These guys are expected to be a bus load to handle during the 2012 high school football season. From left is Spring Garden senior fullback Forrest Livingston, Cedar Bluff senior running back Robert 'Bam' Henderson, Cherokee County senior running back D.J. McAllister, Sand Rock senior all-purpose threat Sean Wylie and Gaylesville senior running back John David Jennings.
Jersey, shoulder pads, helmets, cleats – everything they needed to do battle on Friday nights.
But these guys weren’t playing a game. No, these guys were ready for a showdown with my camera.
Every year, I try to come up with some kind of theme for our Pigskin Preview. Some years are easier than others, but I had to really think about this one.
I asked myself ‘What do all our county football teams have in common?’ One thing came to mind almost immediately. They all have some pretty talented playmakers coming out of the backfield.
Take what they did last year, for example. Spring Garden fullback Forrest Livingston led the area in rushing with 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns. Not far behind was Cedar Bluff’s Robert ‘Bam’ Henderson, who certainly lived up to his nickname by tallying 1,090 yards and 14 scores.
Then, there are veteran guys like Cherokee County High School’s D.J. McAllister, Gaylesville’s John David Jennings and Sand Rock’s Sean Wylie, who are a little more than just your average rushers. They do a little bit of everything for their teams out of the backfield.
Every one of these guys is expected to ‘bust’ out and have breakout seasons in 2012. They’re like ‘bus’ drivers for their respective teams, with their ultimate destination being the Super 6 in Auburn.
Hmmm … I just might be on to something there.
The theme of this year’s Pigskin Preview is “Busting Through To A New Season.” I can’t think of any better guys to have pictured than the ones you see on the cover. Thanks for being such great sports, guys! We couldn’t have been this creative without you.
While I’m giving thanks, there are some other folks I need to tip my hat to for making this special section possible.
The Herald’s layout designer Laure Clemons always takes these crazy ideas of mine and beautifully designs them on paper. Thanks for helping make my visions reality, Laure!
Of course, this special section would also not be possible without the efforts of our advertising director Vickie Robinson and all the fine businesses throughout the area who bought ads to show their support of all our high school and college football teams. We really appreciate your contributions.
Another key component to any special section such as this one is photos, and I’m blessed to have some of the greatest photography friends in the business: Billy Garrett of Garrett Sport Shots, The Anniston Star’s Trent Penny, Steve Gross and Bill Wilson, and Bill Miller Photography. Their works of art are scattered throughout these pages.
I also want to thank our coaches and players for being so cooperative. Taking the time out of your busy schedules to share some thoughts on the upcoming season is certainly appreciated. Good luck to you all for a memorable 2012 season.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to you, our readers. Things have changed dramatically throughout the newspaper industry the past few years, but you still continue to loyally support our efforts in bringing you true community journalism. Thank you all for your devotion and dedication.
And now, I present to you our 2012 football season preview. Hope you enjoy!
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