Goodwin settles into 2nd year

The Chelsea High School football team went 2-8 last season under new head coach Dustin Goodwin.

He arrived after spring practice from Plainview, which he led to three consecutive playoff appearances, and spent the 2018 summer getting to know his team. 

The Hornets proceeded to lose their first seven games before winning two of their final three against Minor and Calera. 

“I thought over the course of the season our kids continued to work hard and our coaches got to know each other a little better,” Goodwin said, “and I think that our performance improved throughout the course of the season because of that.” 

Although it graduated more than 30 seniors, Chelsea will aim to build on its promising finish this fall. The past few months have provided nothing but encouragement. 

“This offseason has been good because we’ve gotten stronger,” Goodwin said. “We’ve made a few subtle changes that I think will probably help us, but we still have a lot of new guys that are going to have to step into starting roles and carry our football team in order for us to be successful.”

OFFENSE

Chelsea returns a handful of starters at key offensive positions, but quarterback is not one of them. 

Caleb Moore, a 6-foot-5 senior, and Nic Neaves, a 6-foot junior, are vying to replace Turner Griffin. Goodwin said Moore fits the mold of a pocket passer, while Neaves is a little more mobile. 

Both could do well under the tutelage of their coach, who played quarterback and runs an offensive scheme tailored to his signal-caller’s strengths. In the past, his teams have operated in formations ranging from Wing-T to shotgun. 

Goodwin said he planned to evaluate Moore and Neaves through fall camp before deciding on a starter. He didn’t rule out utilizing both if no separation occurs.  

“If you have two guys that are doing their job at a high level, then yeah, you’d be crazy not to play two of them,” Goodwin said. “But that remains to be seen.”

Whoever ends up under center will be guarded by a line that seniors Ty Adema and Charlie Parkinson will anchor. Parkinson is listed on the Hornets’ roster as standing 6 feet, 3 inches and weighing 270 pounds. Both he and Adema have varsity experience. 

“Anytime you’re battle-tested up front in certain positions, you expect those guys to perform at a high level,” Goodwin said. 

Collier Blair, a junior, will receive most of the carries at running back. He has played a big role in Chelsea’s offense since his freshman year and brings great versatility. His coach lauded his explosiveness, strength and intelligence. 

“I think you’d underestimate him based on his size until you saw him play,” Goodwin said of Blair, who is only 5-6. “He’ll change your mind real quick.”

Blair is one of many weapons Chelsea will rely on. The team also returns experienced wide receivers in Michael Gibbs and Gabe Ruffin. 

DEFENSE

Chelsea brings back four starters on a defense that allowed close to 26 points per game last season under coordinator Zeb Ellison. That’s not an astronomically high number, but the Hornets will aim to lower it this fall.

They operate out of a 3-stack base defense, which involves three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs.

The team will have a completely new line, due to graduation, but has experience at other positions. 

Seniors Cole Berryman and Colby Clements will lead the linebacking corps, while cornerback Ladarius Gary and free safety Chandler Pruitt will set the tone in the secondary. 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams should be a strength for Chelsea this season. 

The Hornets return place-kicker Cooper Neal, whom Goodwin said can play collegiately, and long snapper Xander Echols. Echols is considered one of the best in the nation at his position. 

SCHEDULE

Chelsea opens the 2019 season at home against Class 7A foe Oak Mountain before hitting the road to take on 5A rival Briarwood. 

After that, the Hornets will settle into 6A, Region 5 play. Opponents include Carver-Birmingham, Jackson-Olin, Pelham, Helena, Homewood and Minor. 

Goodwin acknowledged the difficulty of his region but also highlighted its parity. In 2018, Homewood and Jackson-Olin emerged as the top teams while the remaining schools tussled for positioning. 

Chelsea finished at the bottom of the region standings last season. This year, it will strive to climb them. 

“I think the record takes care of itself,” Goodwin said. “I think if you’re having successful practices, if you’re having success building relationships with your kids and coaches, success on the field will follow.”