KICKOFF COUNTDOWN: Wetumpka players, coaches believe they can turn the corner

By BILL LUMPKIN, III

If success follows expectations, the 2026 version of the Wetumpka Indians could break through for a big year.

In his fifth season, coach Bear Woods has plenty of talent to make a push for a big finish, if everything comes together.

"I know this team has heart, will play with intensity and show the effort and attitude I'm going to see every time I turn on the film. I have zero doubt that's going to happen because of the continuity we've built within these last four years and we have right now,” Woods said.

It starts with quarterback Charlie Skipper, who set school records as a sophomore with 2,544 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. There might be some pressure to repeat those numbers, but he’s not showing it.

"I can't let all that get to me,” Skipper said. “I just have to play my game, listen to my coaches and be a good teammate and leader. I feel like we've really built a great chemistry this offseason. We've worked really hard and we are a really close group."

Skipper said he's working to improve this footwork during the off-season. He won the MVP at a summer camp in Texas this year.

"I kind of rolled out a lot last year," he said. "I'm not saying dropping back is new to me, but I'm working on it. I'm learning how to stand in the pocket, work through my reads and make the throws that I need to make."

Woods said he and Skipper have had conversations about the pressure surrounding his position as the accolades began to pour in after last season.

"He really understands that football is a team game," Woods said. "He's got the No. 1 tight end in the country in the class of 2028 and had an All-State tight end last year. He's had great guys round here.

"But Charlie has shown that competitive spirit and growth who's going to continue to grow and that makes him special. He wants to win and he doesn't care about stats. When you have that mentality, as a coach, that excites you."

Skipper’s tight end, Kaleb Ballard, is listed at 6-foot-5, 223-pounds and is considered one of the top players at his position in the country. He had 32 receptions for 573 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore.

He already holds 27 Division I offers with nine from the SEC, including Alabama and Auburn.

"I just have to stay humble and remember why I'm doing this," Ballard said. "I just love football."

Deon Floyd, who had more than 700 yards in the return game a year ago, will be a key component to the Wetumpka offense. He accounted for 1,300 total yards and four rushing touchdowns last year.

Woods says the skills positions are set with plenty of talent but will it be enough to send the Indians to higher heights this season?

"We do have a lot of skill guys, no doubt," Woods said. "Are we going to go out there and throw it all over the yard? We're going to do whatever the defense gives us, but we have the opportunity to have a pretty impressive aerial attack. Also don't sleep on Skipper's ability to be a dual tthreat."

The running back room also is talented with returning starter Jordan Hill; Jordan Smoke, who is a cousin to former Kentucky (and Wetumpka) running back Kavosiey Smoke; and Floyd, who also can double as a talented wide receiver.

"We want a team first mindset," Woods said. "We don't want the social media star wanting his picture all over social media and his mom and dad liking all his images and his stats. We're looking for that winning mindset and a team that likes to show up together."

The kicking game also is solid. Long snapper Jake Hardin is beginning to draw some interest on the collegiate level and Elex Smelend was 21-21 on PATs and 3-of-3 on field goals last season.

Wetumpka can join the '600' club this year. The school has 594 career victories.

But one thing it has not accomplished is a state championship. The Indians lost to Pinson Valley 31-10 in the 2017 state championship game in their only state finals appearance.

In fact, their last playoff victory was in 2019.

"The first game is the most important game," Woods said. "I can't overstate the importance of that 100 times."

Wetumpka opens the season with back-to-back road games, first against Andalusia on Friday and Tallassee on Aug. 28 before the home opener against Rehobeth.