Each week this season AHSFHS.org will post games of the week provided by our forum friends better known as the "Barber Shop Gurus". Welcome TheMUBM, Kodyaufan2 and Sloth Nationzz as they analyze games of their choice and even give us a prediction for each contest.

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TheMUBM Week 11 Games

Last Week:  3-1    Season Total:  35-9

(#10)  Hartselle (9-3) at  Bob Jones (6-5)  at Madison City Schools Stadium Hartselle   Bob Jones 9-3 (5-1)  Record 6-5 (4-3) 6A-R7  Class/Region 7A-R4 #10  ASWA Ranking NR 75.4  Power Rating 75.0 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Bob Jones as a 2 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Hartselle Tigers defeated Bob Jones by a score of 35-21 in week 11 on the road  on Fri., Nov. 3 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Bob Jones and Hartselle have met 7 times on the field.... Hartselle holds a 6-1 edge in the games played. Comments:    Big game for two teams needed to get some momentum going into the playoffs. Hartselle is on a two game win streak, but have struggled in both games after losing a heartbreaker to Muscle Shoals. Bob Jones has split their last two, but the loss was a big one to Austin which kept the Patriots from hosting a first round playoff game.     Hartselle is coming off a bye week, so they should be rested. Hartselle, of course, is led by Ri Fletcher. But don't overlook Lincoln Bryant, he is also a heck of a weapon out of the backfield.     Bob Jones comes in off a dominating performance against a winless Albertville team. Bob Jones has a stacked backfield themselves with the likes of Tyren Washington and Malachi Foster. Also pitching again against the Aggies was Caleb Sanders and Amauri Miller.     This game will likely be somewhat like the Austin/BJHS game or the Austin/Hartselle game. Both teams rely heavily on the run. It is going to come down to who is more successful in the run game and whose defense can make timely stops. Hartselle has played better defense this year only surrendering 19 points a game. I think that gives them a slight edge.   Prediction:  Hartselle 28 Bob Jones 21

Russellville (7-4) at  Athens (8-3)  at Athens Stadium Russellville   Athens 7-4 (5-1)  Record 8-3 (4-2) 5A-R7  Class/Region 6A-R7 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 81.6  Power Rating 68.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Russellville as a 12 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Athens Golden Eagles defeated Russellville by a score of 45-23 in week 11 at Home  on Fri., Nov. 1 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Athens and Russellville have met 31 times on the field.... Russellville holds a 20-11 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Athens is coming off a non-region win against a good Fort Payne team that saw Athens have to convert a late 2 point conversion to win it. Russellville just secured their 3rd straight region title with a strong performance against a good Fairview team.

Phinizee is a touchdown machine, securing three more last week against Fairview. But don't overlook the effort of the defense. The Golden Tigers defense has been touch all year and continued that trend Friday night.

Athens will bring a little more firepower to the game than Fairview did. I can't get the exact number, but I know Gross threw for over 300 yards again last week versus Fort Payne. I am really impressed with how well they spread the ball around at Athens. Russellville will have to be on their game against this offense.

Prediction:  Athens 35 Russellville 21

Madison Academy (7-5) at  Westminster Christian (6-5)  at Earl Van Dyke Stadium Madison Academy   Westminster Christian 7-5 (6-2)  Record 6-5 (5-3) 4A-R8  Class/Region 4A-R8 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 72.6  Power Rating 60.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Madison Academy as a 10 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Madison Academy Mustangs defeated Westminster Christian by a score of 21-17 in week 11 on the road  on Fri., Nov. 1 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Westminster Christian and Madison Academy have met 9 times on the field.... Madison Academy holds a 9-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    The Mustangs come in undefeated and look to be a real threat in the loaded 3A North bracket. Westminster comes in 8-1 and secured their first region title since 2018. Westminster averages a whopping 50.1 points per game, while Madison Academy is giving up just 8.9 a game. Something's got to give.

Kenyon Cherry has virtually been unstoppable all year for the Mustangs. Continuing that trend last Friday night with 5 TD's against Susan Moore. He is possibly the best back MA has had since Kerryon Johnson.

Westminster has their own scoring machine in QB Brandon Musch who accounted for 6 td's in their win last week against New Hope. Musch is now just 264 yards shy of 2nd all time on the AHSAA list for career total yards.

Madison Academy hasn't seen a QB like Musch all year, but Westminster hasn't seen a defense like MA's all year. I think both teams come from suspect regions and probably have a little something to prove before heading into the playoffs. I like the Mustangs and their ability to score quickly on the ground. I also like their defense, although they will be tested.

