Tanner Soccer Standout Randy Cortes Becomes Alabama’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer
TANNER, AL – Tanner High School senior Randy Cortes made history on March 14 by becoming the AHSAA’s all-time career goals leader. Cortes scored three goals in a 4-1 victory over Tharptown, bringing his career total to 172 and surpassing the previous record of 171 set by Sylacauga’s Cole Grogan (2013-2017). Grogan had scored 128 goals at Benjamin Russell before adding 43 during his senior year at Sylacauga.
Currently sitting at 177 career goals after recent matches, Cortes continues to dominate for the Rattlers (13-2-1), coached by Matthew Smith and Jacob Cosby. He has contributed 24 goals this season alone, including standout performances like his two goals in a 2-2 draw with East Limestone and two more in a 6-1 win over Tharptown.
Cortes has been a key player for Tanner since starting in the 7th grade. Over 119 career matches, he’s scored:
- 6 goals as a 7th grader
- 24 goals as a freshman
- 42 goals as a sophomore
- 48 goals as an 8th grader
- 33 goals last season
Last summer, Cortes represented his school on the North team during the AHSAA’s All-Star Week North-South Soccer Competition in Montgomery.
Other Top Performers This Week:
Boys’ Soccer
Nate Selig, Houston Academy
Houston Academy’s Nate Selig currently leads the MaxPreps national database with 44 goals and 101 points this season. The senior has recorded standout performances such as six goals and three assists in a 10-1 win over G.W. Long and five-goal matches against Andalusia and Ariton. Selig, who also served as the placekicker for Houston Academy’s 3A state football runners-up, has showcased his talent across multiple sports.
Lynn Otero, Northside
Sophomore Lynn Otero has tallied 34 goals and nine assists in just 12 matches for Northside (9-2-1). He notched a season-high seven goals and three assists in a 17-0 win over Sipsey Valley and scored his team’s only goal in a 1-1 draw against Brookwood.
Jan Segura, Collinsville
Collinsville’s senior striker Jan Segura delivered four goals in a 10-0 win over Whitesburg Christian. With 29 goals this season, Segura has achieved three or more goals in five matches, leading the Panthers to a 12-1-1 record.
Boys’ Tennis
James Giles Jr., Ramsay
Ramsay senior James Giles Jr. has set a school record with 56 career singles wins, including 71 total wins when counting doubles. A participant in last summer’s AHSAA North-South All-Star Tennis match, Giles recently signed with Webster University in St. Louis, MO. His impressive resume includes representing George Ward Park at the USTA National Campus Leadership Camp, training at the National Junior Tennis Championship Center, and leading several championship teams for the USTA.
Reflecting on his record-setting career, Giles shared, “That match represented years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. Knowing that I left my mark on the program and inspired future players made the moment even more special.”
John Alford, Montgomery Academy
Montgomery Academy standout John Alford helped lead the Eagles (10-1) to a 9-0 shutout of Opelika. Alford secured the No. 1 singles win and paired with Jackson Brown to claim the No. 1 doubles title.
Celebrate Alabama High School Athletic Achievements
Stay tuned to PrepsNet for more updates on Alabama high school sports and the standout athletes who are making their mark!
FEATURED IMAGE: Tanner senior Randy Cortes (7), shown in the 2023 state finals, has scored 177 goals in his prep career with the Rattlers. (AHSAA PHOTO)
