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Photos by Shawn Bowles.
Deuce Alston (2).
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Photos by Shawn Bowles.
Dylan Cope (1)
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Photos by Shawn Bowles.
D’ante Seals (6)
One word can describe what head coach Josh Floyd has seen from his Hewitt-Trussville football team leading into the 2025 season:
Motivated.
The Huskies broke a pattern in 2023, reaching the state semifinals for the first time in 17 years. But they faltered in the postseason last fall, suffering a disappointing overtime loss to Baker in the first round of the playoffs.
They seem determined to head back in the other direction this season, and Floyd believes he has a team equipped to do just that.
“They’re very motivated,” said the coach entering his 12th year at Hewitt-Trussville. “That’s a factor. It means a lot. I’m not saying they’re mad at the world, they’re just motivated. We had an opportunity last year and we let it get by.”
There are certainly some key players to replace from last year’s squad, but the Huskies are a senior-heavy team and have the pieces to be in the mix as one of the top teams in Class 7A this fall.
“I’m excited about our leadership this year. Our senior class has done a good job, starting in January,” Floyd said. “Our goal is to win a state championship and bring a blue map here. We’ve been close over the years.”
In the non-region schedule, Hewitt-Trussville opens up the year with a non-region game against J.A.G. of Montgomery. The Huskies then head to Gadsden City the following week and host Pinson Valley in the middle of the season.
Region 3 is always one of the toughest slates to navigate across the state. Hewitt will get home games against Vestavia Hills, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County, and take to the road to face Hoover, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Prattville and Oak Mountain.
Photos by Shawn Bowles.
Dylan Cope (1)
OFFENSE
He patiently waited for his opportunity, and the time has come for senior Zach Benedict to take the reins at quarterback for the Huskies. Floyd praised his talent and appreciates his stability in a time many players would have bolted to a different school.
He will have immense talent joining him in the backfield. Deuce Alston returns after a standout 2024 season. Alston is a recent University of Kentucky commit and is known for running hard.
Not many offenses have one player — much less two — as versatile as James Kelly and CJ Davis, each capable of lining up at running back or receiver without missing a beat.
Tyler Wilson is a sophomore who could enter the running back mix as well.
Headlining the receiving corps is Dylan Cope, who recently committed to Virginia. Cope has established himself as one of the best wideouts in the state and will be featured in the offense. Beyond Cope, DJ Hall has a chance to step into a big role on the offense with his top-end speed presenting matchup problems.
Jackson Martin will be the Huskies’ tight end, and is also a matchup nightmare, standing at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, with great hands. Riley O’Neill is a pass-catching option as well.
Hewitt’s offensive line should be a strength as well. Jackson Reeves, Joshua Moore and Jackson Webb are seniors and returning starters up front. Deonta Pickett is only a sophomore, but he gained some valuable experience last fall. Micah Fantroy earned a couple starts last year and should fill a gap there as well. Calvyn Speigner could also find himself in the rotation up front.
Photos by Shawn Bowles.
D’ante Seals (6)
DEFENSE
It will be hard to replicate the production of last year’s Hewitt-Trussville defense, but the Huskies will give it a shot. Defensive coordinator Sean Talsma’s unit was arguably the state’s best in 2024, yielding only 9.5 points per contest.
It starts with returning All-South Metro Defensive Player of the Year Parker Floyd, who returns at linebacker to anchor the Huskies’ defense.
Up front, D’ante Seals is a force to be reckoned with, holding multiple SEC offers and ready for a potential breakout season. Baasel Alabsi has gotten stronger over the offseason and Josh Floyd expects him to take on a significant role. Preston Bozeman has earned his opportunity up front, and sophomore Michael Ross is likely to crack the rotation as well.
Alongside Parker Floyd in the middle of the defense, Woogie Crawford is back and is another talented player with plenty of experience. Harrison Malone led the team in interceptions as a sophomore and is back at linebacker after playing offense last fall. Antonio Wynn is an intriguing sophomore, possessing elite speed.
Will Phillips is a returning all-state player in the secondary, who also caught three touchdown passes last fall. He will be a leader once again, as will Hayden Chauvin and Caden Ali on the back end of the defense. Ethan Ridley and Simeon Watson are also players to watch there.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Floyd mentioned players like Drew Ollis being unsung heroes, as the productive defensive lineman and long snapper graduated last year. The Huskies are looking to replace some key roles on special teams. Banks Loyd and Nathan Fritz are battling for the kicking and punting duties.
The return game should be solid, though, with players like Davis and Hall more than capable of breaking loose.
