High School Football 2026 gets underway this week

The Bob Jones Patriots program went through a coaching change during the off-season when Seth Parker was named the head coach after Kelvis White retired after six seasons at Madison’s oldest high school.

MADISON – The summer- long workouts are now memories of the past. The pre-season practices are now complete. With both of those facts in the history books, it’s now time for the “real” action to take place as all of the hoopla is over, so let the games begin.

High school football kicks off this week with week-one of the regular season for the four local teams covered by The Madison Record. Bob Jones, James Clemens, Sparkman and Madison Academy all hit the gridiron this week for season-opening games. Each team has its own storyline as the coach of each squad has laid out their agenda, game plan, season goals and the leadership needed for success and an experience to last a lifetime.

Let’s take a look at each of the four schools:

BOB JONES

New. Fresh. Renewal. Each easily describe the 2026 football season for the Bob Jones Patriots as the program went through a coaching change during the off-season when Seth Parker was named the head coach after Kelvis White retired after six seasons at Madison’s oldest high school.

“There’s always a learning curve, learning the kids, but I have a head start as some of these players were freshmen when I was here at Bob Jones as an assistant coach,” said Parker. “We’ve had a great transition and hope to peak come November.”

With just 20 seniors and 24 juniors, along with 36 sophomores, the Patriots are considered a young group, but many of the 2026 squad have some varsity playing experience as Parker will see five starters each on offense and defense return from last year’s team that was 5-5 on the season including a 3-4 region record, but missed the playoffs.

This year, the AHSAA has revamped its classifications and regions as the governing body has done away with Class 7A and combined many schools into Class 6A with Bob Jones pushed into Region 4 along with both James Clemens and Sparkman.

For Parker, 30, he played quarterback attending Bob Jones and returned as an assistant coach from 2019-2024, after which time he was head coach at Priceville for the last two seasons. He knows the ins and outs of the environment at the school and has many talents at his disposal for the upcoming campaign.

Offense

The grit of the Patriots will come from the offense, which will be led by sophomore Alex Randolph (QB, 6-1, 170, So.), who Parker called, “Savvy, a winner and very confident where his talent at quarterback and success on field makes me think the sky is the limit for him.” Randolph came on last year splitting time with the starting quarterback as Randolph played the same position on junior varsity. “He can make every throw and is great with his feet,” added Parker. If needed, fellow sophomore Josiah Pace (QB/WR, So.) will be waiting in the wings to back up Randolph as he’s known as a good athlete who can make plays.

Running backs will be led by returning starter Jaden Rice (RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.) who posted exceptional statistics a season ago with 665 yards and seven touchdowns on 103 carries for an offense that offered 29.5 points per outing. Alongside Rice is Zach King (RB, 5-10, 195, Jr.) who possesses quickness with quick bursts, who can hit the creases and display zig-zag moves. Parker said, “He’s very experienced, though just a junior. He’s a bell cow for us. Combined with Rice, we have a two-headed monster that can help us at that position.”

In addition, sophomore Brennon Rooks-Battle (RB, 5-11, So.) will also see time at running back as he “runs angry” and is somebody that’s ready to play.

The go-to-guy according to Parker is senior wide receiver Ethan Gay (WR, 6-1, Sr.) who is strong, has great hands and the most experienced of the receiving crew. Others ready to catch for the Patriots are Josiah Edwards (WR, 6-0, Sr.) who is explosive from the slot position and is a catalyst on offense. Besides being ready as quarterback backup, Pace will play on the outside where he is athletic and can jump, Jordan Jones (WR, 5-10, Jr.) is coming off a knee injury and, when healthy, will help the wide outs, and Paxton Yancey (WR, Jr.), who is a junior in the slot, is a player the offense can rely on, as all three players look to see enormous playing time this year.

