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 15 Games

Last Week:  3-1    Season Total:  48-12

Pike Road (9-3) at  (#1)  Saraland (11-0)  at Spartans Stadium Pike Road   Saraland 9-3 (6-0)  Record 11-0 (8-0) 6A-R2  Class/Region 6A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking #1 82.5  Power Rating 105.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Saraland as a 25 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Saraland Spartans defeated Pike Road by a score of 46-7 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Saraland and Pike Road have met one time on the field.... Saraland holds a 1-0 edge in the games played. Comments:    Pike Road comes in off the slight upset of Benjamin Russell 31-28. Saraland comes in having actually gotten a bit of challenge for the first time since their opening week 31 to 30 win over Lipscomb Academy out of Tennessee.     Saraland has been the talk of 6A, but Pike Road is on a streak of their own, securing their 11th straight win last Friday night. Ja'Michael Jones was a big part of the win going for 85 yards and 2 TD's against a solid BRHS defense. Cason Myers was 12 of 20 for 131 yards and 2 TD's. They'll need a balanced attack again to hang with the Spartans.     Saraland was limited to 31 points against HT. That's impressive because they're averaging 52 and have been scoring at will. Did HT crack some code on how to play Saraland defensively? A lot has been made about the three deep safety approach. Will be interested to see if Pike Road tries a similar approach.     I said it on the podcast and I will say it again. When someone beats Saraland, then I'll believe Saraland can be beat.   Prediction:  Saraland 51 Pike Road 22

Eufaula (6-6) at  Gulf Shores (4-6)  at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium Eufaula   Gulf Shores 6-6 (4-2)  Record 4-6 (4-4) 5A-R2  Class/Region 6A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 70.9  Power Rating 88.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Gulf Shores as a 19 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Gulf Shores Dolphins defeated Eufaula by a score of 45-0 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Gulf Shores and Eufaula have met one time on the field.... Gulf Shores holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Eufaula is a bit a surprise being here. In fact, in our forums contest, only 2 users had Eufaula in their final 4. They come in just having gotten by Demopolis by 3. Gulf Shores comes in undefeated having defeated Headland 35 to 14 last round.

Eufaula is giving up 27.8 per game. That is concerning considering how potent of an offense Gulf Shores has. But on a good note, so far in the playoffs, they're only giving up 16.8 ppg. Marquia ''Red'' Harris, rushed for close to 100 against Demopolis (can't find an exact #) and scored 1 TD.

Ronnie Royal ran for 3 TD's in Friday Night's win. And don't be deceived by the 35-14 score. The game wasn't that close. Gulf Shores led 35-0 before Headland got a couple of garbage time TD's.

To make it this far is a huge accomplishment. I just don't think Eufaula has the horses to run with Gulf Shores. Giving up the amount of points they've given up, coupled with the proficiency of Gulf Shores offense is a recipe for disaster.

Prediction:  Gulf Shores 37 Eufaula 13

(#3)  Cherokee County (11-1) at  Westminster Christian (6-5)  at Earl Van Dyke Stadium Cherokee County   Westminster Christian 11-1 (7-0)  Record 6-5 (5-3) 4A-R6  Class/Region 4A-R8 #3  ASWA Ranking NR 82.4  Power Rating 63.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Cherokee County as a 17 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Cherokee County Warriors defeated Westminster Christian by a score of 48-13 in the first round of the playoffs at Home  on Fri., Nov. 8 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Westminster Christian and Cherokee County have met 2 times on the field.... Cherokee County holds a 2-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Westminster comes in having knocked off red hot Brooks in a decisive way, 48-27. Cherokee County comes in surviving Drew Phillips and the West Morgan rebels in one of the best games of the night 28-27.

Westminster came in to what we thought would be a shootout but distanced themselves from Brooks. I would largely attribute that to Brand Musch who had over 250 rushing and 6 touchdowns. I didn't find Westminster that creative on offense, but effective. The plays they ran, they executed well. Their defense was definitely bend don't break and knew what Brooks was doing. I have to applaud their coaching staff.

Cherokee County has been the easy favorite all year in the north. Some of us (myself) thought Dora could challenge them. As the season went along there was a groundswell that thought only West Morgan could challenge them. And challenge them they did. What a game. 28-27. Cherokee Co did that without their Qb. Yeah they don't pass alot but there is a reason he is the quarterback.

If you had come to me at the start of the playoffs and told the north final would be Cherokee Co vs. Westminster, I would have said CCHS by 5 TD's. But now, weeks in, after having watched Westminster and knowing some of the issues facing Cherokee County, I think it will be closer but there is still some separation between these teams.

