Spartan History

The Saraland Spartan Football history may be short, but it is full of achievement, accomplishments, and memorable Friday nights. Saraland High began Varsity play in 2010 under John Holman, playing with nothing but Juniors. They went 3-7 in their first year of play.

In 2011, Jeff Kelly was hired to lead the Football program. Saraland finished 6-5 and lost a close game in the first round. Lee Dufour, Cody Robinson, and Emil Harris were standout players.

In 2013, the Spartans finished 12-2 with huge wins over Demopolis, Homewood, and St. Pauls in a thrilling overtime win in the 5A Quarterfinals. The Spartans fell short in the Semifinals but seemed primed for a huge 2014.

In 2014, the Spartans came ready to play rolling to a 9-1 regular season record. Led by Chris Weaver, Jeffrey Gatewood, Tyler Sims, Skylar Mosley, Velus Jones, James Smith, Noah Anderson, and Johnny Sklopan. They playoff run was punctuated by one of the best games in Spartan History. A second round game at Opelika in frigid weather was a battle that ended with a 4 play Goal Line Stand in overtime to preserve a 27-21 victory. Coach Croley dialed up "Bow 78 Black" on the final play and Weaver led a crew of Spartans for the final stop to seal the win. The Spartans fought hard and fell short in a thriller vs Clay Chalkville in the Finals.

In 2015, QB Jack West took over the reigns as a sophomore and teamed up with NFL star Velus Jones to form a great combination. The next three years showed great success with playoff appearances every year.

In 2018, Cordale Flott, Doug Sullivan, Larson Hall, Michael Milner, and Shawn Byrd led a stingy defense. Coach Croley and his unit led a group that pitched 5 shutouts including a 2nd round epic defensive battle against Hueytown and their vaulted rushing attack. Hampered by a back issues, Croley called the game from the same spot all night and held Roydale Williams out of the endzone. Qb Brett Nezat teamed up with WR's Jay WIlliams and Daniel Taylor to form a potent attack. Rashawn McAlpine and Kari White were electric in the run game. The Semi-Final game at Wetumpka was one for the ages. With two red zone stops on defense in the 4th quarter, the stage was set for one of the best drives in Spartan History. Down 21-16 with a minute to play, Nezat led a great drive that was capped with an 18 yard touchdown by Cordale Flott with time running out. The Finals pitted the Spartans vs Bo Nix and the Pinson Valley Indians, which resulted in a victory by Nix's team.

2019 gave the Spartans their first undefeated team at 10-0 and Region Champs. However, they were upset in the first round by Park Crossing.

In 2020, the Spartans took on every challenger, including covid. Qb Karson Green led the Spartans to the Semifinals where they lost in a rainstorm over on the Hill. Coach Boutwell shook the fences during pregame of the Quarterfinal game vs Opelika and the Spartans proceeded to dominate that night. Jerel Williams, Terrente Hinton, Ct Englebert, Omarion Crawford, and Matthew Milner led the offense. Trevon McAlpine, Hinton, Corey Darrington, and Elijah Johnston led a stingy Defense.

The 2021 Saraland Spartans also made a strong run in the playoffs with a Quarterfinal Appearance.

2022 was the Year of the Spartan. Coming into the season with a bunch of sophomores and minimal expectations. Ryan Williams, KJ Lacey, Antonio Coleman, CD Gill, and Santae McWilliams burst on the scene in record setting fashion. They ran through the regular season lighting up scoreboards and having fun. The Spartans were nearly knocked off in the 3rd round vs. Homewood but pulled out a 57-56 triple ot win on a stopped 2 point conversion by senior Jimmy Byrd. In the semifinals, the Spartans avenged their only loss with an amazing game vs Theodore in front of a standing room only crowd. In the Finals, the Spartans ran away from Mountain Brook in the Battle of the Spartans. After a 37-22 win for the Blue Map, the indivuals awards came for the players. Ryan Williams became the first sophomore ever to win Mr. Football as well as Gatorade Player of the year.

The Spartans entered 2023 as the favorite to repeat. They opened the season with a win over Lipscomb Academy in a game televised on ESPN. They cruised the season becoming one of the most prolific offenses in AHSAA History. This team rarely played in the 4th quarter and would have shattered every record if so. A historically talented QB and WR Core made Friday Night special to watch. Ryan Williams became the first player to repeat as Mr Football and Gatorade Player of the Year. A run through the playoffs ended with one of the most exciting games in AHSAA History vs Clay Chalkville and Jaylen Mbakwe. This matchup of titans ended with the Spartans 1 yard short on the last play to prevent a repeat.

In 2024, the Spartans took the field led by 3 year starter KJ Lacey. The Texas signee was the difference in many games during his senior year. He had another tremendous year and won the coveted Mr. Football award, marking the third straight year a Saraland Spartan won that coveted award. Santae McWilliams capped a tremendous career holding every school record for a runningback. His toughness, consistency, and leadership should be talked about for years to come. The Spartans once again dominated the playoffs and entered the finals 13-0. Parker ended up defeating the Spartans 28-17 to win the Blue Map.

2024 marked one of the most impressive three year runs in AHSAA History. A 51-3 record, a state Championship, two State Runner Ups, and three straight Mr. Football Awards left many memories for all those around the program. Our history continues to grow. Players continue to leave their mark with memorable performances. We believe our best years are still to come.

The last 15 years has marked success and stability. Coach Jeff Kelly completed his 14th season with a 145-37 record during that time frame. The Spartans have never missed the playoffs under Kelly.