Local High School Defenders Highlight Autauga County Football Season

Autauga County wrapped its high school football season with postseason defensive honors that underscore both individual achievement and broader community priorities. The county's Defense 1st Team named top performers from Autauga Academy, Prattville, Prattville Christian Academy, Billingsley and Marbury, while a slate of honorable mentions highlighted contributors across the region.

Leading statistical standouts was linebacker Caleb Massey of Billingsley, who finished the season with 158 tackles and four sacks, a total that dominated the tackle column. Autauga Academy also placed multiple players on the first team: defensive lineman Monte Harvey compiled 46 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks, while defensive back Ke' William Cook had 61 tackles, seven interceptions, two interceptions returned for touchdowns and four total defensive touchdowns. Prattville players earned recognition as well, including defensive lineman Ricardo "Bam" Parker with 40 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, and linebacker Eric Townsend with 110 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery.

The secondary was anchored by Marbury's defensive back duo, Addison Gill and Jeremyah Williams. Gill finished with 78 tackles, four interceptions and three pass break ups. Williams totaled five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns and adding 12 pass break ups. Prattville Christian Academy and other schools were also represented on the first team, with Bryson Bowman (33 tackles, six tackles for loss) and Elijah Brown of Prattville (26 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks) contributing to the county's defensive identity.

Honorable mentions came from a broad cross-section of programs. Players included Jayden Milledge of Prattville (35 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two defensive touchdowns) and Noah Gentry of Marbury (70 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks), among others who provided depth and playmaking ability throughout the season.

Beyond celebrating individual statistics, the postseason list has practical consequences for student athletes and the community. Recognition can raise visibility for college recruiting and scholarship opportunities, supporting upward mobility for students in a county where access to higher education and athletic pathways varies. At the same time, the concentration of accolades among certain schools points to differences in program depth, coaching resources and feeder systems that shape competitive balance.

The honors also renew conversations about athlete health and safety. High tackle and sack totals reflect physical commitment, but they also remind coaches, parents and school administrators of the ongoing need for trained athletic trainers, consistent concussion protocols and mental health supports. Investing in these services across all Autauga County programs would advance both performance and equity, ensuring that recognition comes alongside responsible care.

As the community turns toward offseason development and spring practices, these defensive standouts will be household names in Autauga County conversations about recruitment, program funding and the role of high school sports in young people's futures.