The Winston County Yellow Jackets rebounded from from 2019’s 3-7 finish to conclude 2020 at 7-4, including a playoff berth and a third-place finish in Class 2A, Region 5.
With a mindset towards continuing the path of success and securing another postseason spot, Winston County head coach Mark Mitchell said his team’s enthusiasm has been steady during the preseason.
“Our guys have been working hard — from their strength and conditioning to their own personal development, we’re seeing good improvement,” Mitchell said. “Everyone recognizes that we had a good season last year, but we all want to build on it and that takes hard work. We’re putting it in. These guys are proud to represent Double Springs and Winston County High School and want to see the success continue.”
Mitchell stated the helpful direction of his leadership council — players from each grade level on the team — has been pivotal in providing additional guidance and communication throughout the team. Comprised of senior quarterback Ryker Morgan, junior Eli Edgil, sophomore Landon Nix and freshman Landen Kelly, the council works directly with Mitchell and the coaching staff to help identify concerns and areas of need throughout the team, as well as to better explain and carry out Mitchell’s expectations.
“Each one of the guys on our leadership council understand they have an important role, one that carries a lot of responsibility, trust and accountability,” Mitchell said. “Beyond making plays for us on the field, they help make sure the players around them are doing things correctly or need work with one of our coaches to improve themselves. They’re an extremely vital asset.”
With the exception of Midfield — which forfeited their game against Winston County due to Covid protocol — the Yellow Jackets will face-off against the same opponents in Region 5, all of whom Mitchell states brings a special challenge.
“Midfield was a playoff team in 2019 as a Class 3A program, so we know they’re an extremely capable team. Addison and Aliceville year-in and out always field strong teams, and with Lamar County and Sulligent there’s potential to be a playoff contender every season,” Mitchell said. “I expect Cold Springs to be a big challenge this year. Everyone in our region is battle every week — there’s no easy games and if you’ve earned a playoff berth, you’ve done something special.”