WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE WEST LIMESTONE WILDCATS?

Coach:
Jordan Cantrell (first season)

Offense

West Limestone's basic offensive formation is the Wing-T, but the Wildcats will line up in a variety of formations to highlight their grind-it-out running attack. The big man on the West Limestone offense is tackle Dakota Siniard (6-5, 285, Sr.) who has committed to sign with the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. There's competition at quarterback between seniors Drew Blakely (5-8, 165) and Peyton Boldin (6-0, 175). Despite being limited by injuries last season, Blakely has the most experience. 

A group of young players will be called on to carry the ball. They are Reed Walker (5-7, 150, Soph.), Tanner Walker (5-7, 150, Soph.), Nick Freeman (5-7, 150, Soph.), Chase Lancaster (6-1, 180, Soph.) and Cody Shedd (5-7, 175, Jr.). "They are all a little different," Cantrell said. "We plan to rotate them between fullback and halfback." 

Three other starters return in the line to help Siniard. They are center Brayden Clem (5-9, 200, Jr.), guard Preston Moss (5-9, 240, Sr.) and tackle Matthew Sanders (5-11, 225, Sr.). Competing for the open guard position are Kelton Craig (6-0, 200, Soph.), Jesse Hayes (5-7, 150, Soph.), Cody Smith (5-9, 215, Soph.) and Joseph Willingham (5-7, 170, Jr.). 

Reed Blakenship (6-0, 175, Soph.) is expected to be a big-play maker at receiver. Other receivers are Alex Maples (6-0, 175, Soph.), Chayse Craig (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Cole Smith (5-7, 155, Soph.).

Defense

Seven or eight starters on offense will see playing time on defense in the Wildcats 4-2-5 alignment. "We have some strong defensive linemen returning," Cantrell said. Siniard, Moss and Clem will be in a rotation in the line. The defensive ends are Kelton Craig (6-0, 200, Soph.), Andrew Thornton (6-3, 185, Soph.) and Eli Rogers (5-10, 175, Jr.). Sanders and Chayse Craig are the two inside linebackers. Blankenship returns at free safety. Reed Walker is back at cornerback. Some of the young players will be expected to fill out the rest of defensive backfield.

Extra points

Cantrell takes over for David Arnsparger who was West Limestone's head coach for seven seasons (38-36) with three playoff appearances. Cantrell was one of Arnsparger's assistants for all seven years. He was the offensive coordinator last season. Arnsparger stepped aside to have more time with his family. He is coaching the West Limestone Middle School team.

West Limestone is the 12th largest school in the new Class 4A after the AHSAA reclassification with 356 students. Brooks (370) is the only school in 4A, Region 8 with a larger enrollment. West Limestone stayed in Limestone County with its three out of region games. The Wildcats play Elkmont, East Limestone and Ardmore.
 

The Wildcats have been to the playoffs three out of the last four years. Before that run, West Limestone had only been in the playoffs twice. In 1988, West Limestone went 4-1 in the playoffs with a loss in the 3A state title game to Thomasville.

source: Decatur Daily