State of the Program ... Gardendale (AL)
Gardendale (AL)
Head Coach: Brian Brasseal (8 years)
Staff: Michael Collins, Taylor Houchins, Russ Boackle, Ashton Quattlebuam
The Rockets have developed into one of the premier programs … not just in 5A-6A, but in Alabama as a whole. Last year, the Rockets were derailed a bit by things outside their control, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this year’s team can’t be back hunting for the title again. They do lose some hammers in Melton Powe, Kennedy Wyatt, and Keenan Wyatt - each of which is wrestling in college now. They also lose Brody Scoggins and Vincent Zeigler and must have some new faces step up if they are going to knock off McAdory, Mortimer Jordan, or the other top teams for 6A title.
The Rockets are led by a pair of Powe’s … Daishun and Isaiah make-up a exciting duo to watch and each will be back looking for a title in 2023. They are also joined by younger brother Damarcus Powe (a state placer at 106) as well as State Qualifier Gage Beyke. The Powe’s plus Beyke will lead the way, but whether Gardendale claims another title or not will likely come down to the continued development of the rest of the lineup … and a young lineup at that. Keep an eye on Triston Buckelew, Crue Powe and Isaac Jones down low as well as Jacob Towery, Jackson Attaway and Mason McDaniel. They, along with Damarcus Powe, should make-up the first four weights of the Rocket lienup. Braden Pickle, Ashton Wise, Broc Righter, Peyton Glass, Steven Hollis, Connor Howell, Parker Howell, Eric Peek, Nathan Smith, and Dominic Soriano will look to secure a spot in the middle around the two Rocket hammers in Isaiah and Daishun Powe. The top of the lineup features Brady Brooks, Sammy Sanchez, Christian Higgins, Jackson Stanford, CJ Donaldson, Paul Brasseal, Sean Thomas, Cody Wood, Ian Fricke, Michael Lowery, Matthew Edwards and Jake Bryan … each will look to take a varsity spot from 170-220 before the Rockets finish up top with Beyke. The key for the Rockets will from 170-220 … if they can support the Powe’s down low and Beyke up top - this is a team that could be back in the hunt for the title.
“We will be young, but I have big expectations for each individual.”
NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.