By Wil Crews
sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
The Glenwood Gators were scheduled to play the Autauga Academy Generals for their final regular season game of the season on this past Friday. However, the game was cancelled due to the lingering effects and damage caused by Tropical Storm Zeta. Still, Glenwood deserve someone to tell the story of their season – their perfect season.
Back in August, Glenwood Head Coach Jason Gibson was preparing for his fifth season in charge of the program. The Gators were coming off of a 49-22 loss in last season’s AISA Class 3A Championship Game. It was the closest the program had come to winning it all under Gibson.
The Gators came into 2020 loaded with talent. All-State players Kye Robichaux (running back) and B.J. Snellgrove (linebacker) came back in their senior seasons to try to lead Glenwood on another push for glory. Little did they know, 11 weeks later, the Gators would be 9-0 and sit atop the AISA Class 3A rankings.
All told, Glenwood outscored their opponents 346-94 throughout the season. On five separate occasions the offense gashed an opposing defense for over 40 points. The defense held four teams to single digits – one shutout – and only allowed two teams to score more than 20 points. The season averages came out to 43.3 points per game on offense and 11.8 points per game allowed on defense. This team was truly dominant.
Robichaux, quarterback Jackson Griner, wide receiver Radonda Beauchamp – who often took wildcat snaps – and wide receiver/show-stopping return man A.J. Harris led the way for Glenwood on offense all season. Snellgrove did his thing anchoring the middle of the defense and senior defensive back Jay Sinclair preyed on the passes of undisciplined quarterbacks time and time again. Of course there are many others who contributed to Glenwood’s regular season success, but there are just too many too name.
For now, Glenwood are preparing for their first round playoff game against the Clarke Prep Gators in the AISA State Championship Playoffs. Clarke Prep went 4-6 on the season and 2-3 in their region. Glenwood only need three more wins to finish the season unblemished… and with a championship in their hands.