PREP FOOTBALL: Bearcats open fall camp with revenge in mind

Published 1:49 pm Monday, August 1, 2016

The motivation was obvious as Cullman opened fall camp bright and early Monday morning.

Heck, it’s been the same all spring and summer, too.

Hartselle. On the road. Game 1.

Revenge will be up for grabs Aug. 19 at J.P. Cain Stadium, and the Bearcats fully intend on taking it after suffering a slim 14-13 defeat a season ago. The Black and Gold were turned back at the goal line on a late 2-point attempt in that matchup and have been itching for the chance to turn the longstanding rivalry back in their favor ever since.

Cullman enters a new region — one that doesn’t include Hartselle for the first time since 2009 — with seven returning starters on offense and just three on the defensive side of the ball.

In the coming weeks, the ‘Cats will have ample opportunity to evaluate their talent pool and plug those holes with a new cast of playmakers.

Until then, whet your football appetite with a glance at this year’s Cullman Bearcats below and a full story, roster and team picture in The Times’ annual prep football preview section on Thursday, Aug. 18.

2016 Cullman Bearcats At-A-Glance

Head coach: Mark Britton, 16th year

Last year’s record: 6-5

Key departures: Justin Patterson, LB; Ethan McMinn, CB; Brady Wix, DL; Zach Glenn, CB: Chance Wisener, C; Logan Shugarts, DB; Dalton Yerby, LB/P; Chase Landrum, DE

Key returners: Ross Crocker, QB/WR; Fletcher Jennings, QB/WR; Ezra Burks, RB; Hunter Brannon, OL; Tyler Nunnelley, OL; Kolton Oden, OL; Dawson Drake, WR/HB; Caden Winn, WR; Garrett Cornelius, LB; Caleb Lipsey, LB; Tyler Taunton, CB; Isaac Rodriguez, K

Key newcomers: Owen Lovell, S; Carson Freeman, WR; Tristin Skinner, K/P; Jayden Sullins, RB; Jake Ratliff, C; Trevor Crider, OL; Dylon McSwain, WR; Dylon Wallace, WR; Kasey Murphree, CB; Will Reid, DE; Dale Justice, DE; Zak Stewart, DL; Carter Borden, DL; Riley Bradford, LB; Trent Hulsey, LB

Odds and ends: It’s hard to call Lovell and Freeman newcomers, but that’s technically where both baseballers belong after a year away from the gridiron. Lovell, the state’s reigning Mr. Baseball, is back for his senior campaign at safety, while Freeman once again gives Cullman some serious speed at receiver … Skinner and Sullins were two entirely fresh faces following transfers from the county. Coaches and teammates were instantly impressed by Skinner’s booming leg in the kickoff and punting games on Monday, and Sullins showed early signs of the shiftiness and acceleration that made him a middle school superstar … The Bearcats will implement a two-quarterback system in 2016. When Ross Crocker is behind center, Fletcher Jennings will line up at receiver, and vice versa. The two connected frequently Monday and appeared right at ease in their secondary positions. Crocker has made the majority of starts the past two seasons, though Jennings has been a constant consideration and was Cullman’s No. 1 for its first-round playoff appearance last year against Clay-Chalkville.

Coach Speak: “I think it’s a pretty challenging schedule. Just like the last couple years, we’re going to have to play week to week and try not to look ahead. That’s kind of what we’re trying to do right now — mostly working on conditioning and getting adjusted to the heat.” — Mark Britton

Player Speak: “There’s nothing better than getting out here and hitting. Can’t wait till pads. That’s the fun day. Thursday’s the best day, when you get full pads. This is still fun, though.” — Jake Ratliff

“We’re out looking for revenge against Hartselle. That’s what we’ve been waiting for forever. It’s like Alabama-Auburn first game. It’s crazy. Start it with a bang. Go ahead and get momentum for the rest of the season, because we’re winning it for sure.” — Dawson Drake

“It’s not the region we were in by any means, but there’s still several good teams in there. Southside. Pell City. Oxford, definitely Oxford. I feel like us playing in the region that we were and moving to the region now, I feel like we should at least be in the top two, possibly No. 1.” — Garrett Cornelius

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 at Hartselle

Aug. 26 vs. North Jackson

Sept. 2 at Albertville*

Sept. 9 vs. Oxford*

Sept. 16 at Fort Payne*

Sept. 23 at Fayette County

Sept. 30 vs. Pell City*

Oct. 7 BYE

Oct. 14 vs. Southside-Gadsden*

Oct. 21 at Brewer*

Oct. 28 vs. Chelsea

* Class 6A, Region 7 game