It was an up and down season for the Moody Blue Devils football team last year. The season started on a high note with a huge road win over Hamilton. The season closed favorably for Moody, with a home win over Arab. It was the games in between those two wins that defined the Blue Devils season.

After opening the season with a win in week one, Moody followed with a win over county rival, Springville to open region play. Moody hit a bump in the road with a tough journey to 5A State runner-up, Mortimer Jordan and a tough home loss to surprisingly, Hayden. Moody then bounced back with three straight wins, Walter Wellborn, at archrival St. Clair County, and at Anniston. A win over Alexandria or at Lincoln would have put the Blue Devils in the 5A playoff once again, but they fell short to both, giving the Blue Devils a final record of 6 – 4.

Coming into the 2016 season, the Blue Devils look to get over the hump and make a return to the 5A state playoffs. Moody will have to replace some key players that were lost due to graduation. Brett Staggs, Christian Weems, Max Archer, Ashton Carter Hunter Strickland and Jacob Webber are just a few of those key players that have to be replaced. The up and coming players for this season look to make a big impact and help the Blue Devils have a winning season and return to the playoffs.

The phrase and idea that ‘defense wins championships’ is one that everyone knows and goes by, and that is no different for the Blue Devils. It starts up front with the defensive line led by Chase Kelley, T.J. Johnson and Ethan Jeff. Senior, Chase Kelley is the leader of this group.

“I think our defense is strong. I want to be a good leader to this team, I’m trying my best to be a good example to the younger guys. I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Kelley on the upcoming season.

As for Jeff, this will be his first season as a starter for the Blue Devils. An opportunity he says he’s worked hard for.

“It feels good to be in a bigger role,” said Jeff. “I’m ready to be a leader and represent my school and my teammates,”

Supporting the defensive line will be a stout linebacker group led by middle and junior linebackers Bubba Green and Ethan Mills, respectively. The secondary will be led by seniors Kyle Ivey and Kaleb Sciro. These two also head up the wide receivers on offense.

Speaking of offense, throwing the pigskin to Ivey and Sciro will be either Loui Goff or Karson Buckner at quarterback. These two quarterbacks will be handing the ball off to the bell cow at running back junior Gabe Webb. Webb had over 1,300 yards rushing and 1,654 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Blue Devil offense.

“I got to step up more this season. Last season Brett Staggs and the rest of the seniors took care of the leadership role, now it’s my turn,” said Webb on his outlook of the upcoming season.

The Blue Devils move to an entire new region this season. The only team that followed them from last season’s region is rival St. Clair County. Moody opens the season at home Aug. 26 against county rival, Springville.

“The team goal is to win the county,” said running back Gabe Webb. Moody will host Shelby County*, Woodlawn (Homecoming)*, Wenonah*, and Plainview (Senior Night) for this season some schedule. The Blue Devils will make road trips to Briarwood*, Pleasant Grove*, John Carroll, St. Clair*, and Fairfield*. The Blue Devils and the St. Clair County Saint get together on Oct. 14 in what could well be a playoff elimination game. Moody has not lost to the Saints since Kansas City Chief defensive end Dee Ford roamed the field.

“It’s a pretty tough schedule, but I think we can hold our own,” said running back Gabe Webb.

A quote from Moody Head Football Coach Jay Brown last season pretty much sums up what his program and high school football is all about. Brown said he thinks football provides and extraordinary opportunity for students to be a part of something special.

“Anybody that plays the game knows that it stays with you for the rest of your life. It is a commitment to something that you have to show up for every day in the 100-degree heat while everyone else is sitting home in the air conditioning. That experience teaches my players the intangibles that are needed to be successful in a lot of other areas outside football,” said Brown.

Moody opens the 2016 football season Aug. 26 at home against County rival Springville.