Pictures on the Web

Pictures will be loaded on the web routinely each week till the end of the season. They can be seen in the Albums section on the left. Just click on it and follow the instructions. It will take you to another site that is a storage facility and printer for the pictures. HOWEVER, the quality (resolution) is set for uploading through the internet. They have been compressed and edited so you can view them. The resolution will be fine for 4X6 pictures but much larger than that and the resolution might not be satisfactory. If you see a picture that you really would like a larger picture with better resolution, just send an Email to Decobgyn@bellsouth.net and let me know which album and picture. I have all of the pictures stored and can pull them up and get it to you.

If you purchase the picture off the internet, you will not have any problems. The company storing and printing the pictures is very reliable. If you want the better resolution, I will handle it for you and charge $3.00 for each shot. All of the money goes to the booster club. It is just another fund raiser for the school.

If any questions, please feel free to ask me. Mitch Schuster @ decobgyn@bellsouth.net.      THANKS

Mitch

Decatur whips Hartselle
Red Raiders ride big plays, confidence to victory

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

The Decatur Red Raiders changed a lot from last week's opening-week loss to Huntsville.

Clad in black jerseys a week ago, Decatur dressed in traditional red tops this time. But it wasn't just the color of the jerseys that was different Friday night when the Red Raiders hosted county rival and Class 5A, Region 8 foe Hartselle at Ogle Stadium.

Decatur scored a convincing 31-14 win, displaying the confidence, intensity and big plays that it lacked a week ago.

"I think we grew up both ways — on both sides of the ball," Decatur coach Jere Adcock said. "That set the course for a bunch of guys believing in themselves."

As Chris Coffey rushed for 181 yards and scored three touchdowns, Decatur (1-1) continued its home-field dominance of the Tigers.

Hartselle (0-2) hasn't won at Ogle Stadium since 2001.

"They cashed in, and we didn't," Hartselle coach Bob Godsey said. "We played hard, but not necessarily good at times."

It was Decatur's offense that set the tone.

Under sophomore Ben Neill's direction, the Red Raiders completed scoring drives of 99 and 66 yards in building a 14-0 lead.

Junior tight end Brooks Johnson got it started for Decatur, catching a 4-yard touchdown pass from Neill with 33 seconds left in the first quarter.

Decatur was up 7-0 after senior Michael Schuster kicked the extra point from Neill's hold.

It capped a 99-yard, 16-play drive for the Red Raiders, but more importantly, it provided momentum and a lead that Decatur never lost.

"That's the best drive I've seen around here in a long time," Red Raiders' offensive coordinator Kenny Morson said.

Decatur led 7-0 until Coffey's 22-yard touchdown run with 3:32 left in the third quarter completed a 66-yard scoring march for the Red Raiders.

"The team intensity was like we had something to prove," Coffey said.

Interceptions by Decatur senior Antwon Owens just before halftime and junior Will Dennis in the fourth quarter each ended Hartselle threats.

The Red Raiders also recovered a Hartselle fumble early in the first quarter on the 1-yard line to begin their first scoring drive.

"They moved the ball well, but we made some critical plays," Adcock said. "Our defense rose up and made some plays when they had to. And they played a lot."

The first four possessions of the fourth quarter went for scores.

Junior quarterback Luke Bole's 6-yard run early in the fourth provided Hartselle's first points. Senior Tyler Bennich's extra point pulled the Tigers to within seven points of Decatur's lead.

But Decatur didn't take long to answer. Coffey returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards into the end zone, and Decatur was ahead 21-7.

Bole completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to senior Tony Weaver midway through the fourth that again put Hartselle within striking distance, trailing 21-14 with 7:14 to play.

Again, Coffey responded. This time with a 70-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.

Schuster's 40-yard field goal with 4:26 remaining iced the win.

"We've been through a lot the last year, and it was a proud night," Adcock said.

Decatur will travel to play J.O. Johnson at Huntsville's Milton Frank Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. Hartselle will host Russellville on Friday night at 7.

Coffey arrives big time

As the much-used cliché goes, “Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.”

If that’s so, then Decatur High junior Chris Coffey is officially “big-time.”

He’s just 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, but Coffey’s three touchdowns made the difference in the Red Raiders’ 31-14 win Friday over Hartselle at Ogle Stadium.

“I could see the blockers in front of me and I just ran. We were a good team tonight,” Coffey said afterward. “The offensive line blocked great; the fullback blocked great. Everybody had their assignments.”

Coffey’s 181 yards rushing made up the bulk of the Red Raiders’ 227 yards on the ground.

Hartselle had a ground force of its own in senior Montrell Murphy, who rushed for 163 yards.

But the Tigers never got Murphy in the end zone, and meanwhile, Coffey broke loose for scoring runs of 22 and 70 yards. In addition, he returned a kickoff 80 yards for a third touchdown.

Decatur (1-1) got its first win of the season in the Class 5A, Region 8 rivalry game, avenging last year’s 17-7 loss to Hartselle at the Tigers’ J.P. Cain Stadium, while Coffey also righted some wrongs from a year ago.

“Chris fumbled four times against Hartselle last year, and I think he set it in his mind he had something to prove,” Decatur coach Jere Adcock said.

Coffey added that it was the perfect timing for a big night to bring pride to the Red Raiders’ home crowd.

“The first region game and plus
a real big rivalry game — I
couldn’t think of a better time,” he said.

Taking down No. 1
Decatur celebrates signature win over top-ranked Johnson

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

HUNTSVILLE — With the rain pouring down, 25 miles from home, the Decatur High student section stormed the field. It was great to be a Decatur Red Raider on Thursday night at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.

The unranked Red Raiders knocked off the No. 1 team in Class 5A with a 30-20 win over J.O. Johnson. Along with the victory, Decatur sent a message to the rest of the state that a team that missed the playoffs a year ago was back.

Also, the Red Raiders proved they could play with the senior-heavy and talent-loaded Jaguars.

"There was no doubt in our kids' minds they could — no question. And that's a credit to these kids," Decatur coach Jere Adcock said.

Johnson coach Harold Wells gathered his stunned team at the end of the game. Wells' team was ranked No. 1 for the first time in two decades, and he said handling that pressure was new ground when the Red Raiders came to visit.

"They whooped us — they out-played us," Wells said. "You don't change anything when you're ranked No. 1, but maybe it just didn't sink in that Decatur was a great team. They were ready and we weren't."

Johnson (2-1) had three turnovers in the first half as Decatur built a 20-13 halftime lead.

Decatur (2-1) gave up no turnovers and put forth an effort that Adcock said made him "really proud."

Sophomore quarterback Ben Neill completed 11 of 17 passes with no interceptions for 150 yards, connecting with eight different receivers.

Neill also threw two touchdown passes. Chris Coffey led Decatur's rushing attack with 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

But it was Johnson that struck first.

Sheer speed gave the Jaguars their first touchdown when Jontavious President broke away for a 90-yard punt return that, paired with an extra point by Fred Benjamin, put Johnson up 7-0 a little more than three minutes into the game.

“It’s something we’d been working on. We knew they had a great punt-return team,” Adcock said, shaking his head.

“They’re a very explosive football team, and we knew we couldn’t let them do that kind of stuff.”

But from that point on,Decatur ran over a Johnson defense that had allowed only seven points all season.

Neill connected with junior Levi Cook for a 2-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter, but after a bad snap on the kick hold, a 2-point conversion run was just short, and Decatur trailed 7-6.

Junior fullback David Martin’s 8-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds left in the first quarter, and senior Michael Schuster’sextra point gave Decatur a13-7 advantage.

Johnson’s Timothy Jenkins caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from David Isabelle with 5:41 remaining in the half, but the Jaguars’ extra point attempt failed, leaving the score tied at 13-13.

Coffey scored on a 31-yard screen pass from Neill that put the Red Raiders on top 20-13 after another extra point by Schuster.

Schuster’s 29-yard field goal and another Coffey touchdown run of 4 yards increased Decatur’s advantage to 30-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

With Johnson needing a score in a hurry, a sack by Decatur’s Pierre Key and a big hit by Antwon Owens on the net play all but ended the Jaguars’ drive.

“We were really in a daze from the opening,” Wells said.

Johnson managed a late touchdown — a 1-yard run for a score by Isabelle with 1:33 to play.

Decatur junior Brooks Johnson recovered the ensuing onside kick by the Jaguars, and the Red Raiders ran out the clock and likely ended the Jaguars’ time in the state’s No. 1 spot.

“We’re young, inexperienced, and this is not the most talented group we’ve had, but they’re doing the things every high school coach wants their kids to do,” Adcock said. “They’re buying into it.”

Total team effort
Red Raiders all contribute in knocking off state’s top-ranked team

It’s nearly impossible to pick a single star of the game in Decatur High’s 30-20 upset of Class 5A, No. 1-ranked J.O. Johnson.

It’s impossible to avoid the cliché of “a team effort” when talking about the win, but that’s exactly how Decatur coach Jere Adcock described it after the big victory Thursday.

Three Red Raiders have rushed for touchdowns this season, including Chris Coffey, David Martin and Desmond Lavelle.

Quarterback Ben Neill connected with eight different Red Raiders receivers and four different receivers have caught touchdown passes this season — Brooks Johnson, Cory Dodson, Levi Cook and Coffey.

Senior place-kicker Michael Schuster has provided Decatur with an obvious advantage in the kicking game in each of the three contests so far this season. In all, seven different Red Raiders have contributed points this season, and Decatur’s defense has done its part as well, containing a J.O. Johnson offense that was averaging 27 points a game.

In addition, two freshmen have made key contributions, making the best of a rare opportunity for a young player to make an impact on the Class 5A varsity squad.

Ryan Watson exploded for an 80-yard kickoff return in the first quarter Thursday night, while Lavelle already has a 10-yard touchdown run.

“You can expect freshman mistakes — sometimes they look like freshmen and sometimes they look like All-Americans,” Adcock said. “They’ve got some great potential, and that’s a credit to some people doing some great things in front of them.”

Decatur’s next challenge will be Class 5A, Area 8 rival Athens, the defending state champions. The Red Raiders will host the Golden Eagles on Friday at Ogle Stadium at 7 p.m. with both teams standing 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the region.

Getting a leg up
Schuster a superlative
for Decatur's kicking game

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

At the end of each season, Decatur High coach Jere Adcock and his staff meet to discuss the next year.

Adcock said the first question is always the same, and it's not who the quarterback will be or who will be the star receiver. It's not even who will be the bell cow on defense.

Instead, Adcock and his coaches want an answer to this: "Where do we stand in the kicking game?"

"The first thing we look for is kickers and snappers," Adcock said. "We stress being perfect in the kicking game because that's one aspect of the game you can be perfect in. We put a huge priority on it."

Fortunately for the Red Raiders, when Adcock and his assistants checked out the roster at the end of last season, the kicking game wasn't cause for major concern.

Place-kicker Michael Schuster, long-snapper Levi Cook and holder Riley Adcock were set to return. With the kicking game steady, Decatur already has seen an immense turnaround this season.

After posting a 4-6 record last season, Decatur is 2-1 this year with the two wins coming over Class 5A, Region 8 foes Hartselle and J.O. Johnson.

In three games, Schuster's kickoffs have produced eight touchbacks. He's punted 15 times with a 41.5 average with a long of 57. He has placed five inside the 20-yard line with three fair catches, and when return yardage is subtracted, Schuster's net punting is 41.0 yards.

It's difficult to return Schuster's punts, as Adcock noted that they "have great height and hang time."

Schuster is perfect on extra point attempts, making 11 of 11 this year. He's also connected on field goals of 40 and 29 yards.

