NORTH JACKSON CHIEFSCoach: Shawn Peek (32-7 here; 72-58 overall)Returning starters (O/D/K): 6/4/1Remember these names: The biggest playmaker on both sides of the ball is one of the smallest players on the field as Kahne Cooper (Sr., 5-10, 175) will play receiver and quarterback and is a three-year starter in the secondary. Middle linebacker Dwight McGowan (Sr., 5-11, 190) is the leading returning tackler, while DaQuan Lawrence (6-2, 165) and Austin Blevins are expected to contribute as ball carriers and defensive backs. The offensive line should be solid with the return of Marquez Nicholson (Sr., 6-0, 225), Josh Swearingen (Sr., 6-1, 220) and Cody Gilliam (Sr., 5-11, 215).Will be a memorable year if: Freshman quarterback Kitt Grider adapts to the speed of the varsity game. The Chiefs have playmakers on offense and a veteran line around Grider, but their chances for a deep run in the playoffs will get a boost if he can handle the quarterback duties and allow Cooper to stay at receiver.ScheduleAug. 26 at Madison AcademySept. 2 Douglas*Sept. 9 at DAR*Sept. 16 Guntersville*Sept. 23 at R.A. HubbardSept. 30 Cherokee County*Oct. 7 Butler*Oct. 14 at Crossville*Oct. 21 at Fairview*Oct. 28 at Scottsboro* Region 7-4A game
The only thing certain is that Kahne Cooper will rarely come off the field for North Jackson this season. What position he will be playing is not so sure.
He was the Chiefs’ second-leading receiver last season and will be expected to continue in that role. But he also may take a lot of snaps at quarterback while the Chiefs break in freshman Kitt Grider at that position, and Cooper will move back to safety on defense after playing cornerback last season.
He also will return kicks for the Chiefs, who advanced to Alabama’s Class 4A semifinals last season and are ranked No. 4 in the state’s preseason poll.
“I actually think it’s a lot of fun to move around and play a lot of positions,” said Cooper, who attended summer camps at Memphis, Georgia Tech and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “I’ve been at receiver since my freshman year, so I’m confident in what I can do there. I played quarterback in middle school, and everybody likes playing that position because you get to feel like you’re in control of things.