By Rubin E. Grant
When Spain Park coach Shawn Raney looks over his 2019 football team, he sees a bunch of sophomores on offense and several seniors on defense.
But what he doesn’t see is players with experience.
“We’re going to be real young,” Raney said. “We started six sophomores on offense in our spring game against Jackson-Olin. On defense, we have a lot of seniors, but they hadn’t played a lot.”
Still, Raney believes the Jaguars could be a factor in rugged Class 7A, Region 3 despite finishing 4-6 in 2018 and having their 3-year state playoff streak halted.
“It’s the most skilled we’ve ever been on offense, but all of them are 14, 15 years old,” he said. “I think they will continue to get better as the year goes along and they get some experience.
“They’re talented and physical, and we’re looking for great things out of them the next three years.”
On the other side, Raney said, “The kids on defense do a good job.”
Backfield
The Jaguars do have some experience at quarterback with senior Harrison Barker returning. He’s the son of former University of Alabama quarterback Jay Barker and the brother of former Jaguars quarterback Braxton Barker.
“He’s athletic,” Raney said of the 5-foot-9 Harrison Barker “He can run and throw, and he’s a tremendous leader, similar to Braxton, who we had two years ago.”
Sophomore Bennett Meredith will serve as Barker’s backup. “We think he’s going to be a really good player,” Raney said.
The Jaguars don’t have a power back to replace Jalen Henderson, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2018 and walked on at Auburn University.
Senior Michael Callens, junior T’Nazj Means and sophomore Justin Pegues will share the running back load.
“They’re all small, scat back types,” Raney said. “We’ll be more of a perimeter team than a power team in the running game.”
Receivers
The Jaguars have several talented receivers Barker can look to in the passing game. Senior tight end Jacob Jenkins brings athleticism from the basketball court.
“He has a chance to be a good player,” Raney said. “He has good hands and he’s a good blocker.”
Sure-handed senior wide receiver George Hill also will be a primary target.
“He played a lot last year,” Raney said. “He’s more of a possession receiver. He does a great job of catching the ball.”
Sophomores Jaylen Ward and David Moultry and junior Cooper Kelley are explosive.
“If we can get the ball on the perimeter to these guys, I think they’re as good as anybody around,” Raney said.
Offensive Line
Raney described his offensive linemen as a “bunch of puppies.”
“We’ve got 11 linemen and none of them have much experience,” he said.
Senior Chaz Bounds will rotate at one of the guard spots. Three sophomores also will start, with Conner May at center, Andrew Moses at tackle and Jacob Boler at guard.
Junior Stephen Olsen, who started some as a sophomore, will be the other tackle and junior Brayden Boggan will be a backup at guard and center.
Defensive Line
The Jaguars could be good up front with seniors Jake Horton, a tackle, and DeQarius Hill, an end, anchoring the defensive line. Senior Jay Tibbs will be the other starting tackle and senior Goodwin Tidwell will be the other end. Junior Samuel Garivay will provide depth at both spots.
Linebackers
Three more seniors – Richard Moses, Chris Mancill and Michael Neal – comprise the linebacking corps. Senior Zach Rushing also will be in the mix.
Secondary
Spain Park will rotate sophomores Pegues and Patrick Davis and junior Zachary Graham at cornerback.
Davis has a chance to be special. “I think he will be a college prospect in the future,” Raney said. “He’s really talented.”
Junior Braden Brock will start at strong safety with senior Dolan Wilson at free safety. Junior Michael Ogletree will be in reserve.
Kickers
Junior Drake Tabor returns to handle the place-kicking duties.
“He’s gotten stronger and he’s experienced,” Raney said. “I think he will be a college kicker.”
Senior Neal Partin will take care of the punting.
Spain Park opens the season against Class 6A opponents Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa and Bessemer City before beginning Class 7A, Region 3 play.
