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 8 Games

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  25-6

(#7)  Hewitt-Trussville (8-3) at  Vestavia Hills (6-6)  at Reynolds Stadium, Buddy Anderson Field Hewitt-Trussville   Vestavia Hills 8-3 (5-2)  Record 6-6 (4-3) 7A-R3  Class/Region 7A-R3 #7  ASWA Ranking NR 84.7  Power Rating 85.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Vestavia Hills as a 3 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies defeated Vestavia Hills by a score of 18-14 in week 3 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 6 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Vestavia Hills and Hewitt-Trussville have met 20 times on the field.... Vestavia Hills holds a 13-7 edge in the games played. Comments:    This will likely be for second in the region and the chance to host a first round playoff game. Vestavia hasn't hosted a first round playoff game since 203, while HT hasn't hosted one since 2017.     HT is coming off a beat down to Thompson, which there is no shame in. Thompson would do that to most teams in the state. If there is a silver lining to that game, it's that although they couldn't find the endzone much, they did muster 352 yards of offense against a good Thompson defense. A majority of that came through the air with Floyd going 25-38 for 256 and a TD.     VHHS has been pretty balanced this year. Head can go up top and throw the ball down the field with some accuracy, and they can also hit you with some gashing runs with Tonsmeire, Mann and Head.   Prediction:  VHHS 31 Hewitt-Trussville 28

Clements (1-9) at  Elkmont (2-8)  at Boss Hill Stadium Clements   Elkmont 1-9 (0-7)  Record 2-8 (1-6) 3A-R7  Class/Region 3A-R7 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 38.2  Power Rating 23.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Clements as a 13 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Elkmont Red Devils defeated Clements by a score of 16-0 in week 5 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 20 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Elkmont and Clements have met 63 times on the field.... Clements holds a 34-29 edge in the games played.

Comments:    There is going to be a three way fight for 3 and 4 in this region and it starts with this game. Colbert County will have something to say about it (and IMO likely finish third.) Clements is coming off a one year absence from the playoffs while Elkmont is trying to make it for first time since 2014.

Clements surprised some people last week with how well they handled Marion County. Clements has a high powered offense, sure they didn't do much against Mars Hill & LCHS, but not many do. Jayden Gilbert will be the most electric player on the field in this game. He is coming off a 13 carry 334 yard performance against MCHS that boosted his season rushing total to nearly 1700 yards.

Elkmont struggled a bit with Colbert Heights after jumping out to a 14-0 lead but in the end got the important win to keep themselves positioned for a possible playoff venture. Lincoln Doner RB, accounted for two tds on the ground while John Doner Jr. threw for a third td to Brandon Farris.

Prediction:  Clements 41 Elkmont 31

Tanner (2-8) at  Lexington (5-6)  at McMeans Stadium Tanner   Lexington 2-8 (1-4)  Record 5-6 (3-2) 2A-R8  Class/Region 2A-R8 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 51.6  Power Rating 47.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Tanner as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Lexington Golden Bears defeated Tanner by a score of 55-0 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Lexington and Tanner have met 36 times on the field.... Tanner holds a 22-14 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This could be for the region championship. If Lexington wins, then there is still a possibility of a three way tie, but if Tanner wins, they'll sew up the region. Tanner comes in having started 0-2 with losses to undefeated 3A Lauderdale County and 6A Mae Jemison and reeling off 5 straight wins. Lexington comes in 3-2 having lost to that same LCHS team and 2A ranked Pisgah. Neither team has had a bad loss.

Tanner's defensive speed could likely give Lexington a lot of trouble. They are coming off a shutout of a good Hatton team. They really seem to have come together the last few weeks on that side of the ball. QB Karl Parham has continued to show out, having thrown a 40 yard td pass and ran for a 60 yard pass against Hatton.

Lexington counters with a solid running game themselves with multiple kids able to do damage, Lard, Lane, Allen and Prado are all chain movers. A big game because this region matches up with the loaded R5 in the first round.

