With the dust settled on another high school football season, the Alexander City Outlook wanted to take time to recognize the best players at their respective positions in its coverage area.
Quarterback: Gabe Benton, Benjamin Russell sophomore
Despite missing multiple games with injury, first-year starter Gabe Benton led the area in every major passing stat this season. He completed 56 percent of his throws for 1,572 yards and 13 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He added 48 yards and two scores on the ground.
Running Back: Gavin Brazzell, Horseshoe Bend senior
Gavin Brazzell wrapped up his fourth year as a starter at Horseshoe Bend in 2021, a rare feat in and of itself, but it gets even more impressive when you consider most of those seasons he started on both offense and defense. He was the Generals’ most consistent rushing threat and a sweeper at safety.
Running Back: Cassidy Howard, Central Coosa junior
Cassidy Howard led all Central Coosa running backs in rushing yards during the 2021 season while also playing a huge role on the defensive side of the football, where he was the Cougars’ leading tackler.
Running Back: Christian Nelson, Dadeville senior
- Cliff Williams 334-740-1116
Dadeville’s back-by-committee approach to rushing the football in its power scheme was spearheaded by senior running back Christian Nelson, who’s appearing on the All-Outlook first-team for a second straight year. His power and ability to move in tight spaces advanced the ball at many key times throughout the year for the Tigers.
Wide Receiver: Trae Butler, Central Coosa senior
Trae Butler (left) held 4.3 speed and excellent smarts as a receiver, according to Thomas, which gave Central Coosa’s offense an element of spacing and verticality it didn’t have when he wasn’t on the field. He was also the team’s best lockdown cornerback.
Wide Receiver: Marcus Haynes, Reeltown senior
- Jake Arthur
Marcus Haynes’ speed and 6-foot-3 frame made for a lethal big-play receiver, something he showcased in a 220-yard receiving performance at Holtville to close the regular season. On the year he hauled in 24 passes for 527 yards and seven touchdowns and added 198 punt return yards.
Wide Receiver: Corri Milliner, Benjamin Russell junior
Of the 120 passes Benton completed this season for the Wildcats, 60 of them went to none other than Corri Milliner. Milliner collected 880 yards receiving across those grabs with eight touchdowns, including the game-winning score in Benjamin Russell’s first victory of the season.
Tight End: Jordan Parker, Dadeville senior
- CLIFF WILLIAMS 334-740-1116
Jordan Parker is another in a line of two-way stars to make this list, helping anchor Dadeville’s defense at linebacker while also being its most consistent receiving option at the tight end position. His blocking came to the forefront in Dadeville’s power run schemes but when the Tigers threw the ball he was a player defenses had to account for.
Offensive Tackle: Logan Dillard, Reeltown junior
- Cliff Williams 334-740-1116
Logan Dillard paved the way for Hughley and protected the blindside of Reeltown quarterback Gabe Bryant all season, well enough that he’s receiving serious looks from major colleges, Johnson said. His size and quickness off the ball make for a deadly combination.
Offensive Tackle: Trey McMillian, Benjamin Russell senior
Trey McMillian slid inside from tight end and turned into one of the area’s best pass blockers this season, bookending an offensive line predicated on keeping quarterback Gabe Benton upright in the early stretches of the Wildcats’ season, when the majority of their years were coming through the air.
Offensive Guard: Matt Knox, Reeltown senior
- Dan Smith Troy Alabama
The glue of a Reeltown offensive line that paved the way for its top running back to average 9.3 yards per carry, Matt Knox provided leadership, athleticism and stability on the interior. He was also one of the team’s leading tacklers at linebacker.
Offensive Guard: Trace McCaleb, Benjamin Russell senior
A gifted mind as well as a gifted athlete, Trace McCaleb was Benjamin Russell’s highest-graded offensive lineman all year and responsible for communication across the front. Someone who overcame multiple season-ending injuries in his past, coach Aubrey Blackwell said he defines what it means to be a Wildcat, and he was given the ‘Wildcat Pride Award’ by teammates.
Center: Dee "Alpha Dawg" Griffin, Reeltown senior
No player lives up to his name quite like Reeltown senior Dee “Alpha Dawg” Griffin, who could have made first team on either the offensive or defensive side of the football. His aggression off the snap of the ball often changed the line of scrimmage and generated opportunities for the Rebels’ running game to find room and linebackers to make tackles.
