Jets capture 7-on-7 title

Sophomore Jamil Muhammad, left, and senior Jackson Nowlin are competing to become James Clemens’ starting quarterback. RECORD PHOTOS/MIKE EASTERLING

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

HUNTSVILLE – The competition to become the starting quarterback at James Clemens High School began in earnest Tuesday at Grissom’s 7-on-7 tournament.

The three-man competition the Jets had during spring practice is now down to two. Rising senior Joseph Arias, who started the last five games for the Jets last season after four-year starter Heath Burchfield was lost to injury, is no longer with the team.

That leaves senior Jackson Nowlin and sophomore Jamil Muhammad, a transfer from Bob Jones, battling to take over for Burchfield. He had been the school’s starting quarterback since the Jets began play in 2012 before a broken finger on his left throwing hand ended his high school career.

At Grissom, Nowlin and Muhammad alternated at quarterback for the Jets during the passing tournament and led them to seven straight wins after starting the day with two losses.

James Clemens defeated Albertville in overtime to win the championship.

“This was our first day to really go out and compete,’’ James Clemens coach Wade Waldrop said. “Today was Day One. We got better as the day went on.’’

The Jets finished 10-2 last season, climbing as high as No. 3 in the Class 7A rankings.

Muhammad said the team plans on making a deep playoff run. “I believe in this team,’’ he said.

Nowlin said he’ll accept his role whether he wins the starting position or not. “I’m willing to do whatever is best for the team,’’ he said.

James Clemens opens the season Aug. 26 at Gardendale.