Will Stokes Leads Madison Academy Mustangs Into The Class 4A Playoffs
MADISON- With speed, agility and just plain celebrated athleticism, Will Stokes is making noise among Class 4A football. His striking talents have helped lead the Mustangs into the post-season playoffs as the No. 1 ranked team in Alabama with the chance to pick up its first state title since 2004.
“I let my game speak for me and try and lead by example,” said Stokes.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back recently celebrated his 18th birthday with his parents, William and Niema Stokes, and his five siblings, of which he is the youngest. The fleet-footed scamper has had a season to remember among the history books of the private school located on Slaughter Road on the eastern border of Madison. Earlier this season in the Mustangs’ 40-7 victory over Madison County High, Stokes ran for 193 yards on 17 carries (11-yard average) with touchdown runs of 70, 9, 9 and 1 yards. Through nine games of the regular season, Stokes has rushed for 1,649 yards on 142 carries and 29 TDs, has 177 yards and one touchdown on 14 pass receptions and one score on a punt return.
Bob Godsey, in his third year as head coach of the Mustangs, knows the history of the program and understands this team is special and seems to have its radar set on a state title. He also knows the squad is made up of special players including Stokes. He added, “He is a very good player and even better person. He is quick, strong and has great vision.”
With all of the accolades he has received for his outstanding play and statistics to match, Stokes is aware colleges have seen his talents on the field and in the classroom, as he has a 3.3 grade point average, and have reached out to inquire about the possibility of bringing his talents to their programs. Included in his watchful eye are Mercer, Memphis, North Alabama, Western Kentucky and Alabama State. Both of his parents received college scholarships to play collegiate basketball, so his feelings are he’s on course to follow in their footsteps, although he is currently footloose and fancy-free in his quest for a college to play for.
The sport of football came to Stokes at age six as he played youth football in the Metro League as part of the Huntsville Youth Football Association. He played at nearby Sparkman High as a freshman before moving to Madison Academy a year later. In 2020, Stokes suffered an ankle injury, missed one game, but physically struggled through the remainder of the season. His senior campaign is one most feel would have happened a season ago if the injury had not occurred.
“I’m very competitive and do things the correct way and try and be the best I can be,” said Stokes, who also runs track for the Mustangs. “I feel my assets are I’m agile, quick, make would-be tacklers miss, strong legs and have good vision as a runner,” said Stokes.
He was chosen to play in the annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game along with teammate Kaden Young (6-5, 300, Sr.) a mainstay of the squad’s offensive line and understands his blocks spring open holes for Stokes to do his thing. The All-Star Game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17 in Mobile and if Stokes and his teammates have their way about things, the two Mustangs will arrive at the elite game as state champions.
Stokes has taken pride in working to be the best. He works out at home, joins teammates and friends at the school’s football facilities for extra workouts and even has a membership at the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison. He understands it takes all of his physical attributes to make it a successful game each time he wears his game uniform.
“He has put in a lot of work to have the season he is having,” said Godsey of his top running back.
Madison Academy won the Region 7 title and will host a first-round playoff game. The team has a lot to prove and Stokes has his own personal proving to conquer on the field.
“I feel I’m underrated and recruited and I want to prove myself in front of a big audience like we’ll have in the playoffs and at the All-Star Game,” added Stokes.