Three returners highlight the offensive line. Sam Charbonnet (OL, Jr.), left tackle, Jaman Berry (OL, 5-11, Sr.), left guard, and Sheldon Sharpe (OL/DL, Sr.), right tackle, are the strong arms up front and will see starting time along with Colby Sanders (OL/DL, 6-2, Jr.), right guard, and Travis Seay (OL, 5-10, Jr.), center, anchoring the group. Parker said a sixth lineman, John Wheelock (OL, 6-4, So.), is a sophomore, has great size and has a bright future in high school football.

Parker indicated the tight end position is hugely important to the expected offense and that position is led by Brayson Albin (TE/LS, 6-3, Sr.) who is a returning starter. He has the size, knowledge and the knack to get open and catch any pass in his vicinity. Junior Josh Okwu (TE, Jr.) is regarded as explosive and could be a superstar player at the tight end position. Senior Ga’Braun Gill (TE, 6-2, Jr.) is certainly going to be in the mix as three good tight ends make for a happy offense.

Defense

With five returning starters leading the way, the Bob Jones defense should be more affective in 2026 after giving up a mere 17 points per game a season ago.

“We will play a three-man front this year and we have three players who were starters last season ready to get into action,” said Parker.

The front lineman includes Kamdyn Carson (DL, 6-6, Sr.), Josh Williams (DL, 5-10, 310, Sr.) and Sheldon Sharp (DL, Sr.), who is the defending heavyweight division state champion wrestler for Bob Jones. At 6-foot-6, Carson is long, athletic and has several Div. I offers. Williams is what Parker described as mammoth, strong and can run. He makes plays happen. Sharp loves the fact he can play both ways and takes pride on being a strong performer on both lines. Senior Cameron Ashley (DL, Sr.) saw lots of playing time last season and Parker is ready to utilize Ashley’s talents on the defensive line. Parker also has the luxury of having additional two players who can help on the DL. Colby Sanders (DL, 6-2, Jr.), a junior, and Jamari Berry (DL/OL, 5-11, Sr.) will be on standby.

The corps of linebackers is where much of the team leadership and winning attitude rests, though much of the talent is young as three of the top four players in this group are underclassmen and will follow the leadership role held by senior Mason Johnson (LB, 5-10, Sr.), who Parker said has strong leadership as he returns after starting last season. Parker has high hopes for sophomore Grayson Samargia (LB, So.). Parker said of his super soph, “He’s really strong physically and mentally especially being as young as he is. I feel confident he’s out there because he is a winner in everything he does.” Another sophomore, Jaquay McReynolds (LB, 5-11, So.), will be stepping up this season for lots of playing time as he brings a very physical aspect to the linebacker position. Junior Khyjordan Whiteside (LB/DL, So.), who is considered very athletic, is stepping into a new role this year and the defense is looking to him to provide a boatload of energy and talent onto the field.

Playing a kind of rover position as outside linebacker or further back in the backfield will be Khamaury Gaddie (LB, 6-0, Sr.), who is a two-sport athlete as he’s also on the school’s basketball team. Parker indicated he will have to perform well to help this squad as his talents are greatly needed. Also in that position playing coverage will be Isaiah Joseph (DB, 5-11, Jr.), Hayden Michelleti (DB, 5-10, Jr.) and Kaden Clark (DB, Jr.), a state champion wrestler for the Patriots as a two-sport success story.

Playing the traditional cornerback positions will be senior Carter Samm (DB, Sr.), a senior, who is also a wrestler, who maximizes his plays on the field and is regarded just an all-around good student-athlete, sophomore DeOntae Miles (DB, So.), Paxton Yancey (DB, Jr.) and senior Zikir Levins (DB, Sr.), an experienced player who actually missed his sophomore season. At safety, Parker looks to the player he calls “the heart of our defense as he’s a great athlete and should have a bigtime season.” Senior Miles Mitchell (DB, Sr.) has accepted the role as a leader and from his safety position can keep an eye on the rest of his Patriots. Also at safety is Javarrion Ransom (DB, 6-2, Sr.), who is more of a backup role player, but will see numerous snaps on defense.

