BY THE NUMBERS23 - Interceptions by the Bison defense last year, a school record.9 - Wins last year, equaling the total for the previous four seasons combined.3 - Colleges already recruiting senior quarterback Tyler Vann, who rewrote the school's passing records last year. Jacksonville State, Samford and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are recruiting him.SCHEDULEAug. 31 Dade CountySept. 7 at Section*Sept. 14 Sand Rock*Sept. 21 at Gaston*Sept. 28 SylvaniaOct. 5 at West End*Oct. 12 Ider*Oct. 19 Fyffe*Oct. 26 at Westbrook Christian*Nov. 2 at Pisgah* Region 7-2A game
NORTH SAND MOUNTAIN BISON
Coach: Adam Gilbert (third year here, 13-8 here and overall) Stadium: Lloyd Dobbins Stadium
Address: 29333 Al Highway 71, Higdon, AL 35979
RECENT HISTORY
In only the second season under Coach Gilbert, the spread offense led to several school records and a nine-win season. Junior quarterback Tyler Vann set every school passing record, finishing with more than 2,200 yards as well as 23 touchdowns. The Bison defense ranked third in the state in overall yards and points allowed and set a school record with 23 interceptions. Zach Walsh also set a school mark with 10 interceptions. The Bison lost a heartbreaker, 26-21, at Fultondale in the first round of Alabama's 2A playoffs. Here's a look at the regular-season win total for the last five years:
Season 1 5 10
2011 ---------(9)
2010 ----(4)
2009 -(1)
2008 --(2)
2007 --(2)
THREE STRENGTHS
1) Big-play potential. This is the third year under Coach Gilbert's spread offense, and with a third-year starter quarterback and plenty of experience around him, the Bison can score quickly.
2) Kicking game. Junior Derrick Alonzo is back to handle the place-kicking and kickoff duties, and senior punter Andrew Duncan has a strong leg. Those two should keep opponents pinned deep.
3) Offensive line. Three starters return up front.
THREE CONCERNS
1) New regulars on defense. The Bison lost 10 starters from a unit that ranked third in the state in points and yards allowed.
2) Overall depth. More players will have to play on both sides of the ball this season.
3) Secondary. All four defensive backs will be first-year starters, including a couple of sophomores.
THREE QUESTIONS WITH TYLER VANN
(Senior quarterback)
Q: How much more confident are you in the spread after the record-setting season you had last year?
A: Way more confident. We've done it for so long, everybody knows where to go and what to do in any situation. We're all more confident.
Q: What is the best part of Friday nights during the season?
A: The fans. The atmosphere when you come out and see the stands full and feel the excitement.
Q: How are the team goals different now after last year's success?
A: Now we want to not only get back to the playoffs but get past that first round and keep going. We learned the playoffs is a different atmosphere and different level.
ROSTER
1 Bailey Siniard - Freshman
2 Tyler Vann - Senior
3 Andrew Duncan - Senior
4 Michael Farber - Freshman
5 Eric George - Freshman
6 Dylan Worley - Junior
7 Chase Cagle - Sophomore
8 Derek Alonzo - Junior
9 Ben Britt - Senior
10 Ean Miles - Junior
12 Austin Cummins - Freshman
13 Ryan Wasson - Sophomore
15 Caston Roberts - Sophomore
20 Pierce Porter - 8th grade
21 Aaron Kesler - Junior
22 Trevor Williams - Senior
23 Colton Blackwell - Junior
27 Jordan Harmon - Freshman
32 Cody McBryar - Junior
33 Dexx Walsh - Junior
43 Tanner Atchley - 8th grade
44 Tristan Yates - Senior
45 Alex Michaels - Freshman
50 Drake Newsome - Freshman
53 David Thomas - Junior
55 Dalton Williams - Sophomore
57 Aubrey Ledbetter - Senior
58 Lucas Waldrop - Junior
59 Alex Phillips - Junior
65 Zack Williams - Freshman
66 Noah Miles - Freshman
70 Chris Payne - Sophomore
71 Jacob Whiddon - Junior
72 Zeb Reece - Senior
73 Kyle Nash - Senior
74 Colt Shrader - Junior
78 Dallen Atchley - Freshman
81 Kasey Nash - Senior
85 Dylan Smith - Junior
85 Joey Macias - 8th grade
97 Vance Thomas - Junior
99 Hunter Weathers - Freshman
Head coach: Adam Gilbert