Prediction:  Cherokee Co 40 Westminster Christian 21

Madison Academy (7-5) at  Geraldine (9-3)  at Coolidge-Isbell Field Madison Academy   Geraldine 7-5 (6-2)  Record 9-3 (5-2) 4A-R8  Class/Region 3A-R8 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 79.1  Power Rating 78.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Geraldine as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Madison Academy Mustangs defeated Geraldine by a score of 48-43 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Geraldine and Madison Academy have met 3 times on the field.... Madison Academy holds a 3-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Madison Academy comes in with a hard fought come from behind victory over a tough Sylvania team 35-28. Geraldine raised some eyebrows after taking Lauderdale County to the woodshed in the second half and notching a 55-20 win.

Madison Academy did what they have done all year. They relied on Ken Cherry who scored late to seal the win. He had three touchdowns including the winner along with 165 yards. Mann was the difference in the LCHS/Geraldine game. I had a few friends at the game and they all told me ''we had no answer for Carlos.'' He scored six touchdowns on one of the best defenses I have seen in this area in awhile.

I highlight Cherry and Mann but both of these teams are loaded with talent all over the field. I just don't have the time or the space to highlight everyone.

Anyone who knows me and I have talked with about high school football knows I have been really high on both of these teams this year. Had both in the final four. I am giving the edge to Cherry and the experience of Godsey, but you can bet your bottom dollar, I will be streaming this on NFHS if possible.

Prediction:  Madison Academy 28 Geraldine 20

kodyaufan2 Week 15 Games

Last Week:  3-1    Season Total:  41-13

(#2)  Parker (11-1) at  (#6)  Clay-Chalkville (9-3)  at Cougar Stadium Parker   Clay-Chalkville 11-1 (6-0)  Record 9-3 (5-1) 6A-R5  Class/Region 6A-R6 #2  ASWA Ranking #6 86.5  Power Rating 100.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Clay-Chalkville as a 16 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Clay-Chalkville Cougars defeated Parker by a score of 38-13 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Clay-Chalkville and Parker have met 2 times on the field.... The teams have both won 1 game.

Comments:    This is one I had circled since a couple weeks into the season. Parker pulled off a 7-6 stunner to knock off Clay-Chalkville last year in the first round, so the Cougars will be seeking revenge.

Any discussion about Clay-Chalkville has to start with Jaylen Mbakwe. The 5 star DB and Alabama commit was asked to forgo his natural position this season in favor of playing QB, and he has flourished. He was 21/27 for 316 yards and 5 TDs last week against previously unbeaten Muscle Shoals. Not bad for a defensive back. But if they need him to step up on defense, he's still more than capable. He came in at DB for just one drive late in the game against Thompson to help preserve that win, and as far as I know that's the only time he's played the position all season. For years, the Cougars were known as an offensive juggernaut, and while they're offense is still great, they've been equally as dominant on defense the past few years as well.

Parker has their own do-it-all DB-turned-offensive-weapon in 5 Star Junior Na'eem Offord. He's coming off a performance of 3 TD runs and a 45 yard punt return TD against Gadsden City. The smothering Parker defense, led by two 4 star DL in Jourdin Crawford and Jeremiah Beaman, allowed just 86 yards of offense against the Titans, and that's pretty par for the course with this team. Those two guys have combined for 24 sacks on the season. They're capable of putting up points, but they won't necessarily be the team that will go the length of the field drive after drive. They play complimentary football with a defense that will force turnovers and shorten the field for the offense.

There will be talent for days in this game, as each team has at minimum a half dozen guys you'll see playing big-time college football. They match up well against each other, and neither gives up many points. I've been pretty adamant all year that the best teams in 6A were Saraland, Clay-Chalkville, and Parker, and I'm thrilled we could get to see these teams face off late in the season.

Prediction:  Clay-Chalkville 20, Parker 14

(#6)  Guntersville (9-2) at  Ramsay (8-3)  at Lawson Field Guntersville   Ramsay 9-2 (5-1)  Record 8-3 (5-1) 5A-R8  Class/Region 5A-R5 #6  ASWA Ranking NR 82.4  Power Rating 90.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Ramsay as a 10 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Ramsay Rams defeated Guntersville by a score of 35-14 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Ramsay and Guntersville have met 5 times on the field.... Ramsay holds a 3-2 edge in the games played.

Comments:    If we're being completely honest, just about everyone had penciled in a Ramsay-Pleasant Grove rematch in the Semi-finals before the postseason started, but the Guntersville Wildcats had other ideas after upsetting Pleasant Grove 31-21. That sets up this David vs Goliath matchup against the defending champions.