Prediction:  Madison Academy 49 Westminster Christian 28

Pickens County (4-7) at  Marion County (5-5)  at Don Jones Field at Bill Rayburn Staduim Pickens County   Marion County 4-7 (4-3)  Record 5-5 (3-4) 1A-R5  Class/Region 1A-R5 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 40.5  Power Rating 18.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Pickens County as a 20 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Pickens County Tornados defeated Marion County by a score of 21-14 in week 10 at Home  on Fri., Oct. 25 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Marion County and Pickens County have met 20 times on the field.... Pickens County holds a 15-4 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This winner of this game secures 3rd in the region while the winner takes 4th. That's not a huge difference because 4th plays Hackleburg and 3rd plays Addison, two teams that were pretty close this year in ability and performance, but finish higher for more bragging rights.

Pickens County hit a tough stretch earlier where they lost three straight but those were to South Lamar, Gordo and Lynn, no slouches there. This may not have been the most impressive team that PCHS has ever fielded, but you know once you get in the playoffs, Michael Williams will have this team ready. PCHS has a whole host of guys who can take it to the house with Jones, Hill, Sommerville, and Billups.

Marion County is coming off a huge win against Hubbertville that has put them in position to be able to make the playoffs. It is hard to find a lot of information on teams in this area due to lack of media coverage and a lot of teams not updating their HUDL. The little I have found seems that Joe Aldridge is a pretty solid QB who can throw the ball pretty well.

Ultimately, I think the Tornadoes have too many weapons for Marion County to account for. I think it will be a good game where the Tornadoes pull away late.

Prediction:  Pickens County 44 Marion Co 26

kodyaufan2 Week 11 Games

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  27-11

Dora (6-5) at  St. Clair County (5-5)  at St. Clair Stadium Dora   St. Clair County 6-5 (6-1)  Record 5-5 (2-4) 4A-R5  Class/Region 5A-R6 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 61.4  Power Rating 34.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Dora as a 25 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Dora Bulldogs defeated St. Clair County by a score of 47-27 in week 11 on the road  on Fri., Nov. 3 during the 2023 football season. Series:   St. Clair County and Dora have met 4 times on the field.... Dora holds a 3-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    St Clair County won't be in the playoffs, but this game has playoff implications nonetheless. This game could very well determine who wins 4A Region 5, which I'll discuss at the end.

St Clair County has struggled for several years, and while they won't be a part of the postseason this year either, this was a much-improved squad in Coach Tyler Robinson's first year. After just 1 win in the previous 4 years combined, they've won 3 this year and would have made the playoffs had they beaten Springville last week. Their QB has a good arm, and they are capable of completing a lot of deep balls. This could be a team to watch in 2024.

Dora's offense has been scary-good this year, averaging nearly 40 points per game. Only three times have they failed to hit that mark, and they lost two of those. Their offense is driven by one of the best offensive lines in Class 4A. While many playoff teams will be resting their starters this week, this is a must-win for Dora if they want to win back-to-back region titles.

There is a 3-way tie atop the Class 4A Region 5 standings between Dora, Corner, and Haleyville. The tiebreaker will come down to the combined number of wins by the non-region opponents each team has beaten. Dora and Corner sit tied at 7 right now, and Haleyville would have to beat West Morgan this week, which is unlikely. Corner will likely beat Hayden to bring them to 9, which leaves room for Dora to jump them by adding St Clair's 3 wins to their total.

Prediction:  Dora 44, St. Clair Co 14

Headland (5-5) at  (#3)  Cottonwood (12-1)  at Hicks Stadium Headland   Cottonwood 5-5 (2-4)  Record 12-1 (7-0) 5A-R2  Class/Region 2A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking #3 60.3  Power Rating 51.0 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Headland as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Headland Rams defeated Cottonwood by a score of 42-26 in week 11 on the road  on Thu., Nov. 2 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Cottonwood and Headland have met 59 times on the field.... Headland holds a 28-27 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Now we come to a game that could be a little trickier to predict. On paper, a 2A school playing a 5A school should be an obvious mismatch, but crazy things always happen the week before the playoffs start.

Cottonwood was one of my sleeper teams coming into the season, but they've exceeded all expectations by winning a crowded region that includes G.W. Long, Ariton, and Wicksburg en route to their current 8-0 record. It was their first region title since 2010, and only their 3rd since 2000. While they would love to complete an undefeated regular season, this is the point in the season where one of your main goals is to stay healthy, and with a program like Luverne coming to town in Round 1, the Bears will certainly be looking to do just that.

