By John Goolsby, For the Tribune
LEEDS – Veteran head coach Jerry Hood is excited about his 2023 Leeds Greenwave team. “I like this group,” he said. “We have had a good summer and the team is talented.”
Hood’s Greenwave team went undefeated in the regular season, won the region title and bested rival Moody in the “battle of the bridge.”
Leeds finished the 2022 season with an 11-1 record and saw their season end with a seven-point loss to 5A state champion Ramsay in the third round of the playoffs.
Hood, with a 135-66 career record and a state championship, knows that it takes a strong support system to win state titles. “I have been very fortunate coaching,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of good players, good administrations, and good communities.”
“All I can do is point them in the right direction,” he said. “Whatever talent you have, your assistant coaches, however good they are, that’s usually how you will end up.”
Leeds plays Mortimer Jordan, Pell City, Sylacauga and Center Point in their non-region schedule.
The defensive line looks to be the strength of the Greenwave team. Coach Hood expects all four starters to play at the next level.
6-foot-two, 250 pounds four-star recruit and Arkansas commit Kavion Henderson will anchor the front along with Chris Burge, Nick Davis, and Joseph Stone.
Returners Josh Lee and Miles Jones will be joined by Gavin Howard as the starting linebackers.
Jeremiah Hall and Miles Ashford are returners at corner.
Dorian Hunter, Will Ford and Nolan Moore will be handling safety duties.
“I expect our defense to be fast,” said Hood. “They have played a lot of ball and I expect a lot of good things from them.”
The Greenwave will have a new quarterback in Connor Nelson. “He’s a big and tall kid that can run and throw,” said Hood.
A trio of backs will lead the Leeds’ running attack. Grayson Ford and David Luna have experience, while newcomer Z.J. Dale will provide depth.
At receiver, Jaelyn Felder is a returning starter. “He’s a great kid and leader for us,” Hood said. Brooks Ford and Taylon Gaiter will join Felder as starters.
Hood likes the depth and athletic ability of his receiving corp. “The others will play a big role with their unique abilities.”
The offense line will feature two seniors: Sean Hicks and Taylor Pulliam. Wilson Beasley will back up Carlos Plascencia, Gavin Bowlin, and Jax Garner. “Beasley can play any of the positions and really gives us six starting offensive linemen,” Hood said. “It’s a good problem to have.”
Avery Langford will handle the kicking duties, while Connor Nelson will punt. “That will allow us to do some fun things,” Hood said.
Hood believes that his program has the ability to add to Leeds four state championships total
“We have an unbelievable community,” he said. “I am so proud to be at Leeds. We have had a great run so far.”
“We appreciate everything the school administration does for us. Our superintendent John Moore and the school board and our community are just phenomenal.”
Leeds opens their season August 25 against Mortimer Jordan at Homer Smiles Field in front of the Leeds faithful and longtime super fan Toby Bank.
“Toby is Leeds biggest fan for sure,” said Hoods. “He’s also a good friend to me.”