Community poll spotlights special‑teams talent
The Gadsden Times has opened a fan‑driven contest to determine the region’s top high school football punter and kicker, a celebration of the special‑teams players who often operate in the shadows of the spotlight.
Voting will remain open until noon Central Time on August 6, and participants are limited to one vote per day, encouraging sustained community engagement throughout the summer.
The upcoming Alabama high school football season is set to begin on August 20, with the majority of squads kicking off on August 21 or the following week, providing a timely backdrop for the poll.
For the first time, the championship events will be staged in Mobile, running from December 2 through December 5, bringing the culmination of the season to a new venue and offering fans a fresh setting for the finals.
Among the names already generating buzz is senior standout Maxwell Donaldson, whose consistent leg work and clutch kicking have made him a favorite among early voters.
The initiative reflects a broader effort by the Gadsden Times, in partnership with the USA TODAY Network, to amplify local sports coverage and give supporters a direct voice in honoring their athletes.