"I knew my job was going to be important this year," Schuster said.

Schuster, a senior, spent his summer touring the country at various kicking camps, trying to improve his kicking game in hopes of improving Decatur's results.

It was a productive summer.

Not only did Schuster win the Top Performance Award among 140 kickers at a national combine in Wisconsin, but he also landed first place in kickoffs and second in punting.

Schuster also won the kickoff competition at the Ray Guy camp in Hoover, topping kickers from Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

"This is more than I did last year," Schuster said.

"This summer, my vacation was camps."

Schuster is the latest in a long line of solid kickers for the Red Raiders.

Adcock said that beginning in 1994, Tim Hicks was the first of a string of Decatur kickers who helped raise the bar high. Punter Matt Dawson (1996) was named all-state, followed by Chip Walters, who was honorable mention all-state in 1997 and eventually was the starting kicker at Samford.

In 1999, Josh Hicks was honorable mention all-state. Josh Woodard was selected all-state in 2000-2001. Most recently, Steven Leach (2004) was an all-state punter and Jesse Perrin (2005) was honorable mention all-state.

"Those are some guys who really jump off the page at you when you look at their numbers," Adcock said.

Paired with Austin standouts Morgan Hull (2007), a walk-on at Auburn this year, and Kevin Shannon (1997), an all-state kicker who went on to kick for Jacksonville State, the city has a strong tradition for outstanding kickers.

Even with an impressive contingent in the past, Adcock said that with Schuster, "the overall aspect of kicking is much better than we've had."

"Michael's really been a plus for us," Adcock said.

Adcock takes the bulk of the responsibility in working with the kickers, while assistant coach Steve Netherton is the kicking-game coordinator.

"The kicking game is the thing you have to coach up more than anything," Adcock said.

Adcock's belief in Schuster's importance continues to prove itself.

In addition to his extra points and field goals, the Red Raiders have routinely won the field position battle with the help of his kickoffs and punts.

"Putting us back inside the 20 or 30 helps with field position, and I work a lot on that," Schuster said.

That's something Schuster has done a pretty good job of this season.

"One thing that Michael has given us right now is we're kicking them off seven to eight yards deeper," Adcock said.

Although he is focused on his senior season, Schuster has been offered a spot to play for North Alabama. He is familiar with the Florence area.

Schuster travels to Florence most Saturdays to work with kicking coach Mike King, who works with Auburn and Alabama kickers. King also has worked with Mike McCabe, a former All-American punter for Illinois State.

Decatur already is thinking ahead about who will be Schuster replacement next season, and Schuster, who knows the importance of the job, has helped out.

Every day he and sophomore Enrique Salcido, who Adcock said Schuster "recruited" himself from the halls of Decatur High, practice their trade together on the field at Ogle Stadium. They work separate from the rest of the team, which works out 50 yards away on the Red Raiders' practice field.

But for now, Decatur will continue to enjoy the distinct advantage Schuster offers.

"We entered this season knowing he was going to be there, and it's offered us an advantage," Adcock said. "When you've got that, you can be competitive in most all of your games."

BROOKE'S HIGH FIVE

Daily Sports Writer Brooke Milam ranks the area’s top five teams in both Class 4A-6A 

1. East Limestone (3-0): An improved East Lawrence team will have to play over its head to keep up with the Indians. But Class 4A fourth-ranked East Limestone will have to keep from looking ahead to games with Tanner and North Jackson to put away the Eagles.

2. Decatur (2-1): Fresh off an upset of previously undefeated and then-No.1 J.O. Johnson, if the Red Raiders are not overconfident and stay focused on rival Athens this week, they’ll have a shot at knocking off the defending 5A state champions.

3. Athens (2-1): The Golden Eagles have two wins to show for the last two weeks but will have to raise their level of play this week against Decatur. Ogle Stadium has been a tough place for Athens. Decatur has owned the series in its home stadium.

4. Austin (1-2): Once again, consistency is key for the Black Bears, who have the talent to be a contender. If Austin can play a complete game this week at Sparkman, it will get its name back in to a crowded playoff picture in Class 6A, Region 8.

5. Hartselle (0-3): The Tigers got a strong showing from their defense last week in a Class 5A, Region 8 loss to Russellville. If the offense can show signs of life, the Tigers should turn things around this week against Muscle Shoals.

River City's winning ways
Red Raiders cruise 35-7 past defending Class 5A champs

By Ross Dellenger
sports@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

Decatur coach Jere Adcock wasn't lying when he said that rankings don't mean anything to his players.

Shortly after Decatur whipped Athens 35-7 on Friday night, Red Raiders quarterback Ben Neill stood outside the locker room and backed that up.

"I actually don't think we should be ranked," Neill said. "I like it when we're not ranked."

After beating then-No. 1 J.O. Johnson last week, Decatur (3-1) received votes in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll, but the Red Raiders could crack the rankings following their thrashing of the reigning 5A state champion Golden Eagles (2-2).

The win moved Decatur into a tie with second-ranked Russellville for the Class 5A, Region 8 lead. Both teams are 3-0 in the region. Russellville scored a 30-23 win over J.O. Johnson on Friday.

But once again, Adcock quelled the hype.

"That's a good feeling to have," he said, "but we got to realize 3-0 is just 3-0. There's still four more region games we have to win."

Neill accounted for 70 percent of Decatur's 501 yards of offense. He threw for 251 yards, ran for 108 and passed for two touchdowns as the Red Raiders kept their home winning streak against Athens alive.

The Golden Eagles haven't won in Ogle Stadium since 1998 when Philip Rivers quarterbacked Athens to a 28-21 victory.

"It's a great win," said Neill, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound sophomore. "They're always a big rivalry."

Normally highly regarded in the polls, Decatur fell from the rankings last year during a disappointing 4-6 season, but a trio of region wins like the ones the Red Raiders have reeled off could place them back into the state spotlight.

"I'm not worrying about rankings," Adcock said. "That don't mean a thing in the world to these kids and us. Rankings will take care of itself."

Last year Decatur blew a 10-point halftime lead at Athens, losing 34-17.

But the Red Raiders didn't let this one slip away, adding to a 21-0 halftime lead.

Neill found receiver Cory Dodson for a 32-yard touchdown strike on the first series of
the second half to put the dagger in.

Neill completed 19 of 29 attempts. Five of those went to Dodson.

The two hooked up to open the scoring in the first quarter. Decatur safety William Dennis intercepted Athens' Todd Pepper at the Eagle 30-yard line.

On third-and-three from the 7, Dodson hauled in Neill's pass for a 7-0 lead.

Decatur running back Chris Coffey capped an 11-play, 91-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter to put the Red Raiders ahead 14-0.

Decatur put together another impressive drive marching 91 yards midway through the second quarter. Coffey broke free down the sideline, breaking tackles along the way, for a 57-yard score.

Coffey had nine carries for 102 yards — an 11-yard average.

After an Athens failed punt late in the second quarter, Decatur had another scoring opportunity, but a drive to the Eagles' 12 stalled when Athens intercepted a pass in the end zone.

Down 14-0, Athens faced a fourth-and-four from the Decatur 12-yard line, but Pepper's pass fell incomplete. Athens never moved inside the Decatur 44-yard line until its final drive of the game.

Second-team running back Desmond Lavelle capped the scoring for Decatur with a 7-yard run midway through the fourth.

Athens avoided a shutout when Pepper hit receiver Chad Stinnett in stride for a 61-yard score late in the fourth quarter.

"These kids have overcome a lot to get to this point," Adcock said. "I'm proud of them."

Austin, Decatur turn tables on Sparkman

Decatur High’s 19-13 win at Sparkman on Friday night marked the second time in as many weeks that a team from the River City took down the Senators on their home field.

Last week, Austin beat Sparkman 34-31 in Harvest in a tug-of-war contest that the Black Bears won on a last-second field goal.

Last year, the roles were reversed, when Sparkman won two weeks in a row over the city’s schools at Ogle Stadium.

After the Red Raiders beat the Senators on their homecoming night Friday, Sparkman coach Roger Haynes said both Decatur City Schools programs have shown marked improvement, while his own team is in the rebuilding process.

“They’re on a roll, while we’re kind of spiraling downward at this point, and we’ve got to get up and dust ourselves off,” Haynes said.

The win over the Senators (2-3) was particularly sweet for both Decatur (4-1) and Austin (2-3). The Red Raiders preserved their winning streak, which stands at four games this season, while Austin got a one-up on a team it is battling for a Class 6A, Region 8 playoff spot.

Decatur spoils party, wins 4th game
Red Raiders ride defense
in second half

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

HARVEST — Class 5A Decatur High's defense had no room for error in the third quarter of Friday night's nonregion game at 6A Sparkman.

The Senators were only 2 yards away from a score that would tie the game and likely swing momentum in their favor.

Sparkman had its chance to steal Decatur's lead, but the Red Raiders' defense said "No," stopping senior quarterback Rob Weaver from reaching the end zone.

"We were in trouble. The defense had pressure on them at the end, and they rose up," Decatur coach Jere Adcock said.

"That was huge," Adcock said. "That might have been the biggest play of the night. Our defense really played well in the second half."

Decatur took a 19-13 win over Sparkman on homecoming night for the Senators.

The Red Raiders (4-1) extended their winning streak to four games after an opening-week loss to Huntsville. They did it on the strength of strong second-half defense that answered the call in what was shaping up to be a shootout.

"We were very sluggish at the beginning in the first half, but we came back out and got fired up and played Decatur football," senior linebacker Tim Witherspoon said.

Decatur held Sparkman (2-3) to a field goal in the second half, and matched it with one of its own to preserve the advantage.

But before halftime, it was anyone's game.

The first five series of the game produced points.

Decatur scored first when junior Brooks Johnson caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Ben Neill to cap Decatur's opening drive, putting the Red Raiders ahead 6-0.

Sparkman answered with senior Bryant Williams' 5-yard touchdown run on its first possession on the game and went up 7-6 on an extra point from senior Michael Kitchens.

Williams saw no more action after that for Sparkman. The tailback went to the sidelines after reinjuring an ankle that had caused him to miss practice during the week.

With the Senators' main force out of the contest, Decatur regained the lead and never trailed again.

Neill put the ball in the end zone from 2 yards out on a quarterback sneak with 3:14 left in the first quarter, and Decatur led 13-7.

The teams traded field goals in the second quarter when Kitchens kicked a 30-yarder to pull Sparkman within 13-10, and Decatur senior Michael Schuster countered with a 32-yarder to keep the Red Raiders ahead 16-10 at halftime.

"We were averaging about 36 points a game, and I'm sitting here at halftime thinking both teams will be at about that number," Sparkman coach Roger Haynes said.

"Their defense really turned up the pressure."

Driving with another chance to capture a late lead in the fourth quarter, Sparkman again met a Decatur defense that would not cave.

The Senators began a drive with 4:52 to play and 34 yards to go that ended with a punt on fourth-and-seven from the 31-yard line.

"In some cases, we might have gone for it, but it just wasn't the situation we were looking for," Haynes said. "Things are just not bouncing our away right now, and we're not making the plays to win. We were hoping we could come back and pin them deep."

The Red Raiders used running plays to run out the clock on the win.

"It was important — every game is important," Witherspoon said. "I think we responded great. It's a win."

Defending the home turf
Decatur eager to win in front of old graduates

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

The Decatur Red Raiders know there will be a lot of extra eyes watching Friday when they host West Point to cap the homecoming week festivities at Ogle Stadium at 7 p.m.

With alumni in the audience, including former players, the Red Raiders said there is even more incentive for a win this week.

"Tradition," senior defensive back Aaron Boykin said.