Prediction:  Tanner 28 Lexington 16

Woodville (3-7) at  (#8)  Decatur Heritage Christian (7-3)  at Rebels Stadium, West Morgan Woodville   Decatur Heritage 3-7 (1-5)  Record 7-3 (4-1) 1A-R8  Class/Region 2A-R8 NR  ASWA Ranking #8 27.2  Power Rating 32.4 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Decatur Heritage Christian as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Decatur Heritage Christian Eagles defeated Woodville by a score of 21-6 in week 8 on the road  on Fri., Oct. 13 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Decatur Heritage Christian and Woodville have met 11 times on the field.... Decatur Heritage Christian holds a 11-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Woodville has a chance to take a share of the region lead, if you can believe that? Of course they finish out now with DH, Valley Head and Coosa Christian., so it may be short lived, but got to get them some love for being in this position this last in the season. Decatur Heritage has already clinched a playoff berth and virtue of the forfeit win against Coosa, looks in good position to get the #1 seed for this region.

Woodville has put up some points, averaging 37 a game, but again let's not get too ahead ourselves as the competition hasn't been that stellar. But it has to feel good tying their single-season win total with 5. It is concerning that Woodville turned the ball over three times in the redzone against Gaylesville. You can't do that against a good team and still win.

Decatur Heritage has leaned heavily on the legs of freshman RB Savarius Evans this year and I don't see any reason for that to stop. If you see this kid, it's hard to believe that he is a freshman. I can't wait to see what he does the next few years, but I have feeling what he does this week will not be too pleasant for Woodville.

Prediction:  Decatur Heritage 44 Woodville 14

kodyaufan2 Week 8 Games

Last Week:  3-1    Season Total:  19-7

Southeastern (9-3) at  Locust Fork (8-3)  at Pate Field Southeastern   Locust Fork 9-3 (6-0)  Record 8-3 (6-2) 2A-R6  Class/Region 3A-R6 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 43.8  Power Rating 64.4 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Locust Fork as a 23 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Locust Fork Hornets defeated Southeastern by a score of 49-0 in week 8 on the road  on Fri., Oct. 13 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Locust Fork and Southeastern have met 6 times on the field.... The teams have both won 3 games.

Comments:    A region championship is on the line in this one as Locust Fork looks to dethrone the defending champions of Region 6, but the biggest story could be this Locust Fork team in general.

The Locust Fork offense, the 2nd highest scoring in the state at 54.6 ppg, is led by QB 'Dino' Dylan Embry and WR Jalon Boatright. Boatright is the main playmaker for the offense. He's a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Embry is very efficient as the signal-caller, completing 90% of his passes a week ago vs Pleasant Valley.

The best player for Southeastern is Cole Williams, who will line up at both RB and WR. He has a quick first step and the ability to slice his way through a defense. QB Jackson McMillan will certainly look to get him plenty of touches.

Locust Fork has never had an undefeated regular season, but this is the toughest game left on their schedule. The talk in 2A all season has been about B.B. Comer, Pisgah, and Fyffe. But could Locust Fork be a player come November?

Prediction:  Locust Fork 54, Southeastern 22

Walter Wellborn (5-4) at  Randolph County (7-4)  at Hulond Humphries Stadium Walter Wellborn   Randolph County 5-4 (4-4)  Record 7-4 (4-2) 3A-R6  Class/Region 3A-R4 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 50.9  Power Rating 51.9 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Randolph County as a 3 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Walter Wellborn Panthers defeated Randolph County by a score of 30-25 in week 8 on the road  on Fri., Oct. 13 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Randolph County and Walter Wellborn have met 7 times on the field.... Randolph County holds a 5-2 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Another region championship could be on the line in this one, although Dadeville is still in play as well. It was hard to find much information on either of these teams this year, so we'll run through some basic information.

This game wasn't very close a year ago, with Randolph Co winning 42-14. The amazing thing about that performance was it came on the heels of back-to-back Overtime wins, so it would have been prime territory for a letdown performance. Although they haven't needed overtime thus far, Randolph Co once again comes into this matchup undefeated.

Wellborn comes in eyeing their first region championship since 1995. This is always a very well-coached team under Coach Jeff Smith, and they've had some really good years recently despite a 1st round exit in last season's playoffs. The Panthers started this season 0-2, but it has been a rebound season ever since.

I think this is a pretty even matchup that could go either way. I started writing this with every intention of picking Randolph Co, but my gut is telling me to go in a different direction.

