By Rubin E. Grant
A cloud of uncertainty has enveloped the Vestavia Hills’ football program heading into the 2020 season.
Legendary head coach Buddy Anderson and several Rebels players tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-August, forcing the school to suspend practice and cancel its first two games of the season, against Mountain Brook and Homewood. (See story on page 25)
The Rebels were hoping to resume practice Aug. 21 and play their first game of the season Sept. 4 against Hoover.
This will be the final season of Anderson’s lengthy career with the Rebels. The 70-year-old coach announced earlier this summer he was retiring at the end of the 2020 campaign, his 43rd as the Rebels’ head coach. He is the winningest coach in state history, with a 342-154 record.
Before the suspension of practice, Anderson said he liked the work ethic of his team.
“The kids have been working hard and they’re hungry,” he said. “We have a chance to be a good football team. We have some inexperience on defense, but we’ve got some good athletes over there. On offense, we’ve got an experienced offensive line and we’ve got experience at running back.
“We’ve got more kids this year out for football than ever. With the freshmen, it’s over 200. That’s a great problem to have.”
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Rebels.
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
The Rebels have to replace highly successful quarterback Eli Sawyer, who helped them average 30.5 points per game in 2019. With Sawyer gone, the Rebels will turn to senior Braden Glenn as the starter. He spent the past two seasons as Sawyer’s backup.
“He brings a whole different skill set,” Anderson said, “but he’s a great leader.”
Juniors Mitchell Towns and Fort Edmonds are penciled in as Glenn’s backups.
Running Backs
Juniors Pierce Hanna and Bryant Agee return at tailback after seeing plenty of action as sophomores. Senior Tai Crawford also is in the mix.
Senior Landon Neese returns at fullback, with seniors Brayden Duke and Alex McKinstry and junior Rob Warnock in reserve.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Senior Charlie Hughes is a returning starter at wide receiver. Seniors Lleyton Hargrove and Knox Romeo and juniors Cole Turner and Colton Rohling are also on hand. Turner is the younger brother of Clemson defensive back Nolan Turner, a former Rebel.
“He’s a good athlete, but he has a lot of rough edges,” Anderson said.
Senior Hasting Sykes will start at tight end, with senior William Cox and juniors Walker Creel and Josh Decker seeing time at the position.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has experience and depth. The starting tackles are senior Dawson Ray and junior Hoke Smith, with juniors Cade Allen, Cole Lenhart and Nelson Greiner in reserve. Sophomores Sam Deason and Hudson Hager are also in the mix.
The starting guards are seniors Drew Ulch and John King. Juniors Jack Dawsey and John David Miles and senior Darren Gordon will serve as backups. Junior Hill Stokes returns as the starter at center with sophomore Jack McMurray and senior Walker McCulley as backups.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Seniors Bryce Littleton and Trey Saunders are expected to start at defensive end, with senior Carter Tyus, junior Blake Jeffers and sophomores Andrew Sykes and Lane Whisenhunt in reserve.
Defensive tackle Michael Lawrence is the lone returning starter on the defense. The other starting tackle will be senior Everett Thompson. The backups are juniors Max Neuroth, Eli Vielguth and Vaughn Schneider.
Linebackers
Senior Josh Cheatham, who played extensively last season, will be one of the starters. Others in the mix are senior Aidan Robinson and juniors John Edwards, Jack Davis, Davis Stewart and Adam Rudulph.
Secondary
Seniors Tyler Moore and Caleb Uhlich will start at cornerback, with seniors Skylar McGee and Cam Lyaka and junior Zack Mueller serving as backups. Senior Joseph Sullivan will start at free safety and junior John Ross Ashley at strong safety, with senior Leighton Reese and sophomores Will Cox, Jack Lamey and Dylan Jaquess in reserve.
Kickers
Matthew McMeans returns as the placekicker after connecting on 40 of 41 extra-point attempts. He will likely handle punting duties, too.
“We’re glad to have him back,” Anderson said.
