Arendell Parrott Academy: Tradition Never Graduates
The Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots concluded last season with an impressive 11-1 record, culminating in a state championship victory. After absorbing a loss in week 1 against Harrells, the Patriots rallied to secure 11 consecutive wins. Under the guidance of Head Coach Matt Beaman, the team achieved remarkable triumphs, including a thrilling 66-60 win over John Paul Catholic in a rain-soaked game, sealed by a walk-off 75-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Sanderson to Jaylen Solomon. The Patriots faced John Paul Catholic again in the state championship, where Sanderson orchestrated a game-winning drive, culminating in a decisive pass to Paxton Riley in the back of the end zone. The team's success was further bolstered by the outstanding performance of running back and linebacker Ashton Brinson, who amassed over 2500 rushing yards, 31 touchdowns, and a combined 159 tackles. Though the Patriots face the significant challenge of replacing Brinson following his graduation, the ethos at APA remains clear: Tradition never graduates.
Matt Beaman, APA Coach
Coach Matt Beaman of APA discusses the team's ability to compete in both 8-man and 11-man football, emphasizing their success against public schools. He also talks about replacing key players with a "next man up" mentality and the motivation derived from being underestimated in pre-season rankings.
Quote: "I think we improved with even low numbers that we can compete with anybody across in this area. Games aren't played on paper... these guys have been here all summer, they've bought in, they've been here since they were in seventh grade working and just waiting for their opportunity." - Coach Matt Beaman
Chris Brown, APA Defensive Coordinator
In this interview, APA's defensive coordinator Chris Brown discusses his unexpected journey into coaching, his growth under Coach Beaman, and the team's motivation after being underestimated in pre-season rankings. He emphasizes his approach as a "players' coach," focusing on developing players and building strong relationships.
Quote: "I think we all have a chip on our shoulder around here. There's no way you can win [a championship] and then be expected to be second place in conference... we feel real disrespected, and that's our motivation for the season." - Defensive Coordinator Chris Brown
Clay Harrell, APA Strength and Conditioning Coach
Clay Harrell, APA's strength and conditioning coach and JV head coach, shares his history with the school and his passion for weightlifting, emphasizing its importance in building character and success on the field. He discusses the tradition of hard work at APA and the challenge of replacing key players like Ashton Brinson, expressing confidence in the next generation of athletes.
Quote: "Tradition never graduates... I think lifting really determine things because it's you versus you, and it makes you a man... if you've been in here, it will show; if you haven't been in here, it obviously shows, and I think it translates to our success very much so." - Coach Clay Harrell
Caleb Sanderson, APA Senior Quarterback
APA senior quarterback Caleb Sanderson discusses the importance and complexity of the quarterback role, describing himself as a dual-threat player with both running and throwing abilities. He shares his off-season efforts to improve, including gaining weight to enhance his role in the run game, reflecting his commitment to continuous growth.
Quote: "The quarterback's a very important role; it's understood and respected, but the actual role itself is far more harder than what it seems... I've been getting in the weight room, I've been eating more; Coach Beaman asked me to put on 15 pounds for this season just so I could get more into the run game, and I've been getting there." - Caleb Sanderson, APA Senior Quarterback
Cade Mixon, APA Junior Linebacker/Running Back
Junior linebacker and running back for APA, Cade Mixon, discusses his inspiration to play football, looking up to previous players like Walt Gerard and Hodges Manning. He describes himself as an all-out player, always striving to make a big hit. Cade also expresses the team's feeling of disrespect regarding the pre-season rankings but maintains confidence in their tight-knit group and their chances this year.
Quote: “Kind of makes our team feel disrespected [about the rankings], but we know we got a good team; we've got a great offensive line, defensive line, we work together, we're a tight-knit group, so I think we're going to have a good shot this year." - Caden Mixon, APA Junior Linebacker/Running Back
Jaylen Solomon, APA Junior Running Back
Junior running back Jaylen Solomon talks about taking on a bigger role for APA this year, describing himself as a quick, athletic, and strong playmaker. He shares the team's feelings of disrespect regarding the pre-season rankings, emphasizing that despite their youth, they've been putting in the work and are ready to prove themselves on the field.
Quote: "It's kind of disrespectful, you know, on paper we don't look good, only having few seniors, a lot of younger kids, but you know we've been putting in the work; it's going to show on Fridays... it's very disrespectful, but we're ready." - Jalen Solomon, APA Junior Running Back
Cooper Coman Whitman, APA Sophomore
Sophomore Cooper Coman discusses his readiness to take on a bigger role for APA, despite being one of the smallest players on the team. He talks about his motivation to prove himself on the field and credits Coach Smoke for impacting him both as a player and a person, motivating him to become better.
Quote: "I believe I'm ready to take on that bigger role, and I'm excited to take on this role... I'm pretty quick but also undersized, probably one of the smallest on the team, and sometimes I do get overlooked... but [it] motivates me as a player just to prove that I'm not just some little kid just out there and I can actually do stuff on the field." - Cooper Coman Whitman, APA Sophomore
Outlook:
OFFENSE—The first three games of the season will present a legitimate test for APA, as they transition from 8-man to 11-man football. This shift may thin the Patriots' depth, but there's no doubt that the APA coaching staff will have the team prepared. A standout on offense this year will be Caleb Sanderson at quarterback. While much of the attention last season went to Brinson, Sanderson proved himself as a big-time player, often playing flawlessly and throwing 17 touchdowns with zero interceptions.
The skill positions promise to be another bright spot for the team. Jalen Solomon, known for his big-play capabilities and incredible plays last season at the wide receiver spot, will be moving into the backfield. Expectations are high for Solomon as he takes over as the lead back, and Cade Mixon's toughness as a runner will further bolster the offense.
The wildcard to watch for a breakout year is sophomore Cooper Coman. Standing at 5'8" and weighing 140 pounds, Coman may be small in stature, but his explosiveness and ability to cover open field make him a potential game-changer for the Patriots.
The offensive line will be anchored by Junior Thomas Jones, who will be looking to secure the trenches for the Patriots. His leadership and skill will be vital in providing protection
DEFENSE— The Patriots' defense will be very solid in my opinion. The defensive ends are two long, lanky studs that hold the edges: 6-foot-3, 200-pound Jeremy Snipes and 6-foot-2, 170-pound Rylan Dickens.
Behind those guys will be the rigid Cade Mixon, sniffing out the run defense. Mixon will provide the toughness in run support and the athleticism to help in coverage or pass rush when needed. In the secondary, the Patriots will be fairly young, having sophomore Cooper Coman, but still looking to solidify the other positions while leaning on leadership of Senior players like Mason Mcelveen.
The first three games, being played in 11-man style, will be tough for this defense, considering filling so many voids and departures. However, when APA does get past the first three games and returns to their original 8-man style, I fully expect this defense to be very solid.
In conclusion:
This team goes from winning a state championship to not even predicted to win their conference. Another reason why preseason polls don’t mean nothing! Coach Beaman knows what it takes to build championships and has been doing it for years. It doesn’t stop this year… Tradition Never Graduates!