"You want to win. People come expecting us to win."

Players will watch the homecoming parade leave from the front of the school before beginning pre-game activities just like any other week, but even Decatur coach Jere Adcock said that homecoming week provides something special in the air.

"I want people that come back to be proud of the guys on that field and say, 'Those are the kind of guys I want representing me,' " Adcock said.

Ranked ninth in Class 5A, the Red Raiders (4-1) enter the Region 8 contest with a four-game winning streak. Only Decatur and Russellville are unbeaten in Region 8 play.

West Point (1-4) is still looking for its first region win after winning its opening contest 20-14 over non-region opponent Good Hope.

Senior defensive lineman Adam Gillespie said Decatur's team chemistry this season has made the difference a year after the Red Raiders went 4-6 and missed the playoffs.

"We're definitely playing better as a team and we're making things work out on the field," Gillespie said.

Adcock said team mentality is a given around Decatur, as are a few other characteristics.

"We typically have undersized kids playing with heart and commitment to our program because of love for the game and representing their families and this high school," Adcock said.

"That's what people expect, and it's what everybody who played before them was, and we wouldn't have it any other way."

Junior running back Chris Coffey (5-foot-8, 180 pounds) is averaging more than 100 yards a game with 583 rushing yards through five contests. Coffey has scored a team-high five rushing touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass.

Sophomore quarterback Ben Neill (5-9, 160) has connected with 12 different receivers, led by 6-2, 185-pound senior Justin Bishop's 13 receptions for 171 yards.

Junior Cory Dodson (5-10, 135) has caught three touchdown passes among his 10 receptions for 122 yards, and junior tight end Brooks Johnson (6-4, 225) has caught two touchdown passes.

Neill has completed 44 of 70 passes for a 61 percent completion rate and six touchdowns.

When Adcock talks about his defense, he talks about a pair of goal line stands inside the 2-yard line the Red Raiders have accomplished this year — one against Hartselle and another last week against Sparkman.

Decatur won both contests, and its defense passed the test in the high intensity goal line situations, yielding no points in one instance and a field goal in the other.

"It seems like there is somebody that's hot every week," Adcock said. "Our tackles haven't been dominated by one guy. There's been a lot of guys in on a lot of tackles and that's been a plus."

Senior linebacker Tim Witherspoon has led Decatur in tackles for most of the season.

Nose to nose with . . .
Decatur High's Riley Adcock

Decatur High senior Riley Adcock has embraced the unique challenges and opportunities of being a coach’s son. Adcock has grown up with a behind-the-scenes look at the well-respected Red Raiders’ program and took time during homecoming week to reflect on some of those memories with 10 questions from Daily Sports Writer Brooke Milam:

Question: What is your first memory of Decatur football?

Answer: Probably in the locker room after practice and stuff when I was a ball boy at like 5 and 6 years old, getting put inside lockers and on top of vending machines.

Q: Who is one former Decatur player you remember from those times?

A: Brooks and Brent Collins, they picked on me all the time, and then Matt and Josh Gowan did, too. They were always messing with me. And Cole Barthel, he was my idol when I was a little kid. I wanted to be just like him. He had this scar on his hand and I wanted one, too, just to be like him. That’s a few I remember, but there were a bunch. In some ways, I remember all of them.

Q: With 22 Red Raider seniors on the team this year, what is something funny you remember happening to this group in your younger playing days?

A: I can’t remember if it was middle school or when we were freshmen, but William Rice (now a 6-foot-0, 230-pound defensive tackle) picked up a fumble and ran it back like 90 yards for a touchdown in a game. He’s a big guy, but he was running so fast — like as fast as anyone.

Q: What is your favorite Decatur High gameday tradition?

A: At pep rallies, I like walking in. We have a pep rally every Friday and we all walk in together. Then the alma mater at the end.

Q: How long have you been No. 17?

A: Freshman year I was No. 7 and No. 17. I had No. 17 at home and No. 7 away. Then the next year, as a sophomore, I was just No. 17 and have been since. It’s kind of because Philip (Rivers) was No. 17 and his dad (Steve Rivers) was a coach, and Rob (Ezell) was No. 17 and his dad (Garner Ezell) had been a coach, so I did it because my dad (Jere Adcock) is a coach. Everybody jokes on me about it now, though.

Q: What is something you like to do with your teammates other than play football?

A: We go out and eat a lot, a group of guys. Me and Pete (Brown) go to Mi Hacienda a lot to eat. We actually all play football together a lot outside of practice, too, just like flag football in the backyard or whatever. We like to play pick-up basketball, too.

Q: With high school coming to an end, where do you see yourself on this day a year from now?

A: Hopefully I’ll be at Auburn in school. That’s what I want to be doing. I’m sure a year from now I’ll be here (in Decatur) for homecoming, though.

Q: If your friends were picking a profession for you based on your personality, what do you think it would be?

A: A long time ago, they always said I wanted to be a farmer because when we used to do those survey things I’d always end up in agriculture or something like that. But I want to do something with kids. When I applied for college, I put elementary education for my major, but I’m not totally sure what I’ll end up doing.

Q: Decatur has a lot of rivalry games, but to you who is the Red Raiders’ biggest rival?

A: Well, when I was little, we lost to Hartselle one time and I remember going home and crying. Probably, though, Austin has to be the biggest just because it’s in the city.

Q: Is there any part of football you do not think you will miss?

A: I’ll miss all of it, really. Well, I guess I won’t miss waking up at 5 a.m. in the summer for workouts, but we’ll all miss the family atmosphere and everyone being together.

Homecoming kings
Entire Decatur roster plays in easy win

By Ross Dellenger
sports@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

Quarterback Torin Dupper slapped hands with teammate Chris Steeples as the two Decatur reserves raced down field for the biggest celebration of their football lives.

The Red Raiders’ third-string quarterback and second-string lineman jogged jubilantly toward backup receiver Ryan Watson, who was tumbling into the end zone more than 50 yards away.

By the time they reached the freshman wideout, he was already engulfed in a mad frenzy of celebration that put an end to some wild, explosive scoring.

West Point couldn’t slow Decatur’s reserves on this night.

Dupper’s 76-yard touchdown strike midway through the fourth quarter was the first of his career and it put an exclamation mark on Decatur’s 42-0 thrashing of West Point on Friday night in Ogle Stadium.

“I was real happy,” said Dupper, standing in Decatur’s locker room accepting countless pats on the back from teammates.

Starting quarterback Ben Neill added, “He deserved it. He’s been working just as hard as anyone else has.”

Decatur put West Point away early, jumping out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and cruising to its easiest victory of the season. It allowed Decatur coach Jere Adcock to rest his starters, bringing reserves like Dupper and Watson into the game to show the homecoming crowd the future of Decatur football.

“We played a lot of kids,” Adcock said.

A lot?

Try everyone.

Adcock later said that every player saw action Friday night, but it was Dupper, a sophomore, who finally was rewarded for all of those hits he takes in practice as a member of the scout team.

“That’s good to see,” Adcock said.

“He’s really developed this year, really come a long way.”

The win moved the Red Raiders to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in Class 5A, Region 8, setting up a pivotal region match with undefeated Russellville on Friday.

Adcock claims he never thought about Russellville until the final whistle blew Friday night.

His players?

Well, that’s a different story.

“We’ve been thinking about them all week. We weren’t supposed to be, but we’ve been thinking about them,” Neill said.

Neill passed for 145 yards and completed 70 percent of his passes, shredding the Warriors’ defense for four touchdowns.

He found tight end Justin Bishop for a 16-yard score with 7:48 left in the third quarter, giving Decatur a 35-0 lead. He spent the rest of the game on the bench resting for next week’s showdown between two of the state’s top-10 5A powers.

“Now, it’s time to get focused,” Neill said after the game.

Starting running back Chris Coffey had just three carries but gained 38 yards. His final carry came with 1:21 left in the first quarter. That 27-yard dash put Decatur inside the Warrior 11-yard line. Two plays later, Neill found receiver Cory Dodson to make the score 14-0.

The Red Raiders began the game with some trickery, using a reverse pass to score their first touchdown.

Neill handed off to Coffey, who then flipped the ball to Bishop. Bishop acted as if he was going to run, but at the last minute, he pulled up and tossed the ball 28 yards to a wide open Dodson at the goal line, opening what became a night of big plays.

“We’ve been working on that for about two weeks now,” Neil said.

Defensive lineman Dewan Troupe intercepted a West Point pass late in the first quarter. Neill hit receiver Brown on the next play for a 21-0 lead with just seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

The Red Raiders had scored three touchdowns before West Point (1-5) picked up a first down.

Neill hooked up with Bishop again late in the second quarter for a 61-yard touchdown, giving Decatur a 28-0 halftime lead.

Adcock gave his defense a challenge at the half.

“We challenged them not to let them cross the 50,” he said. “That’s what we set out to do.”

And they did it for another quarter. Decatur’s defense never let the Warriors cross
midfield until the fourth quarter.

Decatur’s reserve defenders made two crucial fourth-down stops in the second half.

Red Raiders
riding high
After slumping a year ago, Decatur back to its winning ways as it prepares to face No. 2 Russellville

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com340-2460

Sitting in the Decatur High weight room after an intense practice Tuesday morning, Red Raiders players vividly remember hosting Russellville a year ago.

That season, all the hype belonged to the visiting Golden Tigers, who took a 38-28 win en route to the Class 5A, Region 8 title. Decatur, meanwhile, continued to limp through a playoff-less season.

What a difference a year can make.

Now on a five-game winning streak, Decatur has put to rest any questions that last season's struggles could develop into a trend.

"That's out the window," Decatur's leading tackler, senior linebacker Tim Witherspoon, said while smiling and shaking his head.

Added junior tailback Chris Coffey, the Red Raiders' leading rusher: "I think that was gone after the Johnson game (the third week of the season)."

Ninth-ranked Decatur (5-1) will travel to second-ranked and undefeated Russellville (6-0) on Friday in a battle of the only two teams left undefeated in Region 8. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Russellville again sits high in the polls just as it did a year ago when preparing to face Decatur, and the Golden Tigers haven't lost a region game in 46 tries, dating back to the 2000 season.

But this year, even though the Red Raiders are still looking up at the Golden Tigers in the rankings, the stakes are much higher.

"The thing that people notice more than anything is it's the flip side of what we were last year," Decatur head coach Jere Adcock said.

"I think a lot of people are looking at how this team has turned around the way last season went. There's so much on the table with this game. This year we're looking at a region championship."

While both teams will have two region games left to play after this week, Friday night's winner will secure at least a second-place finish, which translates into home-field advantage for the playoffs. The winner also will take control of the top spot in Region 8 with two weeks of region play to go.

“We’ve got inspiration,” senior offensive lineman Thomas Fite said. “We really have a lot more to lose this year, and it inspires us to do good every game to prove ourselves.”

The proof has been there for Decatur this year.

The Red Raiders have beaten every team they should — and even some they shouldn’t — and they have done so convincingly.

“I feel like we’ve been proving ourselves,” Coffey said.

Indeed, Decatur is not the same team it was a year ago, but it took some convincing.

The Red Raiders received no votes in the Alabama Sports Writers Association pre-season poll and didn’t break into the rankings until Oct. 3, after wins over then No. 1-ranked J.O. Johnson (30-20), Region 8 rival Hartselle (31-14), defending 5A state champion Athens (35-7) and 6A Sparkman (19-13).

Adcock preaches “one week at a time” to his players, but Fite said that in a schedule packed with big games this season, this is the one the Red Raiders have been waiting for. They now can turn their full attention to the Golden Tigers.

