Alabama High School Football: 10 of the most memorable moments from the 2023 season

With the high school football season over, it's time to look back at nine of the biggest, most memorable or standout moments from the 2023 high school football season in the Gadsden area.

Dre Kirkpatrick gets it done in each phase vs. Mae Jemison

It was no secret Kirkpatrick could take over a game but against Mae Jemison, he dominated, ending the night with three touchdowns. He had a 90-yard interception return, a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown and added in a 21-yard receiving TD.

Southside wins region championship

Southside had gone 5-6 the first two years under Miles Holcomb but this year felt different with plenty of stars entering their senior seasons. Starting quarterback Gauge Nesmith went out in Week 2 but that didn't slow the Panthers as they went on their way to bring a region title home, clinching it in the final week at Etowah.

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Jacob Cornejo record setting night

All eyes were on Centre, Alabama when Cherokee County hosted Oneonta as two of the best backs in the state were facing off. Cherokee County's Cornejo took full advantage, running for the 12th most yards in AHSAA history in a game. He ran for 420 yards while adding multiple tackles on defense in an outstanding effort.

Sardis starts 5-1 under BJ Brooks

Sardis had one of it best starts in a while in the first season under BJ Brooks. The squad began the season 5-1 and the offense looked light years ahead of where it was in the past, thanks to Brian Chapman opening the season with back-to-back five touchdown games.

Logan Anderson gets his state title moment

Last year Anderson had to sit on the sideline injured during the state title game, something he had dreamed of playing in. He came back for the start of the year, and set multiple school records on the way to leading the Red Devils back to the state title game. He took full advantage of the moment, running for 256 yards and four touchdowns to bring home MVP honors, matching his brother.

Coosa Christian reaches state title game

The Conquerors battled through a lot this year, especially off the field. Coosa Christian was embroiled in an AHSAA controversy due to violations of the transfer rule and had to forfeit their first four wins of the season. From that point, the Conquerors pulled off eight straight wins, allowing 38 points with four shutouts.

While they fell in the state title game, it was still a special season for the Conquerors.

Steve Smith returns to Piedmont

Once Steve Smith moved from Piedmont to Westbrook Christian, their Oct. 6 matchup was circled around the area, and the state. Smith won six state titles and close to 200 games with the Bulldogs and his family still attends the school. It was a special night as Piedmont got a win over their old coach.

West End goes back-to-back

There were high expectations for the Patriots, returning its running back duo, and they mostly delivered as the Patriots made it back to the state playoffs for the second straight season. It was the first time since 2006-2008 that they made it to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and the future looks bright under Derrick Sewell.

Dax Varnadore starts season on fire

In the first four games of the year, Varnadore averaged more than 300 yards a game and 3.5 touchdowns, throwing for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns. It was a special start for the Wildcats, and turned eyes across the state. He settled down a bit but crossed the 2,800 yard plateau and 22 touchdowns for the season.

Paul Benefield record setting wins

Benefield joined an exclusive club this season, he crossed the 300 win mark at Fyffe, joining Buddy Anderson as only the second coach to hit that mark at one school. He passed Anderson for all time wins and tied Danny Horn for second all time in wins, trailing Terry Curtis. He also won his seventh state title, joining another club with eight coaches.

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: 10 of the most memorable moments from 2023 Gadsden high school football