The Oakman Wildcats finished their 2020 campaign with a 7-4 mark and
playoff berth, with plenty of memorable plays made throughout the
season.
While 2020 represented a decade-long standard of the Wildcats making a
postseason bid, it also showed the amazing potential that lay within
the team — potential that could be fully realized in 2021. Two of
Oakman’s losses were by less than a touchdown in region play — 41-35
to Winfield and 20-17 to Vinemont, both on the road and in overtime —
while the other two losses came to Class 3A State champion Fyffe and
Class 4A State runner-up Gordo.
The exciting news for the Wildcat faithful that watched their team
come dangerously close to clinching an undefeated season in Class 3A,
Region 6 is the returning talent and experience that will be featured
in 2021.
Third-year head coach Ryan Hall, reciepent of the 2020 Class 3A
“Making a Difference” award, feels confident the Wildcats can be
electrifying on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve got a lot of guys back, young men who grew not only as players
over the past season as players but as outstanding people and leaders
as well. I’ve never had a team with this much returning experience.
We’ve got a lot of skill coming back and a lot of our young guys are
contributing,” Hall said. “All of our players are grateful to be out
and having the chance to compete – if there’s one thing we’ve learned
from last year it’s that we should take anything for granted.”
Two juniors in 2020, Memphis commit A.J. Odom and Denzel Chatman, were
named to the Class 3A All-State team by the Alabama Sports Writers
Association — Odom to the First Team and Chatman to the Second Team.
“We had some close calls in games last year in which a play of two
could have made the outcome swing in a different way. It taught us to
play under pressure. We understand you have to step and play your best
game on every snap,” Odom said. “The experience we have all gained
will certainly help out.”
While the duo form a nucleus of returning leadership, Oakman will host
playmakers across the roster.
Back for his second season at quarterback will be Baylor “Bubba” Odom,
who overcame a tough first start under center against Gordo to emerge
as one of the area’s top play callers. Odom finished with 1,622 yards
on 120 on 222 passes with 16 touchdowns. Lining up in the backfield is
the returning Sean Douglas, who rushed for 750 yards and 10
touchdowns. The receiving corps is daunting with Chatman, Jy
Henderson, Derrick Hubbard and A.J. Odom at tight end. Chatman was the
county’s receiving leader with 867 yards and nine touchdowns.
The line for Oakman, traditionally known as a strength on an annual
basis, won’t disappoint with returners Hunter Davis, three-year
starter Trey Thomas and Nick Handley.
“I think we will do very well this year. We’ve changed a lot, our
workouts have been much tougher and everyone is very focused,” Thomas
said. “We’ll be much more prepared this season.”
Both Odoms are among the top playmakers on defense along the line and
shifting back into linebacker corps. In his junior season, A.J.
recorded 105 tackles with 26 tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback sacks,
forced four fumbles and had two fumble recoveries. Will Marshall and
Henderson join Handley to form the Wildcats’ linebacker group.
Chatman, along with Douglas, will feature prominently in the
secondary.
Oakman host Winfield, Vinemont, J.B. Pennington and Tarrant in region
play, while traveling to Holly Pond, Susan Moore and Carbon Hill. The
Wildcats open at Class 4A state runner-up Gordo, followed by Curry on
the road and concludes the season by hosting Cordova, all in
non-region play.
Oakman Wildcats 2021 Schedule
8/20 7:00 PM
at Gordo High School
8/27 7:00 PM
at Curry High School
9/3 7:00 PM
at Holly Pond High School
9/10 7:00 PM
Winfield High School
9/17 7:00 PM
J.B. Pennington High School
10/1 7:00 PM
at Susan Moore High School
10/8 7:00 PM
at Carbon Hill High School
10/15 7:00 PM
Vinemont High School
10/22 7:00 PM
Tarrant High School
10/29 7:00 PM
Cordova High School
