Scott Nickerson

Elmore Autauga News

The Stanhope Elmore Football team faced off against the Chelsea Hornets at Foshee-Henderson Stadium on Thursday night to conclude their 2024 spring training. The matchup was not a traditional game, but consisted of several different scripted situations, such as 8-play drives, red-zone possessions, and goal line possessions.

Speedy Zack Holcomb will take over at quarterback for the Mustangs. He didn’t throw a pass in the first half but exhibited his speed on several runs. Like last year, the Mustangs will rely heavily this season on running back Arthur, “AJ” McQueen. Last season, McQueen had more than 1700 yards rushing in just eight games. In the spring game, McQueen had several touchdown runs, to include a 60-yard score in the first half and another on a red zone possession in the second half.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mustangs feature a couple players that already have college level size, to include linebacker Kam Anderson and defensive lineman Dezmond Barnes, who stands over 6 feet tall and weighs more than 300 pounds.

Chelsea played in Class 7A Region 3 in 2023. They finished with a record of 2-8, but that included a gauntlet of tough teams to include Thompson, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Spain Park, and Hewitt-Trussville. In the 2024 season, Chelsea moves to Class 6A. The Hornets will host Wetumpka in the second game of the season.

Other noteworthy items:

The Stanhope Elmore defense forced multiple turnovers. The Mustangs recovered a fumble in the first half and intercepted a pass in the second half.

The Mustangs did not throw a pass in the first half. Holcomb’s first pass was a screen pass after halftime. He had several impressive runs and will be deadly if he gets into the open field.

Linebacker Kam Anderson had a big tackle for loss on the second drive of the game.

Kicker Colby Beyer hit a 43-yard field goal on the last play of the first half. Beyer has a chance to be one of the top kickers in the area if the Mustangs have consistent long snapping and holding. Rising freshman John Espy made an extra point attempt.