Defensive End: Conner Mitchell, Central Coosa junior
Conner Mitchell provided the Cougars with a pass rush that increased in both consistency and lethality as the year went on, piling up seven sacks over the course of the season. He started along the offensive line as well.
Defensive End: Carter Williams, Dadeville junior
- CLIFF WILLIAMS 334-740-1116
Dadeville had a number of standouts coming off the edge but the most consistent threat among them, according to coach Roger McDonald, was Carter Williams. His ability to contain the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks paid huge dividends on defense for the Tigers.
Defensive Tackle: Colin Goodwin, Dadeville senior
This isn’t the first time Colin Goodwin has appeared on this list as he’s been a rock on the line for Dadeville for multiple seasons. He was a run-plugging menace at defensive tackle, able to burst off the line of scrimmage to fill gaps, and also played on the offensive side when the team needed him to fill in.
Defensive Tackle: Dewey Freeman, Horseshoe Bend senior
Dewey Freeman has been called upon as a mainstay on both the offensive and defensive lines throughout his Horseshoe Bend career. This season it took on a particular importance, however, with him being not only the lone senior lineman for the Generals, but the lone upperclassman in the position room. He didn’t disappoint.
Linebacker: Caiden Hyde, Benjamin Russell sophomore
One of the biggest surprises for Benjamin Russell’s defense, Caiden Hyde finished third on the Wildcats for tackles (66) and second in tackles for loss (10). The versatility he showed in pass coverage is what placed him on this list, however, as the front-seven defender picked up a team-high three interceptions and added three passes defensed. He also had a game-clinching tackle on fourth down against Smiths Station.
Linebacker: Holt Tidwell, Horseshoe Bend senior
- Jake Arthur
Much like running back Gavin Brazzell, Holt Tidwell was a four-year starter for Horseshoe Bend and served as both a dynamic option in the run game and one of the team’s most dependable tacklers and leaders on the defensive side.
Linebacker: Avontae Wilson, Dadeville junior
A physical specimen at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds of solid muscle, many running backs regretted the plays in which they met Avontae Wilson this season. Dadeville’s anchor at linebacker flew all over the field making tackles, often hitting ball carriers with unrelenting force.
Defensive Back: Philstavious Dowdell, Dadeville junior
- Cliff Williams 334-740-1116
Philstavious Dowdell was the ball-hawking free safety that made Dadeville’s secondary tick, although he scored several touchdowns both on the ground and through the air at wide receiver as well and made just as big an impact on special teams, where he handed out punt and kick return touchdowns like candy. He had a special teams score in each of the Tigers’ first four games.
Defensive Back: Elijah Richardson, Central Coosa junior
In terms of generating turnovers, few players covered by The Outlook were more productive than Central Coosa safety Elijah Richardson. He intercepted no less than seven passes for the Cougars this season from his safety position.
Defensive Back: Ty Williams, Benjamin Russell junior
- Jake Arthur
Ty Williams was named Team MVP by Benjamin Russell Monday. Despite playing cornerback, he piled up 59 tackles. He added two interceptions and two forced fumbles to that total. When Benton went down with an injury, Williams took over at quarterback as the Wildcats unveiled their new formation titled “wing,” picking up 176 passing yards and 135 rushing yards.
Defensive Back: Arthur Woods, Reeltown sophomore
- Brittany Pitts
The all-around defensive prowess of Arthur Woods to fly into the box for run support and also drop back in coverage provided huge gains for the Rebels’ defense. Coach Matt Johnson said his skillset proved vital in the team’s win against rival Dadeville, delivering big hits to the Tigers’ running backs in their power scheme.
Kicker: David Layfield, Horseshoe Bend eighth grader
- Jake Arthur
When Horseshoe Bend needed a kicker this season, 5-foot-4 eighth-grade cross country star David Layfield took up the mantle and nailed all but one of his extra point attempts. He had a special aptitude for onside kicks as well, with the Generals recovering onsides they attempted more often than their opponents did, a rarity for the desperation play.
Punter: Wardrellis Cox, Dadeville senior
Wardellis Cox showcased one of the strongest legs in the area through his punting duties throughout the season. He averaged a monstrous 42.3 yards per punt and is in contention for All-State honors for Class 3A. [Photo / Submitted]
Long Snapper: Jackson Hutto, Benjamin Russell senior
- Jake Arthur
Long snappers don’t get a ton of recognition, but one snap over the head of a punter can result in easy points for the opposing team. Jackson Hutto was as reliable at the position as one can hope for, coach Aubrey Blackwell said. [Photo / Jake Arthur]
The All-Outlook Football Team: First Team
Quarterback: Gabe Benton, Benjamin Russell sophomore
Despite missing multiple games with injury, first-year starter Gabe Benton led the area in every major passing stat this season. He completed 56 percent of his throws for 1,572 yards and 13 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He added 48 yards and two scores on the ground.
