The #3 Shades Mountain Mounties will host #5 Florence Friday night at the Frank A. Nix Memorial Athletic Complex in Irondale, Alabama. Both teams look to make a deep run in the new 6A classification and bring two talented football teams together on the field.
The Florence Falcons, under first year Head coach J.B. Wallace who was promoted from defensive coordinator, brings in a lot of talent on defense. Linebacker Keaton Anderson is one of the best in the state. The Alabama commitment can stop the run with the best of them and at 210 pounds he can run sideline to sideline. Defensive end Malik Manciel, a Texas State commitment, can bring a solid pass rush and with defensive tackle Jordan Dollarson, the Falcons are good on the run defense. The defensive secondary has two of the top safeties in the state in B.J. Oakley and Dee Smith. Smith holds offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (FL), Missouri, N.C. State, Auburn, Mississippis State, Tennessee and Washington State.
For the Falcons offense, running back Roland Adams runs behind 300-pound offensive tackle Chandler Brewer. Brewer has committed to Middle Tennessee State. Offensive lineman DaQuwan Polk anchors a solid offensive line. Newcomer Blake Hawkins will be the new quarterback for the Falcons. Hawkins, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound transfer from Tishimingo County (Miss.), can throw in his big frame, but can run the ball if needed.
Shades Valley comes into this game with a lot of attention to them this season. The Mounties look to compete on a higher level this season with a more seasoned football team. "We look to handle adversity on a big stage on this upcoming game," said Mounties Head coach Bill Smith. "We have the toughest schedule in the state with our region games and playing Florence, Bessemer City, Acadiana (La.) and Vestavia Hills. We feel like we will be battle tested when playoffs come around."
The Mounties have one of the best quarterback and running back combinations in the state this season. Running back Keith Mixon, a Mississippi State commitment, scored 35 touchdowns in 12 games and had 2,822 all-purpose yards after an average of 14.9 yards per touch to earn the 2013 Metro Offensive Player of the Year honor. "I think we can have a better offense this season," added Smith. "Keith put on a good 10 pounds of muscle and they way we played in our spring game, I think we can be a very good offensive team, but it starts with those guys we have up front. I think who ever wins the battle up front will on both ways can win the game."
On defense, the Mounties have nine players returning and they have a chance to be very good this season. Linebacker/defensive end Dennis Riggs, a three year starter is going to make some noise and has a motor that doesn't stop. Tanner Henton, a corner/safety is a four year starter that has 10 interceptions in the last three years and has great football knowledge. Nick Burks another linebacker/defensive end helps surround Daron Payne at defensive tackle that will keep the pressure off of him to make every play.
Payne has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina and Clemson. "Daron is very quick for his size and I feel like he is the best defensive tackle in the country," said Smith. "A 330-pound guy that can move around that is very explosive with great hands. Not many guys his size can rush the passer and he can do it along with stopping the run." Last season, teams only averaged two yards per carry against the Mounties defense.
"Were playing a great football team," said Smith. "Its going to be extremely tough just to line up and run against them, were going to have to throw the football with some effectiveness."
