Hanceville Bulldogs

Hanceville football’s team believes one year can make a significant difference.

After all, coach Craig Flanigan and his staff were lucky just to remember everyone’s name on the Bulldogs’ roster at this time last year. Flanigan, a Hanceville graduate, was hired weeks before last season kicked off.

“Our whole objective during the offseason was to build relationships. We made sure to get to know these guys better and make sure they knew us,” Flanigan said. “We’re ready to see how that translates on the field. I look forward to seeing which players on our team step up to a leadership role.”

Hanceville returns a young and experienced roster from last season’s 3-7 campaign, featuring seven starters back on both offense and defense.

“We have a lot of players who gained valuable experience last year. They had to grow up quickly,” Flanigan said. “Because of that, I think our fans are going to see a more complete football team as opposed to showing flashes here and there.”

Hanceville’s offense is littered with talented juniors, including quarterback Alex Campbell, running backs RJ Evans and Romael Simmons, and receivers Antonio Bautista and Fred Ellis. Senior Brendan Flanigan is also back at receiver.

“I think we’re going to be an improved offense and be fun to watch. A lot of that is because we’ve been able to adapt more to what our coaches want. It was rushed last season,” said Campbell, who took over as signal caller midway through last fall. “I’m excited to see what we can do on both sides of the ball.”

While Flanigan is interested to see which playmakers materialize, he aims for his offensive unit to be as balanced as possible.

“We are a multiple-set offense, whether we are running or passing. We have the weapons to be creative, but if we are running 20 times a game, I want to be able to pass it 20 times as well,” Flanigan said. “The most important thing is build off what’s working for us during a game.”

Like many Class 3A schools, Hanceville relies on its top players for as many snaps as possible on both offense and defense. Michael Chandler has transitioned into the role of defensive coordinator as the Bulldogs look to improve on surrendering nearly 35 points per game last season.

Hanceville’s players believe they’ll see progression defensively in 2017, especially since the team is more comfortable this August under the coaching staff.

“Our offense is going to produce, but I’m excited about our defense,” said Evans, who pulls double duty at outside linebacker. “I think we’re going to be better. I know we are hungry, and we’re going to be ready to swarm the ball.”

Sophomore lineman Will Akin agrees.

“We have potential and depth on both sides of the ball and the experience we’ve gained should help us take a step forward this season,” said Akin, one of the team’s leaders in the trenches. “We can be a very productive team that our school and the community can be proud of.”

Juniors Tristin Cornelius and Colin Long join Akin as the main anchors of the lines this season.

Seeking its first playoff appearance since 2013 and the first under Flanigan, Hanceville opens the season Friday with a home game versus Cold Springs.

The Bulldogs open 3A, Region 7 action on Sept. 8 against defending region champion Fultondale before hitting the road for three consecutive road games. Hanceville plays three of its final four games at Ray Talley Stadium, including region tilts against Susan Moore and Holly Pond.

“Fultondale should be the cream of the crop again in our region. Everything else has the potential to be up for grabs,” Flangian said. “Our main goal is to take things one play at a time and one game at a time and see how things transpire. I want our guys to be a champion every day and on every play. I take pride in that because I’m honored to be their coach. It’s very exciting to lead this team on the same field I played on in high school. It means a lot.”

Akin believes the Bulldogs are ready to turn the corner.

“We’re working harder than we have in the past, and our mindset has changed a lot. I see a lot of dedication to this program from my teammates,” Akin said. “We are ready to be successful and get back to when the team was making the playoffs in consecutive years.”