West Limestone head football coach Shelby Davis has become one of the longest-tenured coaches in the county, and has big expectations for his Wildcats in 2022.

His 2022 Wildcats had one of the best off-seasons he has been a part of during his time coaching, with everyone focused and pulling in the same direction, he says.

“I’ll tell you, we’ve had a really great summer,” Davis said. “I am really proud of our guys and (summer) attendance was good. We have had some guys step up and take leadership roles. One of the best summers we have had since I have been here. We have been able to get a couple new coaches in here, too, and they’re doing a great job.”

This summer is Davis’ 5th summer as the leader of the Wildcats. They recently had their first day of fall camp in helmets and shorts. Since, they have amped up their practices as summer ends and fall approaches.

The productive summer for the Wildcats was needed, as they are replacing 17 of their 22 starters for offense and defense, according to Davis.

“I can’t sit here and tell you that anyone we are relying on has had a bad summer,” Davis said. “Everyone has gotten stronger, gotten better and we are way ahead from where we were this time last summer.”

Davis is also turning to the leadership of Landon Navas at quarterback, who he says has stepped up during the off-season.

“I call him a Swiss army knife. He’s got all that cool stuff on him. He can do just about anything – play QB, play running back, play receiver,” Davis said. “Defense, he has been focusing mainly at corner (this summer). He’s been one of those leaders that stepped up during the offseason and the kids just gravitated to him.”

As far as defensive leaders, there is Easton Smith.

“He’s a kid that is coming back on defense. He was the MVP of the defense last year. He can hang clean 315 (pounds) and he doesn’t weigh but 180. He was the only sophomore that started for us last year. We are expecting things out of him. He will be moving into the No. 1 running back role (as well). He will get the majority of the carries and try to turn around and play defense.”

Davis knows the ceiling for this group is high. Despite replacing some players, there is an opportunity for others to step up.

Furthermore, their record last year could have looked different, coming up short in multiple one-score contests.

“We went from the No. 4 team in the state to we lost the last three games by a combined 11 points,” Davis said.

As is typical for Athens-Limestone teams in all classifications, their regions are laden with tough competition. West Limestone is no exception, as Davis explains.

“Somebody in our region usually makes a deep run. We made it to the third round a couple years ago, last year Brooks won the region and went third round. Typically, someone out of this region is going to make a run.”

Davis previously coached for Carroll High School in Ozark, Ala. and is a graduate of Troy University, where he walked on as a wide receiver.

West Limestone has an early-season rivalry game versus Ardmore High School.