Vestavia Hills Rebels
That kid
Every team needs “that kid,” a player who displays heart, leadership or other intangibles — not only under the Friday night lights but also during the sweltering heat of August practices.
Coach Buddy Anderson singles out his three veteran offensive linemen as those who fit the perfect mold of a Rebel: Ben Cage, Hayes Lucas and Austin Chandler. “All three of those guys fit that mold: Great effort, work ethic, attitude.”
Buddy system: Look for old-school Rebels to keep rolling
It seems like only the players change at Vestavia Hills. Buddy Anderson is the constant. Oh yeah, and winning.
That’s probably not fair to the many good – and some outstanding – players who have worn the Rebels’ red and blue.
But as Anderson enters his 37th year as a head coach – all at Vestavia – and approaches the record for most wins as a high school coach in the state of Alabama, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as the face of Rebels football.
Opponent coaches will tell you that Anderson utilizes his best players to the max, makes the good players great and the average ones good. They’ll tell you that they know what Vestavia will bring to the game offensively and defensively, but good luck stopping it because what the Rebels do they do very well. And if you do figure it out, watch out because Anderson is one of the state’s best in-game coaches.
Expect old-school Vestavia to do what Vestavia does, even as it enters the brave new world of Class 7A, Region 3, the most difficult region in Alabama football. Anderson’s teams are noted for hard-hitting defenses, powerful running games, solid technique and sound fundamentals – with a wrinkle here or there to surprise you.
The Rebels have a challenging schedule in region play and will also continue their rivalry with Shades Valley.
“We’ve been playing each other every year since 1973,” Anderson said this summer. The Mounties are in Class 6A, but are expected to contend for a region championship and possibly a state championship. “They are going to be real good this year but we still wanted to play them.”
The Rebels open with Homewood and then visit Oak Mountain. Anderson could be the record-holder before week three.
Last year, the Rebels’ 11-3 season ended with a three-point loss to state champion Hoover in the state 6A semifinals. The Bucs handed the Rebels two of their three losses by a total of 13 points – with both games on the road. The Rebels even led the Bucs by 18 points in the third quarter. Count on Vestavia Hills to be similarly tough, even as Hoover rejoins the Rebels in regional play.
OFFENSE
Five Rebels return as starters on offense. As one might expect, when Anderson talks about offense, he starts in the trenches. “I’ve got three returning starters: Hayes Lucas, a guard, and Austin Chandler and Ben Cage at tackle.” Quarterback Landon Crowder returns to direct an attack that will punish defenses and then attack with play-action. Sam Harvey is back at a wide receiver post.
No starters return at running back, but seniors Christian Palmer and Carter Jacobs each played a good bit and junior Walker Minor is also in the mix. Anderson calls them “average high school running backs,” but you can bet defenses will think differently. Daniel Gosdin, who saw time last season at fullback, will take over there.
“We’ll run the football. We like to throw the football when WE want to throw the football. High percentage passes,” Anderson said. “Landon is an excellent leader and very talented and has the knack of hitting what he throws at. He understands the offense and knows how to run it.”
DEFENSE
Clayton Farris and Alex Robin are back to anchor the defensive front. They’ll miss all-state end Dalton Campbell. Steadman Gulley will be a stalwart at linebacker, and Nolan Turner should be solid in the secondary.
It’s not the most experienced defense, but Anderson likes the team speed. As usual, Rebels who’ve been waiting in the wings will have to step up to replace some departed key players, but Anderson’s veteran staff always seems to plug in well-coached and gritty players who maximize their abilities.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jack Hatchett returns as place-kicker and will also punt this season.