The Sumiton Christian Eagles made the area’s biggest turnaround from
head coach David Powell’s first season to his second, rebounding from
1-9 to 6-5, in the process earning the program’s first playoff bid
since 2016.
Powell said the 2020 season was special in that his team began the
year with a 1-3 record, but his players’ poise and perseverance led to
success – the same qualities he expects to continue to see in 2021.
“We learned how to overcome adversity and with winning, we became a
happier team. I think the players dug a little deeper because they
enjoyed winning, and the experience of enjoying victories for the
first time in a few years became infectious,” Powell said. “We’ve got
11 seniors returning and 13 starters overall returning and I’m excited
about the attitude of the team. I like the toughness we’ve developed.
Our defense has made some big strides. There’s a lot of improvement
and a lot of reason to be optimistic.”
Senior Tyler Ingle, First Team Class 1A All-State linebacker, returns
after his junior campaign saw him lead the county in tackles with 134.
Quarterback Jordan Robertson is back after throwing for 1,347 yards on
71 of 147 passes with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Versatile
Eli Moon, who led Sumiton Christian with 829 rushing yards and seven
touchdowns, returns and can line up under quarterback, in the
backfield and in the slot, along with top receivers Ashton McClendon and Kannen Defoor.
The line will be anchored by Second Team
All State lineman Jake McDonald and Wilson Washington.
“We’re a tight-knit group of guys who have been around each other for
three years or longer now. We hang out all the time and enjoy each
others’ company and are best friends regardless what time of the year
it is,” Ingle said. “That’s what makes the successes we’ve had more
special.”
“Winning has been the biggest difference to me over the past three
years. It gave us something to look forward to and work at,” Robertson
said. “Once those victories start coming, everything just clicked.”
Sumiton Christian opens the season on the road against Victory
Christian, then spends the next month at home hosting Cherokee, Class
1A, Region 7 opponents Cedar Bluff and Woodville and ending the home
stand with non-region foe Brindlee Mountain. A region contest with
Coosa Christian is sandwiched between road region games at
Gaylesville, Appalachian and Valley Head. The Eagles close the season
in an annual matchup at Meek.
Sumiton Christian Eagles 2021 Schedule
8/20 7:00 PM
at Victory Christian High School
8/27 7:00 PM
Cherokee High School
9/10 7:00 PM
at Cedar Bluff High School
9/17 7:00 PM
Woodville High School
9/24 7:00 PM
Brindlee Mountain High School
10/1 7:00 PM
at Gaylesville High School
10/8 7:00 PM
at Appalachian High School
10/15 7:00 PM
Coosa Central High School
10/22 7:00 PM
at Valley Head High School
10/29 7:00 PM
at Meek High School