“Nobody wants to say it, but we’ve been looking at this game for several weeks,” Fite said. “I know I have.”

Senior tailback Michael Abernathy has carried the load for the Golden Tigers for three seasons and is averaging more 100 yards a game with 85 carries for 536 yards and six touchdowns in the five games in which he played.

Abernathy missed last week’s 14-10 win over Athens because of injury, but will be available this week.

Senior quarterback Cory Trapp has completed 67 of 113 passes for 879 yards and five touchdowns against six interceptions, while scoring two rushing touchdowns of his own.

The Golden Tigers offense average 27.2 points a game to Decatur’s 28.5 points.

Russellville’s defense has given up 15.3 points a game. Senior linebackers Josh James (61 tackles) and Kory Suggs (57) lead the way.

Decatur has surrendered 14.6 points a game.

With a win this week, the Red Raiders could close the door on any doubts that they are for real.

Adcock stopped short of saying that his Red Raiders are overachieving. Instead, he said Decatur is on par after winning seven region titles during the past 11 seasons and making the playoffs nine of 11 times since Adcock became the head coach in 1996.

“I don’t think we’ve played our best football yet,” Adcock said. “This is what we should be doing.

“To me, we’re where we’re supposed to be. It’s nice to be back there.”

Showdown: Decatur vs. Russellville

Russellville won this matchup last year 38-28 at Ogle Stadium.

Each team has a tradition of winning in its region. Russellville has won its last 46 region games, while Decatur has won its region in seven of the last 11 years.

BROOKE'S HIGH FIVE

Daily Sports Writer Brooke Milam ranks the area’s top five teams in both Class 4A-6A and 1A-3A:

Class 4A-6A Top Five

1. Decatur (5-1): A solid defense, sound kicking game and nearly turnover-free offense has carried the Red Raiders a long way. Decatur is on a quest to dethrone reigning Class 5A, Region 8 king Russellville this week, and the red-hot Red Raiders, now ranked No. 9 in 5A, may not be much of an underdog anymore.

Decatur stops
No. 2 team
In overtime, Red Raiders hand Russellville its first region loss in seven years

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

RUSSELLVILLE — No current Decatur High football player ever had been in this position:

Overtime.

And to top it off, the Red Raiders were facing powerhouse Russellville. The No. 2-ranked team in Class 5A. Unbeaten in Region 8. On the Golden Tigers' home field.

Despite all that, Decatur cashed in a 24-23 victory by virtue of a missed extra point. The win broke Russellville's streak of 46 straight region wins.

In the overtime period, Russellville scored first, and as Josh Montgomery tried the extra point, Decatur senior kicker Michael Schuster knelt down in a catchers' position on the far end of the sideline and watched.

Montgomery missed, leaving the door open for the visiting Red Raiders.

"Once he missed it, I jumped up," Schuster said. "This was another step toward a region championship, and I knew I had to make it."

Two play later, Decatur matched Russellville's overtime touchdown, and Schuster's extra point sailed perfectly through the uprights to lift ninth-ranked Decatur to a win over Russellville.

The victory put Decatur (6-1, 5-0 in Region 8) all alone on top of the region standings. Russellville fell to 5-1, including 4-1 in the region.

Junior Cory Dodson caught the 7-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Ben Neill to set up Schuster's game-winning extra point.

It was Dodson's sixth touchdown of the year, but he said it was by far his biggest.

"It was big to come down here and win with all the hype," Dodson said. "Everybody wanted to see this game."

Schuster agreed that his extra point, as routine as it was for the second-year varsity kicker, was the most exciting of his career.

"I've never had one come down to that," Schuster said.

Head coach Jere Adcock said that for Decatur's entire team, this win was like no other. And that's a considerable statement, since the Red Raiders have knocked off then-No. 1 J.O. Johnson and defending state champion Athens this year.

“Playing a team as good as Russellville is, as well coached as they are and highly ranked as they are, makes this big,” Adcock said.

“They’ve been the team to beat — the marquee team. They’re the team you want
to play to see how good you
are.”

Russellville had not lost a region game since 2000, and while Decatur seemed an unlikely candidate to knock off the reigning region champions coming into the season, the Red Raiders proved they have re-invented themselves from the team that missed the playoffs a season ago.

“I thought we played really well on both sides of the ball tonight,” first-year Russellville coach Doug Goodwin said. “They got off to a bad start last season, but they were a good football team last year. We knew coming in it’d come down to the end, and it did.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Neill connected with senior Justin Bishop for a 29-yard touchdown pass that gave the Red Raiders a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Russellville responded with Kory Suggs’ 1-yard run that tied the game at 7 with 5:20 to play in the half.

Schuster kicked an 18-yard field goal with one second left in the second quarter, and Decatur led 10-7 at halftime, but Russellville did all the scoring in the third quarter.

Slowed by an injury that has been described as a deep thigh contusion, senior tailback Michael Abernathy was not at full speed and saw limited action in the game after missing last week’s win over Athens.

Abernathy played every other drive in the first half for Russellville and finished with 32 yards on eight carries.

Still, the 6-foot-0, 225-pound Abernathy’s impact was felt.

With the game tied 10-10 midway through the third quarter, Abernathy’s 2-yard touchdown run gave Russellville a 17-10 lead heading into the fourth.

“We were hunting in the third quarter, and we really hit a lull,” Adcock said.

“They were putting a lot of pressure on us, and I was real proud of the way we played in the fourth.”

With 3:21 left in regulation, Decatur’s David Martin zig-zagged through 11 Russellville defenders and found the end zone on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Neill. Schuster’s extra point tied it at 17.

Russellville’s ensuing drive failed to score as a 46-yard field goal attempt was wide left, and with 1:17 to play, Decatur couldn’t get close to try a field goal for the win in regulation.

In overtime, both teams began on the 10-yard line in accordance with the Alabama High School Athletic Association handbook. Russellville scored on Suggs’ 8-yard run, putting Russellville up 23-17 and placing the Red Raiders in a must-score situation.

After Neill’s 3-yard run on the first play from scrimmage, Dodson said he knew the ball was coming his way.

“I liked the call, and that they had confidence in me,” Dodson said. “I knew they’d block for me. It was a big play.”

Schuster’s extra point brought the Red Raiders’ student section on the field, and it wasn’t the first time this year Decatur fans have had reason to rally around their team.

“We’ve had a lot of big wins this year,” Adcock said.

“To me, the biggest thing about tonight was winning in overtime. That’s something that these guys have never had the chance to do, and we made some big plays at some critical times to do that.”

Decatur controls its destiny

Brooke Milam

Will the real Class 5A, Region 8 champion please stand up?

For the past six seasons, it’s been the Russellville Golden Tigers, but they met their match Friday night at home.

Forty-six straight times Russellville had taken the field in region contests and come away the winner. That streak ended as Decatur took a 24-23 overtime win in a showdown of the only two teams unbeaten in Region 8 play.

Decatur is now in the driver’s seat in Region 8, with region games against Muscle Shoals and Brewer left to play. One more region win will clinch at least a tie for the championship.

“I think we’ve earned every victory we’ve gotten, and I think we’ve played against good people,” Decatur coach Jere Adcock said.

Both programs came into Friday’s contest with impressive credentials, making the Red Raiders not just proud of the win, but proud of whom they had beaten.

Russellville entered this one having finished runner-up in 5A in 2002, ’03 and ’04, while Decatur was a regular in the 6A playoffs before moving to 5A last year.

After struggling a year ago, the Red Raiders are making the strides that many expected as soon as last season for a program that is well-respected throughout the state.

“(Decatur) had been a really good 6A program for years, so why would they not be strong in 5A?” Russellville coach Doug Goodwin asked. “They’ve got a great team. They’re well-coached, so, it’s not a surprise.”

Brooke’s High Five

Daily Sports Writer Brooke Milam ranks the area’s top five teams in both Class 4A-6A and 1A-3A:

Class 4A-6A Top Five

1. Decatur (6-1): The Red Raiders have won six straight games and don’t expect them to slow down this week against Muscle Shoals. Sixth-ranked Decatur is the 5A, Region 8 leader and should be in for another big win, hosting the Trojans in the friendly confines of Ogle Stadium.

Hungry for the region
Decatur focuses on being
No. 1 seed in playoffs

By Mark Edwards
medwards@decaturdaily.com · 340-2461

The opponent isn't ranked second in the state.

Or unbeaten.

Or riding a 46-game win streak in the region.

But if recent history is an indication, Decatur High's football team won't take Friday night's home game lightly, even if the foe is Muscle Shoals and not tradition-rich Russellville, which fell to the Red Raiders 24-23 seven days ago.

After falling in the season opener to Huntsville, Decatur has rolled through six straight opponents, and even though the list has included ranked teams such as then-No. 1 J.O. Johnson and rivals such as Hartselle and Athens, the Red Raiders haven't let up the following week.

It's enough to give hope to Decatur coach Jere Adcock that his team will have no trouble focusing on Muscle Shoals, which is 3-4, including 2-3 in Class 5A, Region 8.

"I'd like to think so," Adcock said. "I can't tell for sure until Friday night, but I'd like to think we'll be focused."

Decatur (6-1, 5-0 in the region) has plenty on the line.

If the Red Raiders win, they'll clinch at least a tie for the region championship, and since they hold the edge in the tiebreaker over all other contenders, a win will earn Decatur the region's No. 1 seed for the state playoffs.

Also, a win would give the Red Raiders seven for the season, and that's a magic number in Decatur football history.

Teams that earn seven wins get their photograph up in the Red Raiders' home, Earl Webb Fieldhouse.

Adcock said his players have talked about that this week.

"That's one thing they know about when they come to Decatur High," Adcock said.

"It's a tradition, and it's something important that they want to accomplish."

Decatur enters Friday night with a defense that has allowed only 10.8 points a game in the past four contests, but Muscle Shoals has scored plenty lately.

The Trojans beat West Point 34-7 in their last game, and in the two games before that, they scored four touchdowns each in a 42-28 loss to J.O. Johnson and 54-28 loss to Hazlewood.

That's an average of 30 points in the past three contests.

"The more we've watched them on film, the better they get," Adcock said.

"With some teams, you're in awe of them, but the more you watch them, the more ordinary they look.

"With Muscle Shoals, the more we've watched them, the more impressed I am with them."

Ogle Stadium game

Who: Muscle Shoals (3-4, 2-3 in Class 5A, Region 8) at Decatur (6-1, 5-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Stakes: Decatur can clinch first place in Region 8 with a victory. A win also will give the Red Raiders seven for the year, which is the number a team must reach to get its picture hung in the Earl Webb Fieldhouse.

Another one for the wall
Red Raiders claim at least a tie for Region 8 crown

By Paul Stackhouse
sports@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

On a night when Decatur could clinch a championship, the Red Raiders didn’t leave any doubt.

They scored a 55-14 home victory over Muscle Shoals on Friday night, clinching at
least a tie for the Class 5A, Region 8 championship.

Because Decatur (7-1, 6-0 in the region) holds all the tiebreakers, it will take the region’s No. 1 seed into the state playoffs.

In addition, the Red Raiders reached the magical seven-win mark, which means the coaches will put up the team picture in the Earl Webb Fieldhouse, marking this team’s legacy in school history for all time.

The Red Raiders did it with a healthy slice of sophomore quarterback Ben Neill, who completed 13 of 18 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns.

He also rushed for a touchdown.

Afterward, he completed another pass — tossing the credit to his offensive line and receivers.

“I had all day to throw from the great blocking of our whole offensive line,” Neill said. “They gave plenty the time to set up and throw, and the receivers did a great job also.