Two-way star Caleb Dozier is the main attraction for Headland. The 4 star Mississippi State TE commit is the anchor for this team on both sides of the ball, but I have a feeling his playing time may be limited for this one as the Rams prepare for a very winnable Round 1 game at Holtville next week. This is definitely a solid team, although it has been hard to get a read on any of the teams coming out of the chaotic Class 5A Region 2.

Games like this are always tough to predict, as both teams have a lot more to lose than they have to gain from this one. Although Cottonwood has an unbeaten record to defend, I expect the depth of 5A Headland to win out.

Prediction:  Headland 42, Cottonwood 20

Providence Christian (9-3) at  Straughn (5-6)  at Straughn Tiger Stadium Providence Christian   Straughn 9-3 (6-1)  Record 5-6 (5-2) 2A-R2  Class/Region 4A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 31.2  Power Rating 55.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Straughn as a 26 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Straughn Tigers defeated Providence Christian by a score of 35-14 in week 11 on the road  on Thu., Nov. 2 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Straughn and Providence Christian have met 6 times on the field.... The teams have both won 3 games.

Comments:    There aren't any playoff implications with this game as both teams have already cemented their spots, but this is a part of the state that doesn't get a lot of coverage so I'll use this opportunity to highlight these teams.

Straughn has locked up just their 5th region title in school history, the first since 2009. Parker Black is a key player and contributes on both sides of the ball, but he has the biggest impact on defense. He's a roving safety who always ends up around the ball, and he had 3 interceptions against New Brockton a few weeks ago. Straughn will host Southside-Selma in the 1st round.

Providence Christian will be in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and will travel to face Trinity in the 1st Round. Junior slot receiver and safety Calvin McClintock will be a player to watch going forward. He's very technically sound player with a nose for the ball defensively. Offensively the Eagles will look for ways to sneak him over the top of the defense for big plays.

There's not a lot at stake in this one other than gaining some momentum for the playoffs, so it's tough to gauge how long either team will play their starters. Providence Christian will be a heavy underdog in Round 1, so one could argue they would have less to lose in this one, which could make things interesting.

Prediction:  Straughn 34, Providence Christian 14

Theodore (5-5) at  St. Pauls (9-3)  at E.E. Delaney Field Theodore   St. Pauls 5-5 (4-4)  Record 9-3 (6-2) 6A-R1  Class/Region 6A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 79.9  Power Rating 68.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Theodore as a 9 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The St. Pauls Saints defeated Theodore by a score of 14-7 in week 5 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 20 during the 2024 football season. Series:   St. Pauls and Theodore have met 4 times on the field.... Theodore holds a 3-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Although both teams are already locked into the playoffs, this is still a winner-takes-all game for seeding. The winner is 3rd and will travel to Hueytown. The loser is 4th and travels to unbeaten Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa.

St. Paul's is always strong along the line of scrimmage, and that's certainly true of this year's group, anchored by South Alabama commit Asher Hale at Tackle. It's no surprise that with a talented player like RB Anthony Frasier and that line that the Saints were able to average double digit yards per carry on the ground last week against Baldwin County. Sophomore LB Anthony Jones is a stud on defense, and some recruiting websites have him listed as a 5 star player in the Class of 2026.

Longtime St. Paul head coach Steve Mask returns to E.E. Delaney field for the first time in two years, but this time he'll be on the visiting sideline as the coach of the Theodore Bobcats. There are plenty of stars on this Bobcat defense, starting with 4 star Safety Cameron Pruitt and 3 star DL Kevin Norwood, that is allowing less than 15 points per game even after giving up 42 to Saraland last week.

This one could be a bit emotional with Coach Mask returning to the school where he won 5 state titles, but it should make for a terrific environment. Expect a low-scoring game that could come down to a late-game turnover.

Prediction:  St. Paul's 16, Theodore 13

Sloth Nationzz Week 11 Games

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  33-6

Bayside Academy (9-4) at  Alabama Christian (7-5)  at Eagles Stadium Bayside Academy   Alabama Christian 9-4 (5-1)  Record 7-5 (4-3) 3A-R1  Class/Region 3A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 53.9  Power Rating 50.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Bayside Academy as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Bayside Academy Admirals defeated Alabama Christian by a score of 23-7 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 15 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Alabama Christian and Bayside Academy have met 3 times on the field.... Bayside Academy holds a 2-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This is a good test for both of these programs to see how they will do in the playoffs. While this has no region implications, it is a good way to see what you can try to help work on right before it's time for the playoffs. Bayside has been pretty good this year, and Alabama Christian struggled early, but has gotten their footing just at the right time.

