2025 Preview: Ware Shoals Hornets

Ware Shoals has made steady progress over the last two years since head coach Chris Dodson took over. After falling to Ridge Spring Monetta in the first round of the playoffs, finishing with a 4-5 record in 2024, they are looking to elevate themselves in year three under Dodson.   “The first year was just trying to go in and put the system in and kind of rebuild the culture of what Ware Shoals used to be back in the '80s and '90s. And then year two, we built on what we had put in place because we only had two seniors that first year.    Last year, we kind of took a big step because without the hurricane, we were one game short of being a 10 game (season). We were shut down for two weeks. We just lost it. We had a nine (game) regular season. We were able to go 4-5 and host the first round playoff game that hadn't been done in Ware Shoals in like, eight, nine years. We lost to Ridge Spring Monetta at home in the first round. So we kind of got over the hump of one, making a playoffs, two, hosting a first round (playoff game). This year, we're looking to try and make a run into the playoffs,” Dodson said.   Jacob Baldwin, [player_tooltip player_id='1639784' first='Trent' last='Dyal'] and Destin Lewis will be leading senior-laden offensive and defensive lines. Dodson says they will rely on those three for continuity.    As the 2025 season opener approaches on August 22 at home against Blacksburg, Dodson will be looking for the Hornets to master the fundamentals.   “Just been having a line up correctly, knowing what to do on our routes and blocking assignments and knowing what to do defensively and how to line up correctly to all the formations that we get. Going back to 1A, one week you'll see Wing T. One week you'll see see wishbone, next week, you'll see spread. So just being fundamentally sound on defense and being able to line up correctly and do the stunts and the coverages that we need. If we can be consistent in alignment and knowing where to go, we're going to be ahead of the curb.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   Tyrell Cunningham WR/DB, 2026 – Cunningham is a downfield deep threat at wide receiver, who runs great routes and has great speed to go along with it. We expect him to be a primary target in the Hornets' passing game this fall.   Improvements heading into 2025: “Watching film. Trying to learn how to run routes more crisper and also read defenses better at safety.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1267314' first='Elijah' last='Brown'] LB, 2026 – Brown is back after back-to-back 125+ tackle seasons. He is a hard hitter in the hole and not afraid to put his hands in the dirt and let the offense know he's going to make an impact on the game.   Ry'keem Robinson DB/LB, 2027 – Dodson says he was a guy that had an impact on defense with seven picks, two of them for touchdowns. He will play the spur linebacker position again in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1639783' first='Altavis' last='Evans'] RB, 2026 – Evans will be the focal point at running back. He is a great combo of speed and power at the position. He is not afraid of contact and will run through arm tackles. We expect a big year for the senior.   KEY LOSS   Jayce Medlin WR – Medlin was an excellent target on the outside, and could go up and catch the jump balls. Once he created separation, it was a touchdown.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1639782' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'] QB, 2026 – Johnson (pictured above) has had back-to-back 1,000-yard passing seasons with nearly 800 yards rushing. He is a dual threat who can scramble around and while he may not wow you with his speed, he can glide away from defenders.   Improvements heading into 2025: “Looking at what we did right, looking at what we did wrong. Capitalize on what we did right more and more and the things we did wrong, we work at it in practice and get it right.”    UP-AND COMING POTENTIAL   Charles Callaham RB/WR/LB, 2028 – Callaham will be looking to contribute at running back and receiver as this is his first year playing football as a sophomore.   Brandon Good WR/LB – Dodson believes Good has a chance to get his name out there. He is making the jump over from baseball to football and he is excited to see what he can do.    McDonald's first year of football was in 2024 after being baseball exclusive. He didn't play until week seven last year. Dobson says he has exploded on offense this summer during the 7on7 period. This fall could be big for his continued development as he continues to master his craft.

Ware Shoals has made steady progress over the last two years since head coach Chris Dodson took over. After falling to Ridge Spring Monetta in the first round of the playoffs, finishing with a 4-5 record in 2024, they are looking to elevate themselves in year three under Dodson.