By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE – It has been well documented what Springville and Jon Clements were able to do in the 2023 season after a tough 2022 that saw them go 1-9. The short version is Clements and his staff brought back old-school football with the triple option offense. The idea was simple. Run the ball. Then, when you’ve ran it, you run it some more. After that, you run the ball. Oh, and play solid defense.
Two of the key pieces of that ball-control offense were running back Mahlon Alverson and offensive lineman Brodie Ginn, both seniors.
Springville High School held a signing day ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate these two players, who have signed to play at the next level. Both of them will play at Birmingham Preparatory College where they each hope to create an opportunity to move on to a four-year college to further their academic and athletic careers.
Alverson averaged 5.6 yards per carry and 144 yards per game in 2023. He scored 18 touchdowns for the Tigers.
“To play at the next level means a ton to me and is a huge accomplishment,” said Mahlon. “It is on of those things as a kid you think of doing but never actually imagined it could happen for you. I hope that Brodie and I can rope in a championship at Birmingham Prep and get looked at by some Division 1 schools and get a scholarship. I have been playing football since I was four years old. My family, mom, dad, grandparents, Uncle G, and friends have always been my biggest supporters. Then came Coach Mosely and Coach Clem and they really believed in me and gave me a real chance to show what I can do. Coach Mosely worked me like a dog on and off the field. He was a coach, but I also considered him to be a good friend. I would have never gotten this far without those people.”
Ginn, who blocked for Alverson all season, looks to transition over to center from guard at Birmingham Prep. Behind this offensive line, anchored by Ginn, the Tigers amassed 2746 rushing yards in 2023 for an average of 250 per game and 5.9 per carry.
“I want to thank my family and my coaches for believing in me and I want to thank my school
for allowing me to play for them. I chose Birmingham Prep because right when I went on my visit, it felt like home. The coaches are amazing. My goal as a Cardinal is to work hard and eventually play Division 1 football. It feels amazing getting a chance to play for a college team. There is no greater feeling. I am grateful for everyone that believed in me, and I want to thank all my teammates for always encouraging me in every way. I would also like to thank my teachers at Springville High School. I am very blessed to be given the opportunity to play football at the next level.”
Head Coach Jon Clements had the following to say about these two seniors. “I am very proud of both of them. They get an opportunity to extend their playing careers. I cannot thank them enough for all they did for Springville football and Springville High School. We are very proud of them and look forward to seeing them play.”