“It was a special game for us tonight. We won it for the seniors. With seven wins, we get our picture on the (fieldhouse) wall. I know they wanted it bad, and they worked hard for it.”

Neill scored the first touchdown early in the first quarter, running 11 yards for the score. The Red Raiders went up 14-0 after Tyler Teague picked up a Muscle Shoals fumble and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown.

With less than a minute remaining in the opening period, Muscle Shoals cut the Red Raiders’ lead to 14-7 when Ashley Elliott ran 2 yards for a touchdown.

Decatur kicker Michael Schuster made it 17-7 with 10:13 left in the second quarter when he kicked a 19-yard field goal.

The Red Raiders carried a 24-7 lead into halftime after Neill completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Cory Dodson.

On Decatur’s first offensive play of the second half, Dodson again was on the receiving end of a Neill pass with a 43-yard touchdown completion.

Neill continued Decatur’s offensive attack with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Justin Bishop and a 11-yard pass to Brooks Johnson for a 45-7 lead.

Schuster made it 48-7 going into the fourth quarter with a 24-yard field goal.

The Trojans’ final touchdown came on a 65-yard run by Avery Jackson.

Decatur’s Daniel Deffenbaugh scored the Red Raiders last touchdown on a 22-yard burst into the end zone midway through the final period.

Decatur finished with 487 total yards, 243 of which came on the ground. Muscles Shoals (3-5, 2-4) had 371 yards of offense with 217 coming from the passing game.

“We made some silly, sloppy mistakes early and gave them 14 points that killed us,” Muscle Shoals coach Curley Hallman said.

“You just can’t do that against a good team like Decatur. We got beat by a well-coached, good football team.”

Decatur coach Jere Adcock wasn’t totally happy with the Red Raiders’ performance in the first half.

“We didn’t come out with a lot of intensity like we should
have in the first half,” Adcock said.

“We challenged them at halftime to pick it up, and they answered the bell. They came out and handled it well and we had a great third quarter.

“I’m proud of that and I’m also proud of the fact that we got to play our younger players. We got to play everybody tonight.”

Decatur puts focus on Region 8 foe Brewer

By Michael Wetzel
mwetzel@decaturdaily.com · 340-2462

What's the most important game left on the Decatur High football schedule?

It's an easy question for coach Jere Adcock to answer. It's Friday night's contest at Class 5A, Region 8 foe Brewer.

"We'll worry about Brewer, our next game, before we think about anyone else or the playoffs," said Adcock, whose team has clinched at least a tie for the region crown.

The Red Raiders (7-1, 6-0 in the region) go into Friday's contest in Florette favored. Decatur is averaging a stout 31.3 points a game.

On Oct. 20, the Red Raiders routed Muscle Shoals 55-14 at Ogle Stadium. It marked Decatur's seventh straight victory.

"I'm real pleased with the direction and focus our kids have had going about their business to get it done on the field," Adcock said. "They are going out and doing what they're supposed to be doing."

Despite the Patriots' 3-5 overall record and 1-5 mark in the region, Brewer impresses Adcock.

"I know they'll be well-prepared and ready to play," he said. "I've seen a lot of good things from them on tape. They'll try to keep the ball out of our hands and play hard every down. They're well-coached."

Adcock pointed to the play of the Red Raiders' offensive line as his team's difference-maker this season.

"The offensive line is starting to mature," he said. "Early in the season, the line was a concern. We knew they just needed some time to mature, and they're coming together as a unit.

"That's a tribute to Coach (Richard) Armstrong. It takes a lot of grunt work to be successful on the offensive line."

Decatur closes out the regular season Nov. 2 against crosstown rival Austin. The Class 5A state playoffs begin Nov. 9 with Decatur hosting a first-round game.

After a slow start, Decatur lights up scoreboard at Brewer

By Ross Dellenger
sports@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

FLORETTE — As his players walked single file quietly into the locker room, Decatur coach Jere Adcock trotted off the field with no hint of a smile.

There was no celebration for a championship and an unblemished mark in the region.

No jubilation for an eighth straight win.

No display of excitement for a big road victory.

Just a simple walk and a disappointed coach.

Decatur overcame a sluggish start and an early seven-point deficit to beat Brewer 42-13 on a chilly Friday night.

But the sixth-ranked team in Class 5A struggled early before pulling away with a 35-point second quarter.

"It's about what I expected. That's the way we practiced all week," Adcock said, a scowl on his face.

Brewer (3-6, 1-6 in 5A, Region 8) marched 80 yards on 15 plays to open the game, converting four third downs against a stunned Red Raider defense. Patriots running back Christopher Dickerson capped the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run.

Just moments later, Dickerson, who also plays defensive end, sacked quarterback Ben Neill on a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line.

"They came out and took it to us," Adcock said. "They rammed it right down our throat."

But Neill quelled any upset possibilities, throwing three touchdown passes to three different receivers in the second quarter.

Running backs Chris Coffey and Ladarion Parker each added a rushing score in a five-touchdown second quarter that led to a 35-7 Decatur lead at the
half.

The Red Raiders (8-1, 7-0) had little problem the rest of the way, handing Brewer its fourth straight loss and coasting to an undisputed Region 8 championship.

"That's one of the goals being able to do that," Adcock said. "That was good."

Decatur hasn't lost since the season opener, when Huntsville beat the Red Raiders.

Adcock expected "a lot" from this team, even after the opening loss. But he was unsure how his team would overcome an early defeat.

"They've handled things well," said Adcock, whose team failed to make the playoffs last year. "We knew we had a good group of kids."

Neill, who completed his first seven passes, finished hitting 9 of 14 attempts for 184 yards and those three second-quarter scores to receivers Justin Bishop, Brooks Johnson and David Martin.

But again the Red Raiders illustrated sluggish play as they emerged from halftime.

On the second play of the third quarter, Neill's lateral pass was recovered by the Patriots. Decatur's defense stopped Brewer on a fourth-and-four from the 17-yard line, but Neill was intercepted on the ensuing series.

Four plays later, Brewer quarterback Tyler Parker hit Zack Graham for a 27-yard pass, making the score 35-13 with 6:53 left in the third quarter.

As Brewer's homestanding fans began to get back into the game, the Red Raiders silenced them again on the next drive.

Following a 31-yard completion from Neill, tailback Desmon Lavelle ran in from 10 yards out for the game's final score.

As region champions, Decatur will host a first-round playoff game.

But before that, the Red Raiders will face a familiar foe Friday night in Ogle Stadium.

"We're playing Austin," Adcock said, finally cracking a smile. "Enough said."

Shades of 2005 team
2007 Red Raiders squad winning with chemistry

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

When Decatur High head coach Jere Adcock and his assistants glance around Earl Webb Fieldhouse, it takes them back to 2005.

In the huddle after practice as Adcock looks into his players' eyes, he sees the same qualities he saw that year, and nearly every week this season, he has seen similar results to 2005 on the scoreboard: Wins.

"Those guys in 2005 were under the radar, and they just found ways to win," Adcock said.

Both finished region champions, but the Red Raiders of 2007 and the 2005 team are not just similar in the win category.

As Class 5A Decatur (8-1) prepares to face crosstown rival 6A Austin (4-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. at Ogle Stadium, Adcock said his team reminds him of the Red Raiders' last region championship team in 2005 — a team that began the season without much hype, but went undefeated in 6A, Region 8 and made it to the second round of the state playoffs.

Decatur played one of its most hyped games of the year in the final game of that regular season, hosting then three-time defending 6A state champion Hoover.

This year’s Red Raiders have a big one to cap the regular season this year as well, preparing for the city rivalry game with Austin.

The 2005 team beat Austin 31-6 and the current Red Raiders have a 17-14 loss to the Black Bears from last year to avenge.

A win for the Red Raiders this week also would match Decatur’s 2005 team for the school’s most regular season wins since 2000.

“For us, it’s not a big surprise,” 12th-year Decatur offensive line coach Richard Armstrong said.

“I think a lot of people looked and didn’t see the big names and all the hoopla and didn’t think we’d do much this season. People tend to judge a team by the individual players and don’t look at the kids at face value, and chemistry many times is more important than having blue-chip players.”

Both the 2005 and 2007 teams started the season unranked and both far exceeded expectations of those outside of the Decatur’s fieldhouse.

Decatur missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 1996, but it did not let last year’s disappointments hinder this season’s potential.

“We had a good off-season, and they haven’t looked back since,” 17th-year Red Raiders defensive coordinator Lee Cagle said.

The 2005 team didn’t break into the poll until the fourth week of the season, becoming No. 10 in the midst of stringing together its first five wins by a total of 15 points.

This season Decatur wasn’t ranked until Oct. 3, moving to No. 9 the week after beating 6A Sparkman 19-13.

“That showed a lot for the kind of character they had,” Adcock said.

“This group has been a lot the same way. They’re more talented offensively, but the Russellville game and Sparkman games were good examples of their character.”

This year’s Red Raiders have beaten a pair of highly ranked teams and have outscored opponents by a combined 292-138. The wins have been convincing, but Decatur has pulled out some close ones as well.

The Red Raiders’ 24-23 overtime victory at then-No. 2 Russellville on Oct. 12 was the first overtime contest any of the current Red Raiders had ever played in.

Decatur beat 6A Sparkman 19-13 midseason and also knocked off then-No. 1 ranked J.O. Johnson 30-20 in the third week of the season.

Neither the 2005 Red Raiders nor this year’s team had a seasoned veteran quarterback returning, but both produced.

In 2005, Decatur tight-end-turned quarterback Jesse Perrin led the Red Raiders to the second round of the 6A state playoffs in his first varsity season at the position and was named The Daily’s Class 4A-6A all-area quarterback.

Similarly, sophomore quarterback Ben Neill brought little
experience to the position, but has excelled in his first year as a full-time varsity starter, throwing 20 touchdown passes this season.

“In 2005 and this year, really there were no stars, just a good workman mentality and good chemistry,” Adcock said.

“That year, there were several no-name people that no one knew much about outside this field house that had super seasons that year.”

In 2005, Perrin, defensive lineman Alex Cooper, linebacker Kenny Austin and running back Steve Shackleford were named permanent team captains, an award voted on by the players and usually reserved for three outstanding leaders. A tie in the voting spoke to the depth of leadership on that team and Adcock said the Red Raiders have a similarly strong group again this season.

“There are those teams where people say, ‘He’s the guy,’ but this is one of those teams where they all have their ways that they have led this team.”

Cagle said the Decatur staff stops short of saying this year’s Red Raiders are a team of overachievers.

Instead, it’s a group of players doing what the coaches and community have come to expect of Decatur teams.

“I’d say not for one second is this a team of overachievers. It’s a team of kids that work hard and love football and they’re reaping the benefits,” Cagle said.

Adcock agreed that this season has been a journey worth the ups and downs, adding that this year’s team will have a special place in the coaching staff’s memory, just like their fellow Red Raiders of 2005 and so many other squads.

“What we’ve experienced with these kids and the growing process that we as coaches have been able to watch and be a part of with these guys has been a blessing for us,” Adcock said.

“These kids have done more for us than we’ve done for them.”

River City rivalry Who: Austin (4-5) vs. Decatur (8-1). When: Friday, 7 p.m. Where: Ogle Stadium

'It's Decatur-Austin'
And that says it all about the stakes when they play

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

The T-shirts have been on sale all week in the school offices and lunchrooms at Austin and Decatur High. The message printed on them is a simple thought that remains in the back of the minds of players, coaches, students and fans of both schools all year.

"Beat Austin."

"Beat Decatur."

They are especially powerful statements this week as the Decatur city schools face off Friday at Ogle Stadium at 7 p.m.