Prediction:  Walter Wellborn 34, Randolph Co. 27

(#8)  Baker (9-3) at  (#3)  Mary Montgomery (9-2)  at Grider Field Baker   Mary Montgomery 9-3 (6-1)  Record 9-2 (7-0) 7A-R1  Class/Region 7A-R1 #8  ASWA Ranking #3 80.6  Power Rating 85.4 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Mary Montgomery as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Mary Montgomery Vikings defeated Baker by a score of 34-31 in week 9 at Home in overtime on Fri., Oct. 18 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Mary Montgomery and Baker have met 61 times on the field.... Mary Montgomery holds a 33-26 edge in the games played.

Comments:    You won't find a better QB matchup than this one. Both starters will be playing on Saturdays, Baker's Josh Flowers at Mississippi State and MGM's Jared Hollins at South Alabama. With a region title hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn't be any higher.

For MGM, QB Jared Hollins and WR James Bolton bring to mind all the great QB-WR connections in the history of football. Think of a Unitas-Berry, Montana-Rice, or Manning-Harrison type of connection. Just last week the two connected for 4 TDs through the air in a 48-14 win over Davidson. But what makes the Vikings so good is that their defense might be their best unit. They've yet to give up more than 14 points in a game, but they've yet to face an offense like Baker.

The Baker offense runs through QB Josh Flowers. He's coming off yet another performance with both 100 passing yards and 100 rushing yards, something he seems to do almost weekly at this point. But Dothan was able to keep him mostly in check a couple weeks ago when Baker fell 35-14, and MGM's defense might be even more physical.

Something has to give in this battle of the unstoppable force in the Baker offense against the immovable object in the MGM defense. While both of those units will shine at different times, I trust the MGM offense to produce more consistently against the Baker defense.

Prediction:  MGM 38, Baker 21

Springville (3-7) at  Lincoln (0-10)  at Keith Howard Memorial Stadium Springville   Lincoln 3-7 (1-5)  Record 0-10 (0-6) 5A-R6  Class/Region 5A-R6 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 54.1  Power Rating 49.9 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Springville as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Springville Tigers defeated Lincoln by a score of 31-15 in week 5 on the road in overtime on Fri., Sep. 20 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Lincoln and Springville have met 11 times on the field.... Springville holds a 6-5 edge in the games played.

Comments:    There are a ton of games with playoff implications each week at this point in the season, so I'm gonna be a bit of a homer here since I haven't talked about either of these teams this season.

Having seen all of their games this year, Lincoln is a difficult team to figure out. At their best, they look like they could be competitive with the best of the region: they scored 17 points and forced multiple turnovers in about 5 minutes of game time to beat Alexandria in the 4th quarter, overcame a 10-0 halftime deficit to beat Munford, and held Moody to just 7 points for 3 quarters. The flip side is those same games saw them commit double digit penalties, have an anemic offense for a full half, and nearly commit double digit penalties in just the 3rd quarter during which Moody outscored them 21-0, respectively. This team has yet to play a complete game, but this would be a great time for it.

Springville is a football program that has consistently struggled in recent years, so in an effort to turn things around, their coaches allegedly met with coaches from the Air Force Academy to learn how to effectively run the Option. They came out in the Double Wing/Flexbone in their season-opener against and stunned Etowah with an upset win, then nearly turned around and did it again against Mortimer Jordan. This is a much better team than their 2-5 record suggests. Their losses this season are 7 points to 6A Mortimer Jordan, 16 to Leeds, 14 to Southside-Gadsden, 7 to 4A Oneonta, and 11 to Moody. Not only will each of those teams be in the playoffs, but they'll all likely win one or more games in the postseason. It has already been a tremendous turnaround for a team that seemed to lack athleticism across the board last season.

This one won't make waves statewide, but it will essentially be a winner-takes all game for a playoff spot. After both teams sat at home during the postseason last year (Springville hasn't made it since 2009), they'll both be chomping at the bit to be playing on into November. Lincoln has yet to allow 30 points in a game, but the option can be a different animal.

Prediction:  Springville 31, Lincoln 21

Sloth Nationzz Week 8 Games

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  24-4

Trinity (8-4) at  St. James (6-5)  at Carlisle Field Trinity   St. James 8-4 (5-2)  Record 6-5 (6-1) 3A-R2  Class/Region 4A-R3 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 62.8  Power Rating 56.0 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Trinity as a 5 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Trinity Wildcats defeated St. James by a score of 28-7 in week 6 at Home in overtime on Fri., Sep. 27 during the 2024 football season. Series:   St. James and Trinity have met 49 times on the field.... Trinity holds a 35-14 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This is for the region crown. This is also a big rivalry in Montgomery. Trinity has cruised pass all of their opponents. Saint James has struggled at times. However if you look at the difference in schedules you will see there is a big difference in strength of schedule.

