2011-12 SEASON IN REVIEW

The 2011-2012 football season was the third season for the growing Wildcats Varsity program. The season record of 2-8 does not accurately reflect the determination and effort of the players who gave their all to continue to build our growing program. The Wildcats were prepared and worked extremely hard to compete, but fell short of victory in some very intense, close games. Offensively, the Wildcats found the end zone often, averaging close to 300 total yards a game, and scoring an average of 20.2 points a game. Defensively, the Wildcats showed their youth, giving up an average of 36 points a game to opposing teams. The team showed serious signs of improvement as they finished the season with a victory over 2A opponent J.U. Blacksher. Juniors George Payne and Dalton Becker were recognized as 1st Team All-Region selections by the Mobile Press Register.

2012-13 SEASON PREVIEW

The upcoming season shows promise with the program’s first senior classmen who have been battle-tested and are ready to take on a leadership role. The Wildcats are returning 10 starters on offense and 10 starters on defense. With the addition of the fourth class, the team now has the depth, balance and skills needed to be successful this season.

The Headliners:

As seniors, George Payne, Dalton Becker, Justin Ware, Kelan James, Lane Andrews, Aaron Bryant, and Drew Favors give the 2012 Wildcats a handful of weapons that will be tough for opposing teams to match up with and to contain. Complete with Depth: With all four classes in place, the St. Luke’s Wildcats will have the depth to fill the needs of the team. Players will have an opportunity to rest and be fresh when called upon. Offensive Strengths: The Wildcats offense has been adapted to the players who will compete for positions this year. QB Drew Favors has emerged as the leader of the offense and will take command this year. RB/WR Justin Ware and Aaron Bryant will give this offense speed and shiftiness that will twist and cut through the defense. ALL ABOARD!!!: All-Region FB George Payne is the fuel that will keep the offensive locomotive roaring and moving through the opponent’s defense. The Air Show: The receiving corp, led by All-Region WR Dalton Becker, has the potential to go over the top of the defense or provide the reception needed to move the chains. The New Position: A stable of TE’s will be used this year to get the plays into the signal caller. This new position has transformed the New Look Wildcat Offense. The key players at this position will be Lane Andrews, Tanner Chastain, John David Favors, and Mathew Inge. The Offensive Hawgs: The offensive line has shown tremendous improvement in strength and power, as well as an understanding of the new look offense. Returning starters, Reave Shewmake (C), Thomas Stubblefield (G), and Kelan James (T) (back from a knee injury) will spearhead a group of young lineman that has the potential to breakout this season. Competition going into fall camp will create an opportunity for lineman Matthew Holland (T), Joshua McSwain (T), Hayden Crigler (G), Darrian McMillan (G), and Harrison Downing (T) to earn starting roles going into this season.

The 2012-2013 Defense has also gone through a few changes designed to improve the Wildcats this season. The new base 4-3 look should be ready to take on the heavy-rushing attack of our opponents. The Big 4: Led by Kelan James (DT), this group has added power, depth and attitude to disrupt opposing offenses. The explosiveness of Thomas Stubblefield and Josh McSwain off the edge will keep plays contained for Graham Rice (DT) to make plays in the backfield. Experience is Critical: The Wildcats linebacker corp consists of three seniors who will take command of the defense. Lane Andrews (MLB), Justin Ware (WLB) and Dalton Becker (SAM) will pave the way for signal calls and defensive adjustments to be made throughout the entire defense. No Fly Zone: The secondary of the Wildcats Defense will be led by George Payne, (SS) and Aaron Bryant, (FS) who will patrol the opponents passing game ensuring there are no big plays allowed. The cornerback position is a wide-open race with Dylan Jordan, Austin Davis, and Blake Fitzgerald all competing for the starting roles.

Coaching Them Up

: The new Wildcats coaching staff is young, energetic and ready to compete! Head Coach Jay Beverly is eager to

bring his grittiness, tough attitude and experience to the forefront as he coaches his first season as the Wildcats Head Coach. Tyler Smith, Assistant Offensive Coordinator, is young and enthusiastic and will be responsible for handling the offensive and defensive lines. Coach Robert Johnson will be the heartbeat of this coaching staff and team. He will be responsible for the TE’s, OLB’s and the St. Luke’s Passing Attack. His thorough knowledge of the game and enthusiastic bravado command attention from the Wildcat players. Coach Johnson has ALL-AMERICAN Collegiate experience, as well as a wealth of NFL experience. Bryan (BK) Stanton, another addition to the Wildcats staff, will work with the QB’s and DB’s. Tim Becker, will serve as the WR’s coach and help secure another successful year at that position.

The Wildcats coaching staff provides a mixture of new and experienced coaches ready to direct the Wildcats toward the vision of the program. We are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season, and we are DEFINITELY ready for some football!