Decatur (8-1) will be the home team on the scoreboard and in the stands, but Austin (4-5) will be on its home field as well.

The Black Bears enter on top in the series. Austin won last year 17-14 for the first time since 2001. It marked the final game of the season for both squads as both teams finished 4-6 and missed the playoffs.

If the Black Bears win again, it will mark the first time Austin has strung together consecutive wins in the rivalry since beating Decatur in the regular season and the playoffs in 1985.

The matchup is no longer a region game after Decatur moved from Class 6A to 5A in 2006, but it still means plenty to the players involved.

"It's Decatur-Austin, and that's big enough in and of itself," fourth-year Austin head coach David Norwood said. "It's one that no one is going to back down from."

Decatur and Austin have played every year since 1965. The city rivals also met in the playoffs in 1984 and '85.

Decatur leads the overall series 30-14, but is on a mission to erase the sting of last year's loss, which was the final dagger in an uncharacteristic season for the Red Raiders and one they want to leave far behind.

"Around here, there's no reason to talk about that kind of stuff. It's not something you have to remind them of," 12th-year Decatur head coach Jere Adcock said.

"The thing we've talked about this year the most is to get better every game." This season, Decatur comes in as the Region 8 champions, the No. 6 team in 5A and riding an eight-game win streak.

Austin is holding the memory of last year's win in this rivalry.

"It made a huge difference in our season," Norwood said. "You finish the year with a win, and there are not many people that can say they did that, other than the state champions and a few others."

Decatur is getting set for the playoffs.

The Red Raiders will host a first-round game next week, and Adcock said this week's rivalry matchup is the perfect setup for the intensity of the postseason. The Red Raiders' past two wins came by a combined 70 points over Muscle Shoals and Brewer.

"I think this gets us back into the playoff-thinking mode," Adcock said. "The intensity level is higher this week, a bigger crowd, more at stake.

"It gets you thinking like you've got to think as you start the playoffs."

The statistics show potential for an intense matchup as well.

Both teams' passing games have been potent.

Decatur sophomore quarterback Ben Neill has completed 90 of 138 passes for 1,309 yards and 20 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

Eight different Red Raiders have caught touchdown passes, led by junior Cory Dodson's eight scores.

Senior Justin Bishop is Decatur's leading receiver with 25 receptions for 450 yards and five touchdowns.

For Austin, junior Justin Jones has connected on 107 of 203 passes for 1,385 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Jones' favorite target is junior Freddie Moore, who has 25 catches for 361 yards and three touchdowns.

On the ground, Decatur is led by junior Chris Coffey's 123 carries for 765 yards and six touchdowns, while Neill has 52 carries for 223 yards and two touchdowns.

Austin junior D'Nico Best has rolled up the most rushing yards for the Black Bears. Best's 96 carries have produced 599 yards. Jones has 63 carries for 358 yards and four touchdowns.

Both kickers have delivered game-winners this season in important games.

Decatur senior Michael Schuster kicked the winning extra point in a 24-23 overtime win Oct. 12 against Russellville, then ranked No. 2 in 5A. That victory gave Decatur the upper hand in the region race, which the Raiders eventually won.

Austin junior Josh Lowman kicked a game-winning 21-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in a 34-31 victory at region foe Sparkman on Sept. 21.

Defensively, senior linebacker Tim Witherspoon has led the Red Raiders in tackles this season, and Austin's top tackler is junior D.T. Shackelford.

Adcock said he is impressed with the Black Bears' talent and knows Austin will be highly motivated this week. Norwood said fans can expect both teams to be at their best Friday night.

"Decatur's going to play to win, and we're going to play to win,"Norwood said.

"It's like any good rivalry — it's for city pride."

Rivalry respect
Decatur stingy to nip crosstown foe

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

After four quarters of hard-fought football, the scene at Ogle Stadium on Friday night might not have been what was expected in a city rivalry between Class 6A Austin and 5A Decatur that has proven heated at times.

Decatur won 10-7 in a thriller and, with extra security on the field as a precaution, players and coaches from the crosstown rivals embraced, shook hands and shared words of encouragement.

Decatur offensive coordinator Kenny Morson patted Austin junior running back D'Nico Best on the shoulder pads.

Decatur junior receiver Pete Brown and fullback David Martin shook hands with Austin's junior quarterback Justin Jones.

Decatur head coach Jere Adcock shared a moment with Austin junior two-way standout D.T. Shackelford.

"I know we had a lot of respect for them and their athleticism," Adcock said. "They're as talented and well-coached a team as we've played all year."

Strong words coming from Adcock, whose Class 5A, Region 8 champion Red Raiders have faced J.O. Johnson and Russellville, which were ranked No. 1 and 2 in the state, respectively, when Decatur beat them earlier in the season.

Decatur, which leads the series with Austin 31-14, moved to 9-1 on the season. The Red Raiders will host Gardendale (6-4) in the first round of the 5A state playoffs next week.

Austin finished its season at 4-6.

"You had two football teams that battled tonight," Austin head coach David Norwood said. "This is what a rivalry should be. They put a quality product on the field, and I think we did, too."

Adcock said both teams had to work for their offensive yards Friday night, but it was his defense that proved the game-breaker.

"I've got to hand it to our kids because (Austin) gassed us, and our defense kept fighting," Adcock said. "They threw the ball a lot and ran us ragged, but our defense made plays when we had to make plays."

Amid many defensive heroics, Decatur's biggest defensive play of the night came with 1:40 left in the third quarter when senior Aaron Boykin intercepted an Austin pass near the Red Raiders' sideline and ran 72 yards for a touchdown.

"All I heard were my teammates behind me yelling, 'Go! Go!' " Boykin said.

Boykin's touchdown put Decatur ahead 10-0 heading into the fourth quarter of what was a scoreless game at halftime.

Michael Schuster had kicked a 45-yard field goal with plenty of distance to spare on Decatur's opening drive of the second half to put the Red Raiders ahead 3-0 before Boykin added to the advantage.

"I felt like everybody was so pumped on defense and giving it all they had that it would come down to a few plays, and we happened to make one more big play," Boykin said.

"It started up front with the defensive line doing what they had to do."

Not only did Decatur's defense post the Red Raiders' only touchdown in the win, but it also contained Austin's offense, which averaged 22.2 points a game coming in. The Black Bears had scored 21 or more in six of their other nine contests.

"I thought it might be low-scoring. I didn't think they could hold us to seven points, though," Norwood said.

Despite Austin's 429 yards of total offense, Decatur's defense kept the Black Bears off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter, when Justin Jones found favorite target Freddie Moore for the pair's most spectacular connection of the season — a 77-yard touchdown pass with 9:26 to play in the game that chipped into Decatur's lead and created the final three-point margin.

Norwood said both offenses played well in the first half, but mistakes hindered his team, which had three turnovers at halftime and finished the first half on a fumble.

"In the first half it was both offenses moving the chain, stall and punt; moving the chains, stall and punt," Norwood said. "Most definitely, we played better in the second half."

Adcock's Red Raiders also came alive on offense after the break.

"I think we played on our heels a lot in the first half," Adcock said. "We hadn't done a good job trying to take control of the game, but we settled down, challenged our kids at halftime. We got the win, and I'm excited about that, but I sure hope we're not through."

 TOP PERFORMANCES:

Aaron Boykin, Decatur:Returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown.

Levi Cook: Decatur:Intercepted two passes.

The Red Raiders were motivated to continue what has been a magical season. Some of their players even said they were nervous to keep the momentum going and further prove they are for real this season.

Meanwhile, Austin was a confident and determined team on a mission trying to win a second straight game over the Red Raiders for the first time since 1985.

But there was one thing the rivals had in common: Each side was playing for its seniors.

At the end of the game, 22 Decatur and 21 Austin seniors had plenty of reasons to be proud Friday night, leading the way in an exciting game that Decatur won 10-7 and 12th-year Red Raiders head coach Jere Adcock described as “two heavyweights going at it.”

It was scoreless at halftime before Decatur recorded 10 points in the third quarter, and Austin posted a touchdown in the fourth.

Fourth-year Austin head coach David Norwood said he thought Friday night’s installment of the annual city rivalry did its part to fuel the intensity of the matchup. The rival teams have now split the past two meetings, each by a three-point margin.

Austin won 17-14 in 2006.

With the avenging win, the Red Raiders capped a region championship season with a nine-game win streak still alive.

Decatur (9-1), which has not lost to a Class 5A team all season, will host Gardendale (6-4) in the first round of the state playoffs this week.

“I’m tickled to death for this team because these seniors, at this stage of their career, have 23 wins as a senior class,” Adcock said.

“Any time you averaging over seven wins a year, that’s pretty good, and I hope they’re not done yet.”

Austin (4-6) did not qualify for the playoffs this season, and although the Black Bears’ season ended on Friday night, Norwood gave credit to his seniors for the kind of character they have instilled in the program the past four years.

Anyone inside Austin’s football program knew exactly what Norwood meant Friday night when he told his senior class: “What you’ve done is set the tone for the future of Austin High School. For that, I thank you.”

Smooching on the Sidelines -Click on the above link to check it out.

Confident
Decatur peaking
Red Raiders hosting Rockets in state playoff opening round

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

When the Gardendale Rockets roll into Decatur on Friday to face the Red Raiders in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs, they will find a confident, focused team with improved depth that is excited about starting the playoffs.

That description came from the words of Decatur head coach Jere Adcock and his players, who have a quiet confidence about them as they prepare for this week’s first-round game against Gardendale.

Kickoff at Ogle Stadium is 7 p.m.

“We’re stronger than we were at the beginning of the season,” Adcock said.

“When you get here, if you’re a true playoff team, it energizes you.”

Class 5A No. 5 Decatur (9-1) earned its trip to the playoffs by winning the 5A, Region 8 championship and has not lost to a 5A team all season.

Gardendale (6-4) enters as the fourth seed from Region 6. Decatur, like most region champions, will be considered the favorite, but Red Raiders players said that has not been part of the pep talk this week. “We treat all the teams the same. We don’t really look at who’s favored and who’s not,” Decatur senior safety William Sartain said.

The Red Raiders have not lost since their season opener and have not slowed in building a nine-game winning streak.

“I think we’ve progressed every week,” senior defensive back Aaron Boykin said.

“It’s do or die because we know each week could be the last week we come out and play and it seems like everybody on the team has picked up on the urgency.”

That urgency exists for both teams and Adcock said when he looks at Gardendale he sees a team that is much better than its record and has endured some tough times to make the playoffs.

“You watch them on tape, and they’re better than a 6-4 football team,” Adcock said.

“I’m very impressed with how they’ve adjusted this season.”

Gardendale was 4-1 before losing starting quarterback Conner McCain to an ankle injury that required surgery. Senior Cameron Brewer has stepped in at quarterback. Brewer was the team’s leading receiver before making the switch in the second half of the regular season.

Players said their attention has been brought to several aspects of Gardendale’s game this week: fast running backs, a big offensive line, exceptional execution.

With Gardendale’s passing game in transition during the quarterback change, running backs Trey Hilliard and Roscoe Ragland have had no trouble rushing behind a strong line to lead the Rockets’ ground attack and keep the offense clicking.

Gardendale has scored 28.6 points a game, including putting up 28 on undefeated sixth-ranked Cullman on Oct. 26, meaning Decatur’s defense, which has allowed 14.5 points a game, will need to be up to its usual standards against the Rockets.

The Red Raiders’ leading tacklers are senior linebacker Tim Witherspoon, junior linebacker Levi Cook, and junior defensive linemen Dewan Troupe and John Alexander.

“Gardendale makes you cover the entire field,” Adcock said.

