AHSAA Class 5A, Region 5

2005 Record: 11-2 (6-1 Region)

The loss of 16 senior starters from last year’s 10-2 team is just one of a number of challenges facing Head Coach Fred Yancey and the Briarwood Christian Lions in 2006. Key injuries in summer workouts to standout senior receiver Nathaniel Carlson and all-around player Bo Walters have also left Yancey and his staff searching for new ammo. One constant from last year’s team is starting junior quarterback Barrett Trotter and a college prospect in senior left tackle Wes Nichols. Yancey has high hopes that a talented group of juniors will stand up and lead the team back to the Class 5A postseason.

Quarterbacks

As Shelby County’s top quarterback, junior Barrett Trotter made his mark for the Lions in 2005 – his first season as a starter. Trotter threw for more than 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Senior Bo Walters and sophomore Josh Fields will back Trotter up.

Running backs

Junior Jonathan Sillers will handle most of the carries for a Lions squad looking to utilize its running game more than in years past. Yancey is confident in Sillers’ experience in the backfield. Senior Marck Nicholson and Walters will share the workload in backup roles.

Wide Receivers

With the loss of senior standout

Nathaniel Carlson for the majority of 2006 to an off-season knee injury, the Lions turn to a trio of inexperienced but dedicated young wideouts. Juniors William Hoke and Ty Nash and senior Riley White will get their share of touches this year. Seniors John Byers and James Miller and junior Morgan Bandy will back up a potentially explosive receiving corps.

Offensive Line

The Lions’ offensive line is anchored by senior left tackle Wes Nichols. Measuring 6-foot-2, 275 pounds, Nichols can dominate.

Forest Jordan will start at center with seniors Travis Cope and Michael Wise lining up at the guard positions. Senior Nathan Burks joins Nichols at the other tackle. Seniors Clark Roper, William Edwards, William Decastro and junior Hunter Horton add depth to the offensive line.

Defensive Line

Juniors Jake Moorer, Alex Davis, Adam Russell, Daniel Forester and senior Gill Townes will rotate on the defensive line for Yancey. Junior James Stannard will start at nose tackle for the Lions, but any one of the starting defensive lineman could see time in the middle Yancey said.

Linebackers

Standout junior Bo Walters returns from

an offseason knee injury to lead the Lions linebacker corps. Walters will be joined by senior Lance Coggins and junior Bentely Windle. Townes and sophomores Brad Botes and Ben Willoughby will back up at the linebacker spot.

Defensive Backs

Speed will be a key weapon for a young Lions backfield. Junior Bret Basik and sophomore Ben Bracewell will start at the safety spots, with juniors Matt Gordon and

Will Tumlin starting at the corner positions. Sophomore Chandler Packer will back up at the corner spot and senior James Miller at safety.

Kickers

John Byers will start at punter for the Lions while Gordon will handle place kicking.

2006 Schedule

Sept. 1v. Vestavia Hills

Sept. 8v. John Carroll

Sept. 15@Ben Russell

Sept. 22v. Anniston(HC)

Sept. 29@Homewood

Oct. 6@Talladega

Oct. 13v. Sylacauga

Oct. 20@Moody

Oct. 27v. Chelsea

Nov. 3@Jackson Oli