Reform, Alabama. (WCBI) – Michael Williams has been the head coach of the Tornadoes for the past six seasons. Two of those years saw his team make the state championship game. The other four ended with a semifinal appearance.
This year, he faces his biggest challenge yet, as Pickens County lost 14 seniors from the class of 2023. For a 1A team, that’s huge.
“A lot of these guys have been playing since eighth grade. They know what it takes and what needs to be done,” Williams said. “We can’t replace a lot of the talent from last year’s graduating class individually, but as a group we’re going to be able to do special things this year.”
“I’m confident. We have new guys, and if the new guys work well with the old guys, we’ll be in a good position,” said middle linebacker Jaquarius Cohen.
The mission this year is to avenge last year’s playoff loss to Coosa Christian.
“It’s definitely had an impact on where we are from last year to this year,” said veteran offensive and defensive player Nate Finch. “We have a lot of young players that were here last year that have stepped up. They’ve learned and progressed in that role.”
“We got bullied in the second half of the game,” Williams said. “That set the tone for the team as we started the new year.”
Although the Tornadoes have to replace Santonio Jones, Xzavian Hood and Kemaurion Plott, Williams is excited about the receiver group.
“I’m ready to see Michael Billups and Kristopher Witherspoon and show them what they can do. I’ve watched them work hard day in and day out and I’m ready to see this tandem compete against the opposing teams,” Williams said.
Despite the massive loss of older players, Williams is confident in his team’s strategy.
“We’ve relied heavily on athleticism in the past. Now it’s good to start from scratch with these kids so we can put a good product on the field,” Williams said.
Pickens County’s season begins on August 23 against Aliceville.