“We can’t have even one guy make a mistake at his position on defense.”

Decatur’s offense is averaging 30.2 points a game on the strength of a solid running game led by junior Chris Coffey’s 145 carries for 920 yards and six touchdowns, and a balanced passing attack that has consistently been a force.

Sophomore quarterback Ben Neill has connected on 95 of 154 passes for 1,316 yards and 20 touchdowns. Fourteen different Red Raiders have caught passes this season, led by senior Justin Bishop’s 25 catches for 450 yards and five touchdowns. But Gardendale could give that powerful passing attack trouble.

Adcock said the Rockets’ pressure defense has been a weapon all season and is one of the strongest aspects of a defensive attack that has allowed 15.8 points a game.

“Their secondary plays man coverage as well as anyone I’ve seen,” Adcock said.

“They’re almost a clinic tape as to how you play man coverage.”

Adcock said he can usually tell by Wednesday of each week if his team is on the right track and the outlook is positive from the Red Raiders’ coach this week. The Red Raiders are in familiar territory, in the playoffs this season for the 10th time in Adcock’s 12 years as Decatur’s head coach.

“You’re always looking at the end and thinking ‘Where are we going to be at the end? How are we going to stack up?’ ” Adcock said.

“Our coaches have done a good job getting our guys ready physically to a level that we’re ready to play.”

So, the question is not if the Red Raiders are prepared to be among the best in the state, but will Decatur’s best be enough against Gardendale this week?

“We’ve matured a lot. We’ve come a long way,” Sartain said.

“We’ve just got to keep on doing what we’ve done all year and stay focused.”

Ogle Stadium game

Who: Gardendale (6-4) at Decatur (9-1).

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Stakes: A loss from here is season-ending for every team in the state. Decatur has exceeded expectations this season, from unranked to No. 5 in the state, and looks to keep a nine-game winning streak alive.

Decatur blasts Rockets
Coffey's two TDs plenty of points for stingy Red Raiders

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

Decatur High running back Chris Coffey said that after a week of studying first-round opponent Gardendale on videotape, the Red Raiders' mission on offense was clear:

"I thought we would have to produce," Coffey said.

The two teams averaged 30 points a game this season, and when they faced off at Ogle Stadium, the Red Raiders got two touchdowns from Coffey and two field goals from Michael Schuster to prevail 20-3 in the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

"They do the same thing week in, week out," junior defensive end Dewan Troupe said with a smile.

"We already knew the offense was going to do their thing again."

Decatur (10-1) will host Benjamin Russell (9-2) on Friday in the second round. Benjamin Russell advanced by beating Scottsboro 35-14.

Coffey's 21 carries for 150 yards led the offensive charge for Decatur. The junior's 17-yard touchdown run capped Decatur's opening drive and put the Red Raiders up 7-0 four minutes into the game.

The Red Raiders never lost momentum.

Coffey scored again on a 3-yard touchdown run six seconds into the second quarter, giving Decatur a 14-0 advantage over Gardendale (6-5).

"The line was on their assignments and did what they had to do," Coffey said. "Really, it was pretty balanced, and I didn't know we were going to run it that much until we got the running game going."

Schuster kicked a 40-yard field goal to close the first half with Decatur ahead 17-0. He added a 30-yarder with 8:37 left for the final margin.

On the other side of a solid offensive effort for the Red Raiders was a Decatur defense that did not break.

And while Decatur coach Jere Adcock said he expected a sharp performance from his defense, he added that they exceeded his expectations.

"I thought if we could hold them to 14 points, we had a chance to win," Adcock said. "I knew we were capable and had a good game plan, but we even played a little better defensively than I thought."

Senior defensive back Aaron Boykin twice batted away passes that were potential touchdowns — once in first half an once in second half. It was part of a defensive showing that Adcock said featured "several tremendous individual efforts."

Gardendale coach Keith Luker said he expected his usually strong offense to be challenged, but when his Rockets reeled off two first downs on its first two plays from scrimmage, it looked like it might be a tough night for Decatur.

Not for long. Gardendale punted on its first three possessions and the rushing tandem of Roscoe Ragland and Trey Hilliard ran for 59 and 18 yards, respectively.

"Defensively, we knew they were a good football team," Luker said. "We knew we couldn't live by the run all night long."

But Gardendale's offensive attack was not limited to the run, and Adcock said he feared a variety of areas of the Rockets' offense.

Most of those fears related to senior athlete Cameron Brewer, who played quarterback in the second half of the season, but also is a top receiver for the Rockets.

Brewer completed 13 of 21 passes for 108 yards and also handled punting duties for the Rockets.

"He came in and did what he could do and gave us a chance," Luker said.

Gardendale's lone score came on 24-yard field goal by Evan Kreider with 2:45 left in the third quarter, cutting the advantage to 17-3.

"We did what we wanted to do, which was keep the ball out of Gardendale's hands with some long drives and keep them on their heels," Adcock said. "I think we definitely earned this one."

Balance weapons have Decatur rolling

Whether credit goes to Decatur High’s offense or defense for Friday’s convincing 20-3 win over Gardendale in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs, it matters little to the Red Raiders.

They are still winning, and that is what counts.

In fact, the balanced effort and progression on both sides of the ball have been a theme all season. They are the reason for Decatur’s success in building a 10-game win streak.

“Early in practice this year, the defense was really handing us our hats — just wearing us out,” said Decatur head coach Jere Adcock, who is also the quarterbacks coach.

“Things have gotten progressively better.”

Decatur’s offensive totals have stair-stepped upward all season. After averaging 25.8 points in their first five games, the Red Raiders averaged 34.6 in the second half of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Decatur’s defense has been shrinking the opposition’s output. The Red Raiders gave up 17.6 points a game through the fifth week of the season, before posting their first shutout en route to an allowance of just 11.4 in the second half. Decatur has not allowed any team more than 14 points since a 24-23 win over Russellville on Oct. 12, and Friday’s effort was much the same.

Decatur defense gave up only a field goal to Gardendale, which averaged 28.6 points a game in the regular season and posted 28 and 31 points the previous two weeks.

The Red Raiders’ offense, led by sophomore quarterback Ben Neill, picked apart the Gardendale defense, putting up two touchdowns and a pair of field goals on a Rockets unit that had surrendered 15.8 points a game this season, including two shutouts.

Still, junior running back Chris Coffey, who scored both touchdowns for Decatur on runs of 17 and 3 yards, said it was a good night, but “I didn’t think it was the best. I can always do more.”

Senior defensive end Dewan Troupe spoke for the defense Friday night, saying, “I think we did all right — not the best, but all right.”

Adcock had to smile as he listened in. It’s the kind of attitude that has kept the Red Raiders winning each week.

“You see your teammates playing well and you kind of say, ‘Hey, now I’ve got a little more room to work with right here,’ ” Adcock said. “That’s been of major importance for us.”

Decatur (10-1) will host Benjamin Russell (9-2) on Friday in the second round.

Passing the test
Beefing up aerial attack benefits Red Raiders in march to 10 wins

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

In a 12-minute whirlwind of plays at a recent practice, four Decatur High quarterbacks threw passes to nearly a dozen receivers.

With each quarterback running about six plays a minute, they're throwing about 24 balls a minute and about 288 passes before the practice session is over.

It is no secret that Decatur values its passing game.

Red Raiders head coach Jere Adcock said he believes in the philosophy of "working twice as hard on the passing game," and his players have seen the benefits of that this season.

"If you can throw the football in high school, you present a dimension that puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses and forces opponents into some tough situations," Adcock said. "I've been real pleased with our quarterbacks this year and even more maybe with the receivers."

As Decatur (10-1) prepares to host Benjamin Russell (9-2) in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs Friday, Adcock said the passing game has been a key ingredient to the Red Raiders' success this year.

Sophomore quarterback Ben Neill has completed 103 of 169 passes for Decatur for 1,411 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Neill has thrown four interceptions, while having a 62 percent completion rate. Also, he isn't locking onto two or three favorite receivers — 11 Red Raiders have caught passes, and eight have caught touchdown passes.

"You know whoever you throw it to, they're going to catch it, and they're going to make plays," Neill said. "With so many good receivers, it makes it easier. You don't have to worry about anybody complaining, and you don't have to look to just one guy."

Depth at receiver and an accurate quarterback have sharpened the Red Raiders' offense into a threat that has kept opponents guessing.

The Red Raiders are averaging 29.3 points a game with the help of a reliable passing game.

"In today's time, I think throwing the football well also gives you an opportunity to run the ball better," Adcock said.

Junior tailback Chris Coffey has benefited, rushing for 1,085 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

It all has combined to give Decatur its most productive offense since 2000 when the Red Raiders went 10-2.

That offense, led by all-state quarterback Cole Barthel, who is now playing for Arkansas Tech, rolled up 4,400 yards in 12 games.

Decatur has gained 3,600 yards this season in 11 games with nearly half coming from its passing game.

Adcock said that after assessing the personnel in the off-season, the Red Raiders planned on using a variety of receivers this year.

"We felt like our quarterback situation was good, and when we went into the spring, we felt like we had a lot of guys that could catch the ball, that run good routes and were very unselfish," Adcock said.

This has given receivers coach Byron Graham a large group to oversee and has allowed offensive coordinator Kenny Morson plenty of options.

Senior Justin Bishop returned as Decatur's leading receiver from last season and has paced the Red Raiders again this year. He had 28 catches for 507 yards and five touchdowns.

"We've got a bunch of guys to contribute, so opposing defenses can't really key in on one guy because everybody can catch the ball," Bishop said.

Junior Cory Dodson has caught a team-high eight touchdown passes off 20 receptions for 327 yards.

"We knew we had depth all along," Dodson said.

Coffey has 17 catches for 191 yards and a score, and junior tight end Brooks Johnson has 14 receptions for 142 yards and four touchdowns.

Senior Riley Adcock and junior fullback David Martin each have 10 catches for 92 and 78 yards, respectively, and Martin has caught two touchdowns.

Juniors Pete Brown and Levi Cook and freshman Ryan Watson each have a touchdown catch this season.

In his first year as a full-time starter, Neill said he has benefited from excellent pass protection from Decatur's offensive line.

"It's been solid all year," Neill said. "It's not been a problem at all. Nothing to worry about."

And with plenty of time to throw, Neill has produced.

Players name wins over J.O. Johnson, Russellville and Athens as times the passing game has come through this season.

Against J.O. Johnson on Sept. 12, Decatur won 30-20 on the strength of a touchdown catch by Cook and screen pass to Coffey for a touchdown.

In a 24-23 overtime win over Russellville on Oct. 12, Dodson caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Neill in the extra period to set up Michael Schuster's game-winning extra point.

Decatur's other two touchdowns that night came on pass plays, with Martin and Bishop catching one each.

Against Athens on Sept. 21, Decatur took a 35-7 win as Neill passed for a season-high 251 yards and two touchdowns.

With those kinds of results, it is not hard for the Red Raiders to find motivation in some intense passing practice sessions — even late in season.

Neill will return next year, as will four of the Red Raiders' top six receivers. Some new additions are waiting for their chance to join Decatur's air attack, too.

"We've got some young kids not getting playing time right now that I feel real good about for next year," Adcock said. "We're graduating some real good ones, but we've also got some good ones that I think will step right in."

Red Raiders in 2nd round

Who: Benjamin Russell (9-2) at Decatur (10-1).

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Ogle Stadium.

What: Second round of Class 5A state playoffs. A loss ends the loser’s season.

