall, in linebackers Parker Floyd and Owen Robinson, as the Huskies have a strong nucleus returning on that side of the ball.
Drew Ollis returns along the defensive line, and Josh Floyd expects him to provide consistency and leadership up front. Sophomore D’ante Seals has garnered plenty of offers and could become a household name this fall at defensive end.
“We’ve had some good ones come through here with Hunter Osborne, Tyrell Averhart, Justice Finkley, but he’s his own guy,” Josh Floyd said. “He’s a little bit of all those guys.”
Look for the likes of Baasel Al-Absi, Cooper Huffman and others to make an impact on the line as well.
In the secondary, Michael Igbinoghene is a four-star prospect with offers from some of the best schools in the country. He is heading into his third year as a starter for the Huskies.
Will Phillips had a strong sophomore season, setting him up for another step forward in the back end of the defense as well. Tyler Wilson, Hayden Chauvin, Caden Ali and Ethan Ridley are players to watch in the secondary.
Floyd also mentioned Owen Sewell and DeNarrius Crawford as players with strong offseasons who almost certainly will factor into the mix.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Huskies are looking to find a new kicker this fall, with Colton Argo among the newcomers hoping to grab that starting role.
Ollis was the team’s punter last year and could easily slot into that spot once again. Dane McIlwain is a senior who is in the running to take over as the long snapper.
SCHEDULE
Hewitt-Trussville begins the season with a pair of non-region home games, hosting J.A.G. and Gadsden City before rushing into Class 7A, Region 3 action with a trip to Vestavia Hills.
The Huskies will host Hoover and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa ahead of a road trip to non-region Pinson Valley in the middle of the season.
Hewitt-Trussville travels to Thompson, hosts Prattville and Oak Mountain and plays at Tuscaloosa County to conclude region play. The Huskies take their open date the final week of the regular season ahead of a potential playoff run.