Running Back: Gavin Brazzell, Horseshoe Bend senior
Gavin Brazzell wrapped up his fourth year as a starter at Horseshoe Bend in 2021, a rare feat in and of itself, but it gets even more impressive when you consider most of those seasons he started on both offense and defense. He was the Generals’ most consistent rushing threat and a sweeper at safety.
Running Back: Cassidy Howard, Central Coosa junior
Cassidy Howard led all Central Coosa running backs in rushing yards during the 2021 season while also playing a huge role on the defensive side of the football, where he was the Cougars’ leading tackler.
Running Back: Christian Nelson, Dadeville senior
- Cliff Williams 334-740-1116
Dadeville’s back-by-committee approach to rushing the football in its power scheme was spearheaded by senior running back Christian Nelson, who’s appearing on the All-Outlook first-team for a second straight year. His power and ability to move in tight spaces advanced the ball at many key times throughout the year for the Tigers.
Wide Receiver: Trae Butler, Central Coosa senior
Trae Butler (left) held 4.3 speed and excellent smarts as a receiver, according to Thomas, which gave Central Coosa’s offense an element of spacing and verticality it didn’t have when he wasn’t on the field. He was also the team’s best lockdown cornerback.
Wide Receiver: Marcus Haynes, Reeltown senior
- Jake Arthur
Marcus Haynes’ speed and 6-foot-3 frame made for a lethal big-play receiver, something he showcased in a 220-yard receiving performance at Holtville to close the regular season. On the year he hauled in 24 passes for 527 yards and seven touchdowns and added 198 punt return yards.
Wide Receiver: Corri Milliner, Benjamin Russell junior
Of the 120 passes Benton completed this season for the Wildcats, 60 of them went to none other than Corri Milliner. Milliner collected 880 yards receiving across those grabs with eight touchdowns, including the game-winning score in Benjamin Russell’s first victory of the season.
Tight End: Jordan Parker, Dadeville senior
- CLIFF WILLIAMS 334-740-1116
Jordan Parker is another in a line of two-way stars to make this list, helping anchor Dadeville’s defense at linebacker while also being its most consistent receiving option at the tight end position. His blocking came to the forefront in Dadeville’s power run schemes but when the Tigers threw the ball he was a player defenses had to account for.
Offensive Tackle: Logan Dillard, Reeltown junior
- Cliff Williams 334-740-1116
Logan Dillard paved the way for Hughley and protected the blindside of Reeltown quarterback Gabe Bryant all season, well enough that he’s receiving serious looks from major colleges, Johnson said. His size and quickness off the ball make for a deadly combination.
Offensive Tackle: Trey McMillian, Benjamin Russell senior
Trey McMillian slid inside from tight end and turned into one of the area’s best pass blockers this season, bookending an offensive line predicated on keeping quarterback Gabe Benton upright in the early stretches of the Wildcats’ season, when the majority of their years were coming through the air.
Offensive Guard: Matt Knox, Reeltown senior
- Dan Smith Troy Alabama
The glue of a Reeltown offensive line that paved the way for its top running back to average 9.3 yards per carry, Matt Knox provided leadership, athleticism and stability on the interior. He was also one of the team’s leading tacklers at linebacker.
Offensive Guard: Trace McCaleb, Benjamin Russell senior
A gifted mind as well as a gifted athlete, Trace McCaleb was Benjamin Russell’s highest-graded offensive lineman all year and responsible for communication across the front. Someone who overcame multiple season-ending injuries in his past, coach Aubrey Blackwell said he defines what it means to be a Wildcat, and he was given the ‘Wildcat Pride Award’ by teammates.
Center: Dee "Alpha Dawg" Griffin, Reeltown senior
No player lives up to his name quite like Reeltown senior Dee “Alpha Dawg” Griffin, who could have made first team on either the offensive or defensive side of the football. His aggression off the snap of the ball often changed the line of scrimmage and generated opportunities for the Rebels’ running game to find room and linebackers to make tackles.
Defensive End: Conner Mitchell, Central Coosa junior
Conner Mitchell provided the Cougars with a pass rush that increased in both consistency and lethality as the year went on, piling up seven sacks over the course of the season. He started along the offensive line as well.
