Merrill replaces veteran Braasch as defensive coordinator
Vestavia enters its second season as a member of Class 7A, Region 3. Last year, the Rebels went 3-7 and missed the playoffs. But, this region is incredibly difficult. Schools such as Mountain Brook, Spain Park, Oak Mountain and, of course, Hoover are what make it the toughest region in Alabama football.
“It’s been referred to as the SEC region of Alabama high school football,” said head coach Buddy Anderson.
“With every opponent, it’s like playing an SEC game every Friday night, where anybody can beat anybody. You better be ready to strap it on every week.”
Vestavia even faces tough competition in their non-region games. The Rebels will play Homewood and Oxford again, which both went to the playoffs last season in Class 6A.
The Rebels open the 2015 campaign at Homewood, whom they beat at home to start last season, 17-7.
Game two on the schedule is a home contest against Oak Mountain. Vestavia lost to the Eagles last year by seven points.
“We have high expectations every year. The team chemistry will be critical. Last year we lost five games by a touchdown or less. We’ve got to take care of the little things and see how well things mesh together,” said Anderson.
One big change for the Rebels is the recent retiring of defensive coordinator Peter Braasch. He was with Anderson for 35 years.
Anderson said that the Rebels’ biggest keys to success this season, besides adjusting to a new defensive coordinator, are staying healthy and building team chemistry.
“We have to improve as a team every day. Hopefully we stay away from injuries. Health is always a big part of it.”
Offense
Vestavia’s quarterback is senior Brett Jones. Jones started the final three games last year and did a good job, according to Anderson. “He’s got to improve every week. His experience from last year will be valuable.”
Also returning is senior running back Walker Minor. If Minor were to get injured, the Rebels will have solid backup options in junior RBs Toliver Chatwood and Ray Murphy. Senior Bo Norman is included in that mix as well.
“We’re looking for all these guys to step up,” said Anderson.
Next, Morgan Long will play fullback.
The Rebels have experience at the wide receiver position, as seniors Remington Patterson and Josh Denney are both returning starters. Junior Mitchell Langley is also expected to play receiver.
Anderson is looking to get some depth of offense from juniors Jacobi Hudson, Conner Rohling and Isaiah Flowers, and senior Nathan Turner. Senior Davis Gurosky and junior Jeremiah Smith will be on the O-line.
Anderson said his biggest concern is the offensive line. And for the whole team, just “getting the puzzle pieces together in the right places.”
Defense
The veteran Peter Braasch has retired and Chad Merrill, who previously coached Vestavia’s D-line, will take over as defensive coordinator.
The good news for Merrill is that the Rebels have a lot of experience coming back on defense. Collegiate prospects Alex Robin and Clayton Farris are expected to lead the D-line.
Additionally, Anderson is looking for contributions out of the Edwards twins, James and Jacob.
“We also need Stone Brooks and Prescott Gilbert to give us some extra depth there, as well as Walter Thomas,” he said.
At DE will be Dillon Campbell and Michael Schroeder. Junior Ray Murphy and Emmanuel Johnson will also see time at end.
The linebacker position looks to be in good hands. Steadman Gulley, who missed most of last year with an injury, started at LB as a sophomore. Seniors Sam Lawson and Nate Lewis are also linebackers, along with George Dazzio. Junior Ethan Guidry provides even more depth at linebacker.
Strong safety Reid Adams has experience, and so does strong safety Jackson Ewing. Anderson is looking for depth out of senior Zach Meadows.
Other key names include Alex Hall, Bo Norman and free safety Daniel Sims, plus Nolan Turner.
The four corners are Levi Wiggins, Tucker Queen, Ford Waters and Garret Lee. Juniors Cooper Jones and Steven Thackerson are in the mix for the fullback spot.
Special Teams
There will be more than two guys battling for place-kicker, as Curry Howard, Jack Strong and Manraj Singh are all possibilities. Anderson expects them to battle it out. The punter is Curry Howard.