Gardendale players work through defensive drills on Wednesday, Aug. 10. 

In recent years Gardendale has more than proved itself as a Class 6A contender, but fourth-year head man Matt Plunkett has learned from his team’s last two quarterfinal loses and thinks this team can go farther.

Both Round 3 loses (against No. 5 Florence in 2014 and No. 8 Austin in 2015) have one thing in common: the Rockets lost at the line of scrimmage. The same can be said for Gardendale’s last two loses against Clay-Chalkville in unofficial Region 6 championship games.

“This will be our strongest offensive and defensive line pound for pound, so this is our best shot (at taking the next step),” said Plunkett.

Those defining games are played in November, but the improvement needed to win them is found in the offseason weight room. According to Plunkett, his offensive front will average about 270 pounds across the line.

The quarterback operating behind it will not be Zach Cupps, who joined UAB’s Class of 2016. All signs point to junior Michael Crowder to take over under center.

“If he (Michael Crowder) can get a little quicker with his reads over the next few weeks, I see us having a record-breaking offense for the third straight year,” said Plunkett in July. “If you are familiar with what Baylor University has had at the quarterback position, Michael is that to a T.”

The 6-foot-2 quarterback will have weapons to work with when the ball is snapped, including wide receiver Kevin Howard, running back Demetrius King and athlete Stephen Lancaster.

Defensively, the Rockets will look to linebackers Steven Crowder and Andrew Freeman for leadership. Steven is verbally committed to the Naval Academy.

Gardendale will compete in what many see as one of the stoutest regions in Alabama. Region 6 is comprised of Gardendale, Clay-Chalkville, Pinson Valley, Carver Birmingham, Center Point, Walker and Minor.

“I think the team that represents the North (in the state championship game) will come through our region for the third straight year. I really believe that,” said Plunkett.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.

Video via Gardendale graduate Clayton Chapman: