The 2023 Wal-Win Football Media Days, organized by WJLX 101.5-FM, kicked off Thursday at the Pie Factory in downtown Jasper.
The two-event featured coaches and players from across Walker and Winston counties as a way to preview the upcoming high school football season. Media Days will continue Friday, starting at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast love on WJLX 101.5 FM.
Teams featured on Thursday were Lynn, Cordova, Sumiton Christian, Carbon Hill and Meek.
“I’d like to thank everyone who makes this event happen. It’s a great way to highlight our programs, schools and students. We appreciate being invited to participate,” Carbon Hill Coach DJ Emerson said.
All three Walker County schools talked about issues with roster size being a concern this season.
Cordova Coach Shane Smothers, in his third year at the school, said the Blue Devils are finally seeing an uptick in numbers.
“It’s a process, and you don’t have as many kids playing football now that you used to,” he said. “We are seeing our numbers increase now, but it has taken time and a lot of work.”
Carbon Hill senior quarterback Walker Kimbrell said upperclassmen are trying to do their part to help grow the Bulldogs’ roster.
“I try to show the younger guys that I’m here for them. All of our older guys are doing that,” he said. “We want to show younger kids that being involved with the football program, especially with Coach Emerson here, is a positive thing.”
Sumiton Christian Coach David Powell said small schools tend to have small rosters, meaning playing on both sides of the ball is necessary.
“We don’t have the good fortune of being able to have an offensive unit and a defensive unit,” he said. “Guys have to play offense, defense and special teams. Conditioning is important. That can be the difference in winning and losing.”
The Friday schedule for Wal-Win Media Days is:
Dr. Dennis Willingham – 11:20 AM
Dora – 11:25 AM Friday
Sean Pryor, Kori Pryor, Garrett Hogland
Winston Co – 12 PM Friday
Nick Moody, Landon Nix
Oakman – 12:20 pm Friday
Gage Blanton, Trace Cagle
12:40 – Curry
Caleb Allred and Kody Cooke
12:55 – Jonathan Jordan and Ann Jackson
1 pm – Jasper
Titus Waldrop, Braxton Houston
