19. Prattville (Ala.) Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 6A champion
Coach: Jamey DuBose
Key players: WR Quay Moncrief (5-11, 165, Sr.), OT Alex Sparrow (6-5, 315, Sr.), DE Alex Page (6-1, 230, Sr.), LB La’Angelo Albright (6-0, 205, Sr.), DB Zach Brownwell (6-1, 195, Sr.), DB Mark Miller (5-9, 180, Sr.), QB Sam Gibson (6-2, 200, Jr.), RB Jerodis Williams (5-9, 180, Sr.), OC Mitchell Thornton (6-1, 285, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Team speed, defensive line
Question mark: Inexperience on offense, especially the OL
Outlook: The Lions were among the most dominant teams in the country the last two seasons, winning 31 straight games and outscoring opponents by an average score of 37-9. DuBose, who was offensive coordinator of those teams, takes over as head coach and has five starters returning on each side of the ball. Following summer 7-on-7 drills, Gibson appeared to have the inside track to start at quarterback. A go-to receiver is Moncrief, the only returning starter at the position. All-state running back Justin Albert got hurt during the playoffs last season, forcing Williams into duty. He responded and ended up earning MVP honors in the state championship game. The Lions’ offensive line is a little green but has two talented seniors to build around with Sparrow and Thornton. Defensively, last year’s unit will be a very tough act to follow, but there is enough talent around to expect excellent results. Albright was all-state as a junior after recording 151 tackles and three sacks. Brownwell had 53 solo tackles, intercepted two passes and blocked two punts.
Toughest games: Aug. 30 vs. No. 18 Cincinnati St. Xavier (Kirk Herbstreit Classic), Sept. 26 vs. Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy (ESPNU)
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