New quarterbacks take their place under center
When the high school football season kicks off on August 25, all five schools in the Enquirer coverage area will have new quarterbacks leading the teams.
All teams are replacing a two-year starter except for Hartselle, who will have their fifth different starting quarterback to open the season in the last five seasons.
The new quarterbacks will have big shoes to fill as each team made the playoffs last season, with Hartselle making the quarterfinals while Priceville and Falkville made it to the second round.
Landon Blackwood, Hartselle
Blackwood takes over the starting job after serving as the backup to Jack Smith last season. Blackwood is the younger brother of former Tigers’ QB JT Blackwood, who starred in the 2021 season.
“Seeing how my brother prepared for and handled the quarterback position has given me a roadmap to success this season,” Blackwood said.
Hartselle head coach Bryan Moore is excited about having Blackwood step into the quarterback role this season.
“Blackwood is an accurate passer who can run if needed,” said Moore. “He has developed on and off the field to prepare him for this season in leading the offense.”
Landon Powers, Falkville
Powers, a junior, steps in at quarterback and replaces Caden Burnett, who led the Blue Devils the last two seasons. Powers played wide receiver last season, along with backing up Burnett. He has a lot of talent, and now he gets to use those in his role as the Blue Devil’s new quarterback. Whether it is passing the ball or running, he will show off a different skill set than what teams saw last season.
“Landon has been preparing for his time as quarterback for the last two years,” Falkville Coach Seth Ward said. “We are not going to change what we do on offense, just how we will do it based on Landon’s ability.”
Cason Oden, Brewer
Oden, a junior, finally gets his shot at the quarterback position for the Patriots. He has pushed for the spot since his freshman season. Unfortunately, he injured his shoulder that season and has served as Caden Childer’s backup since then.
Brewer head coach Matt Plunkett is high on Oden. According to him, Oden has a strong arm and a tremendous understanding of the Patriot offense.
“Our team has a lot of confidence in Cason,” said Plunkett. “Cason needs to trust the players around him, and if he does that, he will have a big season.”
Jace Glenn, Danville
Glenn, a sophomore, heads into the 2023 season as the full-time starter after starting a couple of games last season and serving as a backup.
“Glenn has the maturity to play the position,” Danville head coach Andro Williams said. “He needs to build confidence in himself and trust those around him to help him succeed.”
Jake England, Priceville
England, a senior transfer from Hartselle, will get the job of replacing two-year starter Jackson Prickett. England, who played primarily in the secondary for the Hartselle Tigers, will see action on the offensive side of the ball for the first time in his varsity career. The Bulldog’s offense is not built on the pass but on the run, which has allowed England to step into the role even though he has only been with Priceville since midway through the summer.
Jake has shown outstanding leadership during his short time with us,” Priceville head coach Chris Foster said. “He will not be asked to throw the ball often, but he has a strong arm and a good touch.”
