Extra Point Previews: Slocomb Redtops

SLOCOMB, Ala (WDHN) — It can be difficult in high school football when your team is undersized compared to your region, and it gets even worse when you catch the injury bug. However, injuries heal, the AHSAA reclassifies, and things are looking up for the 2024 Slocomb Redtops.

2023 was a season plagued with injury for the Slocomb Redtops, with eight starters being lost for the season by the midway point. But with those players returning and the Redtops moving to 3A, Coach Paul McLean has a positive outlook for this season.

“We got a really good senior group,” McLean said. “If we can stay healthy this year, I feel a lot better about our chances. You know, we lost like eight kids last year by week four or five. For the season. Got a lot of good leadership, that quarterback back, three starting offensive linemen back, really good young running back, good receivers. So I feel good about our offense. Defense, we’re still young and learning, but they’re in the right place doing our seven-on-seven stuff. But I feel a lot better at this time now than what I did this time last year.”

Kade Birge returns at quarterback, giving Coach McLean someone he can rely on to facilitate the Redtops’ offense.

“We got a great leader and a quarterback,” McLean said. “And I mean, he’ll check stuff and he’ll put us in the right situation. He sees the field really good. He’s the coach on the field, and he makes it. We give him the ability and we give him all the reads and checks, and he’s doing a great job.”

Hayes Hatton projects to be a breakout player at running back heading into his sophomore year in this offense.

“He was a freshman last year, and by week four, I think he got every carry that mattered in the game,” McLean noted. “He’s a true running back. He sees the field really good. Got great speed. You know, young, so he needs to get a little bigger and a little stronger, but he’s a good player.”

Cade Hodges will be a leader at both the offensive and defensive lines for this squad as well, and those are the spots where success starts for this Slocomb team.

“I want to be able to run the ball and stop the run,” McLean said. “That’s what you know. That’s coach talk. Everybody says that from high school through the pros. But I mean, that’s where you win.”

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