Alabama Christian will be playing at Houston Academy in round one of the playoffs. While Bayside's opponent is still unknown, but, they are in the big dance nevertheless. Can Alabama Christian knock off an upper classification opponent? Or will Bayside show they are ready for a playoff run.

I think Bayside will be ready and will get revenge for last year's game. I think the Admirals will have a tough draw in the first round, but they will prevail on Friday. Give me the Admirals.

Prediction:  Bayside Academy 28 Alabama Christian 14

(#1)  T.R. Miller (12-1) at  W.S. Neal (5-7)  at Buddy Taylor Field T.R. Miller   W.S. Neal 12-1 (6-0)  Record 5-7 (3-3) 3A-R1  Class/Region 4A-R1 #1  ASWA Ranking NR 63.9  Power Rating 50.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have T.R. Miller as a 11 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The T.R. Miller Tigers defeated W.S. Neal by a score of 49-12 in week 11 at Home  on Fri., Nov. 1 during the 2024 football season. Series:   W.S. Neal and T.R. Miller have met 82 times on the field.... T.R. Miller holds a 59-23 edge in the games played.

Comments:    One of the best rivalries in the state. There is no love lost between these two. WS Neal has seen their program come back from the dead, as in 2021 they were 0-10. If they were able to get the victory over their bitter rival, they would be 8-2 on the season, just two years after going winless. They last had eight or more wins in a season in 2015. TR Miller is coming off a controversial loss to St. Michael.

No matter what you think about the 2-point conversion call, at the end of the day it will go down as a loss in the record books. But after a tough loss, will TR Miller be ready for their old foe? Well yes, they are TR Miller they are always ready for football. But will the new look WS Neal Eagles get their first victory over the Tigers since 2017?

I think TR Miller will get the victory, but WS Neal will put up a great effort. Give me the Tigers in a close one, and another chapter to a fantastic rivalry.

Prediction:  TR Miller 34 WS Neal 27

UMS-Wright (6-7) at  (#8)  Williamson (10-2)  at Ladd-Peebles Stadium UMS-Wright   Williamson 6-7 (4-3)  Record 10-2 (6-1) 5A-R1  Class/Region 5A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking #8 60.6  Power Rating 48.0 AHSFHS Power Ratings have UMS-Wright as a 11 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Williamson Lions defeated UMS-Wright by a score of 20-9 in week 8 at Home  on Fri., Oct. 11 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Williamson and UMS-Wright have met 8 times on the field.... UMS-Wright holds a 5-3 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This one has big implications for the 5A playoffs. UMS Wright's long run of consecutive playoffs is on life support. It has been a struggle for the Bulldogs this year. The Lions have also struggled this season, but are coming off a bye week.

Williamson can play spoiler and knock off UMS Wright and keep them out of playoff football. I think the Bulldogs are ready to return to 4A, I can't say I blame them, this region is a tough one. Can UMS Wright stay alive?

They will stay alive, and keep their playoff streak alive. But will get the displeasure of traveling as a four seed in round one. But, it's better than not playing. Give me the Bulldogs in a defensive game.

Prediction:  UMS Wright 17 Williamson 0

(#3)  Oxford (13-1) at  Jacksonville (6-5)  at Golden Eagle Stadium Oxford   Jacksonville 13-1 (6-0)  Record 6-5 (3-3) 6A-R6  Class/Region 5A-R6 #3  ASWA Ranking NR 79.8  Power Rating 81.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Jacksonville as a 4 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Oxford Yellow Jackets defeated Jacksonville by a score of 36-7 in week 11 on the road  on Fri., Nov. 3 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Jacksonville and Oxford have met 62 times on the field.... Oxford holds a 44-13 edge in the games played.

Comments:    A rare 4A vs 6A matchup this late in the season. We usually see these toward the beginning of the season, but not this time we get this game for last. Jim Ogle will have the task of knocking off a pretty good Oxford team.

The problem for the Golden Eagles is, they have not defeated the Yellow Jackets since 1984. Oxford almost fell to Jacksonville last year, but still won even with a worse team. Both teams are better this year, and that favors Oxford. But I said on the AHSFHS Podcast I was going with Jacksonville to win.

I am a man of my word, and I am picking Jacksonville in an upset over Oxford! Maybe this is wishful thinking. Probably is, but I think Jim Ogle will be the game changing factor. Give me the Golden Eagles with a walk off field goal.

Prediction:  Jacksonville 38 Oxford 37