Predicting the preps

Daily Sports Writer Brooke Milam predicts how area teams will fare this week in the second round of the state playoffs: Friday’s games

Decatur 28, Benjamin Russell 14

A 2nd-round hurdle
Decatur's high-octane offense meets stingy defense at Ogle in Class 5A playoffs

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

Something will have to give Friday night at Ogle Stadium.

When the Decatur Red Raiders (10-1) host Benjamin Russell (9-2) in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs, it will be Decatur’s high-powered offense, averaging 29.3 points a game, against a Benjamin Russell defense that has posted four shutouts this season and allowed only 10 points a game.

Kickoff is 7 p.m.

A Decatur team that has proven itself all season will face its highest-stakes contest yet, and sophomore quarterback Ben Neill said he knows the Red Raiders’ offense will have one of its toughest tasks of the season.

“We have to show up,” Neill said.

For Decatur it’s a chance to overcome a second-round obstacle.

A steady presence in the playoffs, Decatur lost to the eventual state champions every season from 1997-2000, and head coach Jere Adcock said it adds something special to a season to be able to call your team “a quarterfinalist.”

The Red Raiders have not advanced past the second round since 2002, when they lost to Mountain Brook in the quarterfinals.

“I think if you get to that third round, I think that makes more of an impact,” Adcock said.

The last time the Benjamin Russell advanced past the second round was 2005, when it made it to the semifinals.

The Wildcats have had a strong season under first-year head coach Mike McCombs, who took over for Willie Carl Martin, now on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama. Benjamin Russell’s rich postseason history includes 12 straight trips to the playoffs, winning a 5A state championship in 2001, and finishing runner-up in 2000 and 6A runner-up in 1997.

Decatur was fifth in the final Alabama Sports Writers Association poll of the season, while the Wildcats received votes all season but never broke into the top 10.

Benjamin Russell only has fallen to top-ranked 5A Briarwood Christian and 3A No. 2 Clay County, finishing second in 5A, Region 5.

Three of the four playoff qualifiers from Region 5 won their opening round game — Benjamin Russell, Briarwood, and Chelsea — as did three qualifiers from Region 8 — region champion Decatur, Russellville and J.O. Johnson.

The stingy Wildcats run a 3-3 defense, the same system the Red Raiders faced in wins against Gardendale and Hartselle this season, posting 20 and 31 points, respectively.

Junior linebacker Akaris Daniels leads the Wildcats in tackles with 86 total stops, 14 for lost yardage, three forced fumbles and eight sacks.

Decatur boasts a stout defense of its own, giving up 14.8 points a game, and will have to be at its best again this week.

“(Benjamin Russell) throws the ball really well,” Adcock said. “They are very, very spread out.”

Wildcats senior quarterback Casey Cutts has completed 120 of 181 passes, a 66.3 percent completion rate, for 1,468 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He has been intercepted just four times.

Cutts also leads the team in rushing with 137 carries for 561 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Cutts handles punting duties for Benjamin Russell, averaging 32 yards per punt.

Earlier in the season, Adcock said he wanted “people that come back to be proud of the guys on that field and say, ‘Those are the kind of guys I want representing me.’ ”

The Red Raiders have another chance to do that Friday night.

And after checking off goals of a winning season, making the playoffs and a region championship, the next wish on Decatur’s list is a trip to the quarterfinals.

“We’ve had some good teams, but we haven’t been there in awhile,” Adcock said. “There does seem to be something special about making it to the quarterfinals.”

Ogle Stadium game

Who: Benjamin Russell (9-2) at Decatur (10-1).

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Stakes: A win for the Red Raiders would put Decatur in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Benjamin Russell looks to continue improving its finish from last season, when it lost to Hartselle in the first round. The Wildcats made the semifinals in 2005.

'A great football game'
Decatur outlasts Benjamin Russell in 3 overtimes to move to 3rd round

By Brooke Milam
bmilam@decaturdaily.com · 340-2460

Decatur High senior Daniel Crampsey searched for the words to describe how the Red Raiders pulled off a triple-overtime win in the state playoffs.

When Friday night ended, Decatur had scored a 45-42 victory over Benjamin Russell at Ogle Stadium in the Class 5A second round.

"At first, we couldn't find it inside ourselves. Then we found it. We lost it again, and then we found it, and we won," Crampsey said.

"If you know you might never play again, you find it somewhere."

That was a good way to describe the back-and-forth battle that was tied three times in regulation and stretched into three overtimes.

Senior kicker Michael Schuster ended it with a 22-yard field goal that put Decatur in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Crampsey, a senior defensive tackle, sat out the last month of games because of injury but was back for what he called "probably the most exciting game I've ever played in."

Decatur (11-1) racked up its 11th straight win and will play at Cullman (12-0) next week in the quarterfinals.

Cullman advanced by beating Chelsea 41-25.

Benjamin Russell's season ended at 9-3 and first-year Wildcats coach Mike McCombs said his team lost to a worthy opponent in an exciting contest.

"Decatur is a great football team, and it was a great football game," McCombs said. "We made some plays tonight that we probably haven't made all season."

Schuster's field goal ended an exhausting night for both sides, which were tied 28-28 at the end of regulation.

Even in defeat, Benjamin Russell senior quarterback Casey Cutts produced a big night. He rushed for 237 yards on 34 carries with two touchdowns, and completed 19 of 32 passes for 136 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Cutts also punted four times for a 33.8 average.

"I can't say enough about what Casey has done," McCombs said. "I look forward to seeing him play somewhere next year. He's a great competitor and an even better person."

McCombs said Cutts has not committed to a college for next season, but his impressive performance Friday night dealt the Red Raiders all they could handle.

In a game in which both teams came out passing, Decatur's running game proved to be the edge.

"We ran the ball really well on them," Adcock said. "We told them, 'We're going to have to run the football to win this game.' "

Decatur junior Chris Coffey rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns and also added four catches for 22 yards and another score — all hard-earned yards, Coffey said.

"I thought (Benjamin Russell) defended the run great," said Coffey, who scored two touchdowns in overtime. "I had to work extra hard. It wasn't near easy."

Decatur struck first on the opening possession of the game. The Red Raiders scored on junior fullback David Martin's 2-yard touchdown catch from sophomore quarterback Ben Neill.

Benjamin Russell's senior quarterback Casey Cutts rushed 55 yards for a touchdown to get the Wildcats started, giving his team a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Cutts' 4-yard pass to Kendall Graveman gave Benjamin Russell a 14-6 advantage in the second quarter. Neill's 1-yard run and shuffle pass to Coffey for the 2-point conversion tied the game at 14-14 with 2:59 left in the half.

After Dewon Troupe picked up a Wildcats' fumble on the Benjamin Russell 10-yard line and ran it into the end zone, Decatur had a 21-14 lead at halftime.

"Our defense was on the field a lot and they did a lot of things to make sure we won this ball game," Decatur head coach Jere Adcock said.

Benjamin Russell's Akaris Daniels' 1-yard touchdown run midway through the third again tied the game at 21-21. Coffey's 69-yard touchdown run with 1:36 left in the third gave Decatur a 28-21 lead heading into the fourth.

Coffey reached the end zone twice in overtime, first catching a 4-yard pass from Neill and again on a 2-yard run.

Benjamin Russell opened overtime by scoring on a 1-yard pass from Cutts to Trey Bennett. In the second overtime, Cutts threw another 5-yard pass to Bennett to keep the game going.

In the third overtime period Benjamin Russell's 35-yard field goal attempt went wide left, and Schuster sealed the win, making good on a 22-yarder on Decatur's ensuing possession.

In the end, it was Decatur's win, and Coffey said it was the most exciting one he's been a part of.

"You're always hungry," Coffey said. "This is a really big deal, and we left it all out on the field just like our coaches told us to."

Eight teams remain in each classification
Red Raiders travel to Cullman on Friday

Decatur High’s football team put itself among the elite Friday night, and as usual, the Red Raiders’ coaching staff had a plan — a plan to practice this week.

Decatur coaches already had drawn up a practice schedule for Thanksgiving week. They sent a letter to players’ parents before Friday night’s second-round game with Benjamin Russell. It was time well spent.

The Red Raiders left no doubt they deserved to be in the final eight teams in Class 5A with a 45-42 win over Benjamin Russell in front of a home crowd at Ogle Stadium.

It took three overtimes, but a Decatur team that has proven itself all year took one step further.

“When you get to the quarterfinals, it changes things a little bit because you can sort of see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Red Raiders head coach Jere Adcock said.

Class 5A Decatur and 1A Hazlewood are the only teams still alive from Morgan, Lawrence and Limestone counties plus Addison.

Class 4A East Limestone, 2A Tanner and Addison and 1A Speake fell Friday in the second round.

In the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, Decatur (11-1) will travel to Cullman (12-0), which remained unbeaten with a 41-25 win over Chelsea in the second round.

The Red Raiders scored more than three times as many points than Benjamin Russell had allowed its opponents this season. In addition, Decatur’s defense was making plays late in the game, holding Benjamin Russell to a missed field goal attempt in the third overtime, opening the door for senior Michael Schuster’s 22-yard game-winning field goal.

Adcock said Benjamin Russell was nothing short of impressive in the marathon contest.

“Everything I thought about them showed up tonight,” Adcock said. “And really, as good as they looked on film — they were even better.”

The equalizer?

Against a great opponent that was as strong as expected, Adcock said he got exactly what he expected out of his team, too.

Every time the Red Raiders have faced a high-profile opponent this season, they have answered the call. Adcock paid respect to the teams he believes helped Decatur prepare for the moments that it faced in a win-or-go-home situation against Benjamin Russell.

Adcock said his team learned plenty from games against Class 6A Huntsville and Austin and 5A Russellville and J.O. Johnson.

“The Russellville game, the Austin game ... those are the type games that make you better,” Adcock said.

After falling to Huntsville 34-14 in the season opener Aug. 31, Decatur has not lost since. Decatur knocked off J.O. Johnson, then ranked No. 1 in the state, in convincing manner with a 30-20 win Sept. 13, and teams around the state started to take notice. Beating Russellville 24-23 on Oct. 12 gave the Red Raiders overtime experience, and beating city rival Austin 10-7 tested Decatur’s competitive fiber as much as any game all season.

Adcock said it was because of those games that his team was able to celebrate Friday night.

“I’m really pleased our kids did exactly what we’ve been talking about (Friday) night and kept pushing one play at a time,” Adcock said. “This group loves to play football and they have fun doing it. ... The greatest word in sports is ‘next.’ ”

Prep football: Quarterfinals feature an old TVC rivalry

Friday night will mark the first time in 20 years Cullman and Decatur will meet on the football field as the Bearcats and Red Raiders will renew a rivalry from the old Tennessee Valley Conference.

The teams met every year from 1947 through 1974 except for three, and they met again two more times in 1986 and 1987.

The Red Raiders have gotten the most of the series so far as they lead the series 17-8 with two ties.

“It’s been a while since Cullman and Decatur have played each other,” said Cullman head coach Mark Britton Saturday afternoon on his way home from the coaches’ meeting in Montgomery. “Two schools this close to each other with only one loss between them should be a good game.

“The state is even thinking about sending us a few more tickets to sell because they can see a big crowd showing up for this one.”

One of Cullman’s eight wins over Decatur is one of the biggest in school history. Both teams went into the final week of the 1962 season undefeated, and the Bearcats — led by Oliver Woodard — knocked off the top-ranked Red Raiders 20-0.

The win gave Cullman a mythical state championship as they were voted No. 1 at the end of the season before teams started having postseason playoffs.

A season of memories

Decatur’s players, coaches look to add to year’s highlights Friday

The Red Raiders and the Creek rising in playoffs

There’s work to do even though it’s Thanksgiving

Prep football season ends

Decatur hits drought