Ramsay QB Kameron Keenan continued a phenomenal senior season by going 15/23 for 235 yards and 3 TDs, along with 2 rushing TDs against Moody. On the season, he has thrown for over 2500 yards and 25 TDs with just 7 picks. RB Ashton Ashford was a workhorse for the Rams, gaining 104 yards on 23 carries against a defense that had stonewalled running backs for most of the season. Shifty receiver Tremell Washington also gave Moody fits down the field. The Rams' defense held Moody QB Charlie Johnston to under 35% passing for the game despite giving up over 250 yards through the air. There were 35 combined penalties in that Moody game. Ramsay certainly contributed their fair share to that number, something they won't be able to do going forward.

How about this run from Guntersville? This is just their second trip to the semifinals in school history, with the last coming in a state championship season in 2006. The Wildcats forced 4 turnovers last week, including a game-sealing pick six from Treyvon Avery. QB Eli Morrison was 19/32 for 225 yards and 3 total TDs. This team spreads the ball around well, as five different receivers caught passes against Pleasant Grove, and each had at least 3 catches and 25 receiving yards. This team certainly has the recipe for success with quality QB play and a defense that forces turnovers.

There's no question that Ramsay has the talent advantage as well as the experience of being in this position just a year ago. However, if they continue to commit penalties and Guntersville can force a couple turnovers, this could very easily be a ball game. Much like Moody, I think Guntersville keeps it close for a while, but Ramsay eventually wears them down.

Prediction:  Ramsay 42, Guntersville 20

(#4)  Reeltown (11-1) at  B.B. Comer (3-7)  at Legion Stadium Reeltown   B.B. Comer 11-1 (6-0)  Record 3-7 (2-4) 2A-R4  Class/Region 3A-R4 #4  ASWA Ranking NR 68.3  Power Rating 64.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Reeltown as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Reeltown Rebels defeated B.B. Comer by a score of 31-28 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   B.B. Comer and Reeltown have met 4 times on the field.... Reeltown holds a 3-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This was probably the best game of the playoffs in 2A last season, when B.B. Comer came away with a 28-22 victory in the Quarterfinals, so it's no surprise that so many people are excited for this rematch. We often rave about QBs, but RB will be the position to watch in this one.

So far for B.B. Comer, the difference in pretty much every has been that they have Kamore Harris and no one else does. How many RBs in 2A have you ever seen that are 6'1'' 235 lbs and run a 4.4 40-yard dash? Clarke County tackled him for negative yards on four of his first six carries, but he still finished with 14 carries and 151 yards. The Tigers actually trailed 8-0 in this one early on before Harris finally got going. QB Devin Harvey's connection with Raelon Sims continued as the two connected on 7 passes for 180 yards and 3 TDs. Comer's defense was able to hold the 4th leading rusher in 2A, AJ Ezell, to just 23 yards.

Reeltown's Arthur Woods comes into this game with over 2000 rushing yards on just 132 carries for an average of 15 yards per carry with 28 TDs. In a world of spread offenses, Reeltown's offense is a breath of fresh air for those who love old-school football. They largely use a standard I-formation with a heavy mixture of inside runs, sweeps, tosses, play action, etc. B.B. Comer has done a good job stopping the run this year, but Reeltown will be the most potent ground attack they've seen. And like Comer, the Rebels are coming off a game in which they allowed their highest point total of the season at 22.

If you're a numbers person, these teams couldn't be more even on paper. Both teams won on the road 42-22 last week. Both teams recently defeated Highland Home by a score of 21-14. Both teams feature elite running backs. This one will surely come down to the final drive and could be the game of the week statewide.

Prediction:  B.B. Comer 23, Reeltown 22

Pickens County (4-7) at  (#7)  Coosa Christian (4-6)  at Phillip Ellen Stadium Pickens County   Coosa Christian 4-7 (4-3)  Record 4-6 (1-5) 1A-R5  Class/Region 2A-R6 NR  ASWA Ranking #7 47.7  Power Rating 71.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Coosa Christian as a 26 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Coosa Christian Conquerors defeated Pickens County by a score of 21-12 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Coosa Christian and Pickens County have met 3 times on the field.... Pickens County holds a 2-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This is a rematch of the controversial semifinal game from a year ago that saw Pickens County score on the final play to reach the state title game with the 44-40 victory. Expect the tensions to be as high as the stakes.

Aside from their opening loss to 3A semifinalist Geraldine, Coosa Christian has been mostly untested this season. However, only giving up 32 points over their last 12 games is impressive regardless of the competition. On offense, QB John David Justice has 1200 passing yards and 14 TDs on the year for an offense averaging 40 points per game. RB Kanon Wilson had 192 yards on 11 carries last week.

Eventually, people will learn to stop doubting Pickens County. Even as a 3 seed, the Tornadoes will return to the Semifinals for the 8th year in a row and 10th time in the last 12 years. Just a week after Wadley dropped 81 on South Lamar, who had beaten Pickens County in the regular season, the Tornadoes held Wadley to just 14 points as they pulled off the 18-14 stunner. Pickens County also lost to Lynn in the regular season, who Coosa Christian dominated in the 2nd round, but that hasn't mattered so far, so why would it matter now?

