Photo by Michael Jackson.
Jack Floyd (7).
Hewitt-Trussville High School enters the season younger than it has in years, but head coach Josh Floyd said the program is excited about the talent stepping into bigger roles.
“We’ve got some seniors that are really good players, they just haven’t had to be the guy yet,” Floyd said. “Now’s their chance.”
Last season ended 8-3 with a heartbreaking playoff loss after Hewitt-Trussville climbed to No. 1 in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll for the first time since 1991.
The Huskies did it despite a rash of injuries. Freshman quarterback Jack Floyd stepped in and led the team through a three-game gauntlet against Vestavia Hills, Hoover andHillcrest-Tuscaloosa, all ranked top-10 teams, winning all three before an injury of his own ended his season at Prattville.
“I don’t think it was our most talented team we’ve ever had, but I think they showed a ton of grit and fight,” Josh Floyd said.
Floyd pointed to a road win at Hoover as last year’s signature moment, a game the Huskies won despite what he called far from their cleanest performance. Hewitt-Trussville trailed most of the night before taking the lead late in the fourth quarter and getting defensive stops to close it out.
“It’s hard to go over there and win,” Floyd said. “Our guys just found a way.”
The coaching staff returns unchanged for another season. The region looks similar to a year ago, with Hillcrest departing and Spain Park entering, though Floyd said this year’s full schedule, including a non-region slate with Auburn, Hillcrest Tuscaloosa and Pike Road, is among the toughest he’s faced.
Hewitt-Trussville opens the season on the road against Auburn on Aug. 21, then hosts Hillcrest Tuscaloosa the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 against Hoover. The Huskies travel to Tuscaloosa County, Oak Mountain and Vestavia Hills and host Prattville, Thompson and Spain Park within the region. Hewitt-Trussville has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season on the road at Pike Road.
OFFENSE
Jack Floyd enters the year as the full-time starting quarterback after going 4-1 as a freshman starter, and his coach and dad said he’s added significant size and strength since last season. Junior Harris Tuggle has also improved and pushes for reps, while sophomore Judah Webber can play quarterback in a pinch but will primarily help the team on defense.
“I think what helped win the team over was just his competitiveness, to be able to go in there in that kind of environment and compete,” Josh Floyd said of Jack.
At running back, sophomore Daniel Williams brings explosiveness and vision, while senior Harrison Malone, primarily a linebacker, will also see carries after two strong seasons on defense. Nathan Mohr is also in the mix there.
The offensive line returns seniors Micah Fantroy and Calvyn Speigner as starters, with sophomore Searcy Ellis and junior Odin Woodley, both thrown into starting roles last year, also back. Sophomores Anders Hardy, Hunter Jordan and John Carson Koehler add size and depth to a group Floyd said is bigger than in years past.
Jackson Martin (20)
At tight end, senior Jackson Martin returns as a three-year starter with multiple FBS offers, and Floyd said he’s noticeably more explosive after playing through injury a year ago. Junior Will Baker and senior Will Miller, who is still working back into football shape after a spring on the baseball diamond, round out the group.
Hewitt-Trussville’s receiving corps replaces several key contributors, led by junior Dylan Price, senior Riley O’Neill, senior Lucian Nelson, senior DJ Hall, junior Tyron Allen and junior Henry Farrell, who also handles some kicking duties. Sophomore Reid Langley adds size to the group as well.
DEFENSE
Photos by Shawn Bowles.
D’ante Seals (6).
Only three players return who saw significant snaps a year ago, led by senior D’ante Seals, a three-year starter and Troy commit who can line up on the interior or the edge.
“He’s a guy that’s been in the battles,” Floyd said of Seals.
Senior Harrison Malone returns at outside linebacker after an all-region season, and senior Simeon Watson anchors the secondary at cornerback after starting there since his sophomore year.
Up front alongside Seals, senior Eli Abney provides edge presence, with junior Michael Ross, junior Sam Starkey and junior Luke Vandenberghe, a converted offensive lineman, adding depth.
Zion Westry (21)
At linebacker, senior Jayden Berry and junior Ryker Dummitt anchor the middle, with sophomores Hunter Futrell and Joseph Deibert, and transfer Cody Parker also in the mix.
The secondary features junior Zion Westry and junior Khalil Braswell at cornerback alongside Watson, while junior Parker Neigoot returns after missing last season, joined by junior Caleb Scott and junior Sam Dick at safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Seniors Nathan Fritz, Banks Loyd and Tony Hrbacek all return to handle placekicking, kickoffs and punting, respectively. Henry Farrell adds a second kicking option after hitting a 45-yard field goal against Thompson last season, and sophomore Rivers Harbison is expected to compete for a role in the return game.