Special Teams

Another place Parker feels comfortable with is the kicking game as the squad had two kickers last season, but this year will rely on junior Rocky Ray (K/P, 5-8, Jr.) to handle both the punting and place kicking duties. “He has a strong leg and a strong will to be good at his craft. Actually, he’s a great athlete who kicks, as he’s mentally tough,” said Parker.

Parker’s real gem is at long snapper as senior Brayson Albin (LS, 6-3, Sr.) returns as the fourth best in the country and has been invited to play in the Polynesian Bowl held in Hawaii come January. “Brayson is truly the hardest working kid I’ve coached as he’s self-driven and ties together our special teams,” said Parker. “He’s a member of our 1,000-pound club in the weight room, his future is in Div. I with offers from several schools including Florida State and North Carolina. To me, Brayson is the beacon of what a Bob Jones Patriot looks like.”

JAMES CLEMENS:

The excitement from the area of James Clemens High this year’s football team is vibrating County Line Road of west Madison like has never seen before. One opposing coach called this year’s squad “loaded,” and looking over the team roster one can see why the expectations are plentiful for 2026.

Although only 19 seniors are on the current team roster, second-year head coach Juan Johnson has the luxury of having eight starters returning on offense, five on defense and two on special teams. Those squads have elite players sprinkled throughout and should make for a glorious season.

“We should benefit from the fact those elite players are leaders, especially our seniors, and if execution is carried out like we hope, we should have a good team this year,” said Johnson. “Our summer workouts were very good and this team likes one another. Our team should build depth as the season progresses and should be in the mix come playoff time.”

In his second campaign as head coach, Johnson is happy where the program stands. He said, “Our program has grown in many ways and have been very successful in our community, especially with outreach programs we have settled into. I hope our plan comes together.”

Offense

All eyes are on the offense of the Jets as the squad is thought to be one of the best in Alabama this fall with two All-State players returning. Led by senior quarterback Matthew Evers (QB, 5-11, 180, Sr.), who returns as one of the eight starters, and who came off a good junior season for the James Clemens baseball team where he’s more of a utility player playing pitcher, first base and outfield when needed, the offense should be in good hands. Johnson said of his starting QB, “He’s strong for his size, has toughness on every play and has the intangibles you look for in a team-leading quarterback.”

Evers’ backup and a player who can see some big playing time this season is Andrew Gonzalez (QB, Jr.) who is coming off a good year on junior varsity last season.

Running back is where most attention will be focused as one of the top players in Alabama going into the season is senior M.J. Gideon (RB, 6-0, 200, Sr.) who has already committed to Vanderbilt after posting a junior season that put him on a listing of First-Team All-State. The 6-foot, 200-pound Gideon looks much bigger than his posted statistics as he’s a top-notch physical specimen with a sculpted physique. Last season, he had 1,221 yards rushing, 287 yards receiving, 302 yards kickoff returns giving him 1,810 all-purpose yards. “He’s a player who can run the ball, block when needed, catch the ball and has made plays when others could not have made,” said Johnson of his star player. Also in the mix for running the ball for the Jets are Chance Vogt (RB, So.) and Cohen Williams (RB, So.), both sophomores.

At wide receiver, the Jets do not have a senior expected to be in the mix and returning for this campaign, and Johnson is aware this part of the offense is young, but he’s knows each have top-caliber talent. Aaron Gonzalez (WR, Jr.) is a returning starter and will lead the young squad. Others set to catch the ball are Elijah Moten (WR, Jr.), Ke’Maury Lampkin (WR, So.), Isaac Johnson (WR, So.), Braylon Mc-Curdy (WR, Jr.) and Markayden Davis (WR, So.), all of which can play, but need to step up their games to assist in success.

