Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Stanhope Elmore High School has fielded a football team for the last 60 years since 1965. Of all 60 teams, no Mustang has scored more touchdowns in the regular season than junior running back Dee Barnes in 2025. Barnes rushed for 29 touchdowns through 10 regular season games in 2025. He broke the school record in the 2nd half of the regular season finale against Calera. In addition to setting the school’s regular season touchdown record, Barnes also went over the 2,000 yard mark, finishing with 2,019 yards in the regular season. As a result of the successful season, the Elmore Autauga News has named Dee Barnes as the Elmore County Football Player of the Year.
“It’s a blessing (to be named Elmore County Football Player of the Year),” said Barnes. “I’m grateful for this big accomplishment.”
Barnes is another in a long list of notable running backs to play for Stanhope Elmore during their 60-year history. Antowain Smith played with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots and won two Super Bowls with Tom Brady. Robert Chancey, who is in his 50s and still looks like he could play running back in the NFL, played for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and San Diego Chargers during his professional career. And BJ Smith, who graduated from Stanhope Elmore in 2015, had three high school seasons rushing for over 1000 yards. Smith went on to play at Troy, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2018 and was named All-Sun Belt First Team.
Barnes setting the school’s regular season touchdown record serves as a motivation to have an even bigger year in 2026.
“It only makes me want to work harder. I want a chance to make it to the next level and have that experience,” said Barnes.
But Barnes knows that the record-breaking season was able to be accomplished because of the offensive linemen blocking for him all year long.
“They’re my guys, man in and out. They’re a bunch of hard-workers. They might be undersized but will make you pay if you underestimate them,” said Barnes.
The running back has simple goals for 2026.
“Do better than last year. We know there’s always some unfinished business. With that, it comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifices.”
