AHSAA Class 2A, Region 5

2005 Record: 6-5 (6-1 Region)

Vincent finished the 2005 season with an impressive record in region play, earning a long-awaited return to the state playoffs in Class 2A. The Yellow Jackets rode a powerful running game to six wins in ’05 after winning a total of four in previous two years combined. Not known as a team to back down from a challenge, Vincent has scheduled non-region matchups with much larger schools in recent years, and the team’s end-of-the-year record usually bears evidence of that fact. While this year’s schedule should be more manageable, there’s still the Sept. 1 opener against 3A Calera and a trip to Montevallo to close the regular season.

Quarterbacks

Sophomore Corey DeLoach, who spent last season performing at halftime with the marching band, decided he’d rather take the field wearing a Vincent jersey. He became the No. 1 quarterback this spring when the previous starter left the team. A good athlete who also plays baseball, DeLoach faces a learning curve in his first season of organized football, but head coach Dwight Spradley is optimistic about the potential of his young signal caller.

Running Backs

Vincent has slowly transitioned from an I-backfield to more of a spread offense over the past few seasons. Orlando Pelmer will be the featured back in one-back sets and brings a couple of years of varsity experience to the position. Roderick Brown is the backup after sitting out last season due to a school transfer. Brown is one Spradley’s fastest and strongest.

Wide Receivers

Four-year starter Octavius Looney is the leading returner with four touchdown receptions last season. Six-foot freshman Brett Frizzell is a nice target and will start at one of the flanker positions along with Tristan Threatt. Justin Peterson moves to tight end after starting at fullback the past three seasons. Peterson has some of the best hands on the team.

Offensive Line

Vincent is lacking depth on the offensive line and will lean heavily on returning starters Terrence Carter at right guard and Jacob King at right tackle. Both of the juniors have started since their freshman year. Coach’s son Collin Spradley will start at left guard when he fully recovers from a summer knee injury. Terry Miller was one of the most improved players during the spring and will start at center. Desmond Ford could see time at left tackle if he can bounce back from a summer injury. Wesley Peoples and Chase Whitfield will help fill in the left side of the line.

Defensive Line

The defensive front should be solid with Carter and Spradley at the ends and Roderick Brown working inside next to the 305-pound Ford.

Linebackers

King and Threatt will line up at the outside positions with Peterson anchoring the defense at middle linebacker. All three have experience as defensive starters.

Defensive Backs

Starting at strong safety could be any number of players including Looney, Pelmer and Houston Waldrop. Frizzell will start at one of the cornerback spots with Josh Wallace at free safety.

Kickers

Ford will manage the kicking duties with Looney handling the punting.

2006 Schedule

Sept. 1v. Calera

Sept. 8v. Cleveland

Sept. 15@Cold Springs

Sept. 22v. J.B. Pennington

Sept. 29@Verbena

Oct. 6v. Fultondale

Oct. 13@Westbrook

Oct. 20v. Falkville(HC)

Oct. 27@Victory

Nov. 3@Montevall