Saint James has owned this rivalry as of late, winning six out of their last seven meetings. A lot of people are saying Trinity is going to knock off the champs and get the region crown, but will they be able to stop KJ Jackson? The only teams that have, have been higher classification opponents.

I think the Saint James offense is too much for Trinity. While the defense has be stout, they haven't faced a team up to Saint James caliber. Give me the Trojans in a high scoring affair.

Prediction:  Saint James 42 Trinity 35

(#9)  Montgomery Academy (10-2) at  B.T. Washington (5-4)  at Eagles Stadium Montgomery Academy   B.T. Washington 10-2 (6-1)  Record 5-4 (4-3) 3A-R2  Class/Region 4A-R3 #9  ASWA Ranking NR 39.6  Power Rating 59.9 AHSFHS Power Ratings have B.T. Washington as a 22 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The B.T. Washington Golden Eagles defeated Montgomery Academy by a score of 52-0 in week 8 on the road in overtime on Fri., Oct. 13 during the 2023 football season. Series:   B.T. Washington and Montgomery Academy have met 2 times on the field.... B.T. Washington holds a 2-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This battle will basically secure who will come in third place in the region. This region has two giant teams in Andalusia and Catholic Montgomery. These two played last season, it was the Golden Eagles upsetting Montgomery Academy.

This would give Booker T Washington the third seed when they would go on to win their first playoff game. Can the Golden Eagles make it happen again? After a 1-2 start, they have won three straight. Or will Montgomery Academy continue to show their improvement and get a critical region victory.

I think Booker T Washington will get the victory and get ready for the playoffs. Montgomery Academy will be the fourth seed once again.

Prediction:  Booker T Washington 36 Montgomery Academy 28

Georgiana (8-4) at  (#4)  Elba (10-2)  at Tiger Stadium Georgiana   Elba 8-4 (5-2)  Record 10-2 (6-1) 1A-R2  Class/Region 1A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking #4 42.4  Power Rating 56.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Elba as a 16 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Elba Tigers defeated Georgiana by a score of 49-22 in week 9 on the road in overtime on Fri., Oct. 18 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Elba and Georgiana have met 15 times on the field.... Elba holds a 9-6 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Down in the wiregrass is where a 1A giant has loomed in Elba. Georgiana has been a pleasant surprise, as they have been very good this season. They haven't allowed a point since the last day of August. Elba has Alvin Henderson, so I don't think that streak will hold up.

Can the Panthers pull up the big upset? Or will the Tigers show why many consider them the 1A title favorites.

Elba has Alvin Henderson, Georgiana does not have Alvin Henderson. That is the big difference here. Give me Elba to win and continue to march toward a title.

Prediction:  Elba 42 Georgiana 20

Flomaton (6-4) at  W.S. Neal (5-7)  at Buddy Taylor Field Flomaton   W.S. Neal 6-4 (2-4)  Record 5-7 (3-3) 3A-R1  Class/Region 4A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 42.8  Power Rating 48.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have W.S. Neal as a 8 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The W.S. Neal Eagles defeated Flomaton by a score of 44-21 in week 8 on the road in overtime on Fri., Oct. 13 during the 2023 football season. Series:   W.S. Neal and Flomaton have met 35 times on the field.... W.S. Neal holds a 26-9 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Another match that is very important toward region standings. This one comes down in the mobile area for 3A. WS Neal has done well in handling their business so far this season. Flomaton has been able to bounce back after some disappointing seasons. The Hurricanes have only lost to a team from Florida, and Thomasville last week.

Flomaton needs to win this game to try to grab the three seed. While WS Neal has seen their program gear toward another playoff run. This comes after just in 2021, they went 0-10. Who will get the higher seed in the playoffs?

I think the Eagles have been better and will knock off the Hurricanes. Flomaton is getting back, while WS Neal has been more impressive. This will set up an interesting matchup when WS Neal will face Thomasville later.

Prediction:  WS Neal 20 Flomaton 14