Returning tight end is Eric Chris- tiansen (TE, Jr.) who had 10 catches for 200 yards a season ago. He will have some company and competition during the season from Mason Pendergrass (TE, So.) and Ethan Leurck (TE, Sr.).

Johnson is fond of his offensive line as all five starters return. Those include, Malikai Cooper (OL, 6-2, 280, Sr.), a Second-Team All-State selection and a four-year starter who has committed to The Citadel, as well as, a massive athlete for the school’s wrestling team, at left tackle. During summer camps, he won the honor of “King of the Hill.” Kaleb Gero (OL, Jr.), who will start again at center, Caden Gibbs (OL, Jr.) at left guard, Karter Grace (OL, Jr.), who has some early offers from colleges, will be at right tackle and Evan Leathers (OL, Jr.) at right guard. This is a squad with experience, talent and is in the groove to make things happen offensively for the Jets. The group will receive some assistance from seniors Isaiah McCloggan (OL, 6-4, 320, Sr.) and Casey Lochridge (OL, 6-6, 310, Sr.), a 6-foot-6, 310-pound specimen who has not played football since his freshman season. “Continuity is solid with this group that enables us to push down field,” added Johnson.”

The Jets allowed 24 points per game in their 5-6 season with a first round playoff game in 2025. With the expectations for the offense to score a bundle of points, the defense can’t fall on that fact, so to keep opponents at bay, the stopping opponents will be a key for the defensive gems.

The defensive line is young and played backup roles much of last season. Those being looked at to step up their game for the 2026 season are Maximillian Birkla (DL, Sr.) who comes to the field with tremendous skills, according to Johnson, Branden Burnett (DL, So.), just a sophomore, Ryan Queen (DL, Sr.), who Johnson said has had tremendous growth in his game heading into the season, Jon Leon (DL/LB, Jr.) and Johnathan Childress (DL, Jr.) to assist. “I feel good about this unit as they have worked hard to become better players,” added Johnson.

“Our linebackers are a good group, solid all the way across,” Johnson with a broad smile. And he should be smiling as three of the four are seniors and three year starters. Only Rocky McKinnon (LB, Sr.) is new, a transfer from Hoover. Those wearing the Jets blue again this season include Kaleb Pryor (LB, Sr.), Nathan Holmes (LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.) and Jon Leon (LB/DL, Jr.), a junior. Another junior to put in the fire of action will be Derrick White (LB, Jr.).

The defensive backfield Johnson said, “Is fast and intelligent.” On the corners are speedsters Trevor Caudle (CB, 6-0, 170, Sr.) and Landon Shackelford (CB, Jr.). Johnson said, “Trevor has tremendous speed and has had lots of looks and offers from colleges. Landon can cover space. I love his getting to the ball skills.” At safety, two names pop up and include seniors Malik Hardy (S, 5-8, 160, Sr.) and Myles Yarbrough (S, 6-1, 170, Sr.). Johnson is a big fan of Yarbrough as he said, “For Myles, it is books and ball on county line as he has a 4.45 grade point average and is well put together.” Others to move into some playing time in a supporting role are seniors Sam Haynes (S, Sr.) and Emery DeRamus (S, Sr.).

The squad is a like split personalities as sophomore Hudson French (P, So.) will be the Jets’ punter and senior Alan Hernandez (P, Sr.) handling place kicking duties. Gabe Rojas (H/WR, Jr.), who plays wide receiver, will be the returning holder while long snapper will be Kaleb Gero (LS/OL, Jr.), one of two returners for special teams.

The 2026 season will be a road trip of sorts for the Jets as their first two matchups are away games at both Austin and Parker. Their first stance on its home field at Madison City Schools Stadium will come on Sept. 4 when they will be official host for the annual Madison Bowl versus crosstown rival Bob Jones. The Jets finish the season versus Spain Park while in between all the matchups come battles in Region 4 play in the new Class 6A system.

Let the vibration on County Line continue.