By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

SAND ROCK – Eight years ago was the last time the Sand Rock Wildcats posted a 9-win football season. It’s also the last time the Wildcats have won a playoff game.

New head coach Tanner Nelson wants to change that beginning this fall.

Nelson comes to the Wildcats after leading Class 3A Sylvania to a 9-3 record last season, which included a berth in the second round of the state playoffs.

Prior to becoming Sylvania’s head coach, Nelson, a 2015 Collinsville graduate, was the Panthers’ offensive coordinator for three seasons. He replaces former Sand Rock coach Alan Heath, who led the Wildcats to a 21-31 record the past five seasons. The Class 2A Wildcats finished 5-6 in 2024.

“I think he (Nelson) has given our team a new start feeling,” senior wide receiver/defensive back Alex Stone said. “I think he’s lit a fire under everyone, made us more excited for the season. He speaks our language.”

“He’s brought a whole new unity to the team,” junior quarterback/defensive back Alec Ashley said. “We’re really excited.”

“It’s something fresh and different,” senior offensive lineman/linebacker Grayson Lane said.

Nelson said the Sand Rock community “has been great” to him since he was hired back in May. But even though he has received a warm welcome by the Wildcat faithful, Nelson knows there’s plenty of work to be done between now and November.

“It goes back to all the small things. We can’t win on Friday if we don’t win on Monday,” he said. “That’s the mindset we preach all the time. We can’t worry about down the road. We’ve got to worry about today. We’ve done a really good job of that so far.

“Everybody is hungry to get back to winning a lot of football games, but it goes back to hard work every day. There’s nothing too small. Everything matters.”

That mentality has rubbed off on Ashley, who returns behind center after throwing for over 1,000 yards last season.

“There’s been lot of constructive criticism, but I feel like it’s been really good for me,” Ashley said.

Nelson, himself a former quarterback, said Ashley has done a great job picking up the offense.

“He’s learning what to do and what not to do, when to take a shot and when to be smart,” Nelson said of Ashley. “He’s really stepped up as far as being more of a leader. These guys really respect him. He’s a really good quarterback for us. I think one of the biggest things he’s done is really taking that step behind the scenes of being that leader.”

Ashley’s targets at receiver include Alex Stone, junior Lathan Amos, and sophomore Ryker Woodall. Juniors Nick Clanton, Landon Chadwick, and Brendon Lindsey are a few of the options in the Wildcat running game.

“They’ve really grown from day one,” Nelson said. “They’re picking up on the offense and starting to look comfortable. That’s kind of where you’ve got to be this time of year.”

Blocking for the Wildcat playmakers along the offensive line include junior Bradley Stone at center, senior Bryson Lindsey, and juniors Jimmy Wells and Ezra Robison. Nelson said Lane will also play some at guard and linebacker. Senior Morgan Tucker will bolster the front when he returns from injury.

The offensive linemen will also double on defense. Clanton joins Lane as two of the Wildcat linebackers.

“We’re starting to get a couple of other guys coming in behind them,” Nelson said. “We’ve got four or five guys (on the outside) who can play. They’re picking up things nicely and seeing what we want to do. We want to be physical. That’s the main thing.”

Ashley and several of the Wildcat receivers will also double in the defensive backfield.

“Just about everybody is going to have to play two ways,” Nelson said. “We’ve got some younger guys who are hopefully going to be ready. That’s what we don’t know yet. We’re starting to get some depth in several positions. We’re getting there. Hopefully we’ll be there by the time we get to region play.”

Following a fall jamboree at Valley Head on Aug. 15, Sand Rock opens the 2025 season at home against Spring Garden on Thursday, Aug. 21. After another non-region game at West End on Aug. 29, Sand Rock opens Class 2A, Region 7 play at home against North Sand Mountain on Sept. 5.

“Every game is a big game,” Nelson said. “We’ve got to be ready to play Spring Garden. The same preparation goes into that game as in any other game. It’s a lot of work to do to get ready for that, but we’re excited. Hopefully we’ll have a long season. That’s our plan. We’ve got a long way to go but we’re excited to get there.”

2025 Sand Rock Wildcats Football Schedule
Aug. 21                 Spring Garden
Aug. 29                 at West End
Sept. 5                  North Sand Mountain
Sept. 12                Section
Sept. 19                at Pleasant Valley
Sept. 26                Collinsville
Oct. 3                    at Pisgah
Oct. 10                  OPEN
Oct. 17                  Cedar Bluff
Oct. 24                  at Gaston
Oct. 31                  at Whitesburg Christian