Defensive End: Carter Williams, Dadeville junior
- CLIFF WILLIAMS 334-740-1116
Dadeville had a number of standouts coming off the edge but the most consistent threat among them, according to coach Roger McDonald, was Carter Williams. His ability to contain the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks paid huge dividends on defense for the Tigers.
Defensive Tackle: Colin Goodwin, Dadeville senior
This isn’t the first time Colin Goodwin has appeared on this list as he’s been a rock on the line for Dadeville for multiple seasons. He was a run-plugging menace at defensive tackle, able to burst off the line of scrimmage to fill gaps, and also played on the offensive side when the team needed him to fill in.
Defensive Tackle: Dewey Freeman, Horseshoe Bend senior
Dewey Freeman has been called upon as a mainstay on both the offensive and defensive lines throughout his Horseshoe Bend career. This season it took on a particular importance, however, with him being not only the lone senior lineman for the Generals, but the lone upperclassman in the position room. He didn’t disappoint.
Linebacker: Caiden Hyde, Benjamin Russell sophomore
One of the biggest surprises for Benjamin Russell’s defense, Caiden Hyde finished third on the Wildcats for tackles (66) and second in tackles for loss (10). The versatility he showed in pass coverage is what placed him on this list, however, as the front-seven defender picked up a team-high three interceptions and added three passes defensed. He also had a game-clinching tackle on fourth down against Smiths Station.
Linebacker: Holt Tidwell, Horseshoe Bend senior
- Jake Arthur
Much like running back Gavin Brazzell, Holt Tidwell was a four-year starter for Horseshoe Bend and served as both a dynamic option in the run game and one of the team’s most dependable tacklers and leaders on the defensive side.
Linebacker: Avontae Wilson, Dadeville junior
A physical specimen at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds of solid muscle, many running backs regretted the plays in which they met Avontae Wilson this season. Dadeville’s anchor at linebacker flew all over the field making tackles, often hitting ball carriers with unrelenting force.
Defensive Back: Philstavious Dowdell, Dadeville junior
- Cliff Williams 334-740-1116
Philstavious Dowdell was the ball-hawking free safety that made Dadeville’s secondary tick, although he scored several touchdowns both on the ground and through the air at wide receiver as well and made just as big an impact on special teams, where he handed out punt and kick return touchdowns like candy. He had a special teams score in each of the Tigers’ first four games.
Defensive Back: Elijah Richardson, Central Coosa junior
In terms of generating turnovers, few players covered by The Outlook were more productive than Central Coosa safety Elijah Richardson. He intercepted no less than seven passes for the Cougars this season from his safety position.
Defensive Back: Ty Williams, Benjamin Russell junior
- Jake Arthur
Ty Williams was named Team MVP by Benjamin Russell Monday. Despite playing cornerback, he piled up 59 tackles. He added two interceptions and two forced fumbles to that total. When Benton went down with an injury, Williams took over at quarterback as the Wildcats unveiled their new formation titled “wing,” picking up 176 passing yards and 135 rushing yards.
Defensive Back: Arthur Woods, Reeltown sophomore
- Brittany Pitts
The all-around defensive prowess of Arthur Woods to fly into the box for run support and also drop back in coverage provided huge gains for the Rebels’ defense. Coach Matt Johnson said his skillset proved vital in the team’s win against rival Dadeville, delivering big hits to the Tigers’ running backs in their power scheme.
Kicker: David Layfield, Horseshoe Bend eighth grader
- Jake Arthur
When Horseshoe Bend needed a kicker this season, 5-foot-4 eighth-grade cross country star David Layfield took up the mantle and nailed all but one of his extra point attempts. He had a special aptitude for onside kicks as well, with the Generals recovering onsides they attempted more often than their opponents did, a rarity for the desperation play.
Punter: Wardrellis Cox, Dadeville senior
Wardellis Cox showcased one of the strongest legs in the area through his punting duties throughout the season. He averaged a monstrous 42.3 yards per punt and is in contention for All-State honors for Class 3A. [Photo / Submitted]
Long Snapper: Jackson Hutto, Benjamin Russell senior
- Jake Arthur
Long snappers don’t get a ton of recognition, but one snap over the head of a punter can result in easy points for the opposing team. Jackson Hutto was as reliable at the position as one can hope for, coach Aubrey Blackwell said. [Photo / Jake Arthur]
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