This game has the largest spread of the week according to the AHSFHS power ratings with Coosa Christian a 26 point favorite. But playoff time is Pickens County time, so there's a good chance this game will be closer than that.

Prediction:  Coosa Christian 35, Pickens County 19

Sloth Nationzz Week 15 Games

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  44-12

St. James (6-5) at  Mobile Christian (3-7)  at Harrison Field St. James   Mobile Christian 6-5 (6-1)  Record 3-7 (3-3) 4A-R3  Class/Region 4A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 65.8  Power Rating 76.7 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Mobile Christian as a 13 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Mobile Christian Leopards defeated St. James by a score of 34-30 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Mobile Christian and St. James have met 2 times on the field.... The teams have both won 1 game.

Comments:    A rematch from last year's semi final. It did not go well for the Leopards last season, but this is a new squad. Saint James has been doing well, and was able to win on the road in a hostile environment at Thomasville. Mobile Christian did something similar, winning on the road at Trinity. So let's break down this matchup. The key matchup will be Saint James's offense vs the Mobile Christian defense.

The Leopard defense allows just over 7 points per game. We are in the semi finals and that is a crazy stat, as throughout the whole season the Leopard defense has been stingy. The Trojan offense averages over 40 points per game. They are in fifth place, behind Mobile Christian. These two have two common opponents, and it is interesting how both have done against these foes. Saint James crushed Trinity in a blowout. Mobile Christian, the scoreboard is slightly deceiving, as Mobile Christian lead 28-21 in the middle of the fourth quarter before pulling away.

Thomasville got smashed by Mobile Christian. Saint James struggled with Thomasville. So these somewhat cancel each other out. Here is a key stat. Since the 2022 season, when Saint James dropped back to 3A, their offensive output has been outstanding. In fact, the lowest scoring game they have had against 3A competition was last week against Thomasville with 28 points. Almost every position here is even across the board between these two except for two positions. The QB position is an advantage to Saint James due to KJ Jackson. And the Offensive Line is an advantage for Mobile Christian. So now begs the question, who wins this football game? Before I make my prediction, here are my two questions about each team. Has Mobile Christian played a hard schedule like Saint James? Is Saint James's defense going to be able to stop the Leopards?

I will go with the experience, the tougher schedule, battle tested. I have gone back and forth on this prediction, but I am going with the Trojans to punch their ticket back to the state title game. Give me the Trojans off a walk off field goal.

Prediction:  Saint James 27 Mobile Christian 24

B.T. Washington (5-4) at  (#1)  Catholic Montgomery (11-0)  at Catholic Field B.T. Washington   Catholic Montgomery 5-4 (4-3)  Record 11-0 (6-0) 4A-R3  Class/Region 5A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking #1 70.9  Power Rating 88.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Catholic Montgomery as a 20 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Catholic Montgomery Knights defeated B.T. Washington by a score of 28-0 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Catholic Montgomery and B.T. Washington have met 5 times on the field.... Catholic Montgomery holds a 5-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Well, this certainly is not the semi final matchup I expected to see a few weeks ago. Let's be transparent here, none of us saw the Golden Eagles in the semi-finals. Not that they were bad, but the path of American Christian, Handley, and Jackson, is probably one of the hardest paths to a state semi-final I have ever seen.

Catholic allowed their most points last week against Jacksonville, in a 44-20 victory. Caleb McCreary is determined to get his team back to a state title game for his last game as a Knight. If you remember, McCreary was their QB back in 2020, when they fell to Fyffe in the 3A title game. Now, seeing his high school career coming to an end, he is going to want a chance to redeem the one he lost as a freshman. But what about BTW Tuskegee? They are the wildcard, they have just found ways to win.

While this has been a great Cinderella story for Tuskegee, one that will be talked about for years to come, all Cinderella stories must come to an end. Think about march madness, the Cinderella usually loses in the Final Four. I think it will be closer, but not close enough. Welcome back to the state title game, Catholic.

Prediction:  Catholic 34 BTW 14

(#4)  Elba (10-2) at  (#2)  Leroy (10-2)  at Bobby Farish Field at Palmer Stadium Elba   Leroy 10-2 (6-1)  Record 10-2 (7-0) 1A-R2  Class/Region 1A-R1 #4  ASWA Ranking #2 66.9  Power Rating 52.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Elba as a 13 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Leroy Bears defeated Elba by a score of 27-24 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Dec. 1 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Leroy and Elba have met 4 times on the field.... Leroy holds a 4-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Two of the best teams all season in 1A make their way to an epic battle on Friday night. Leroy has been impressive. Their defense has been stingy, with the most they've allowed this season is 18 points in their last game against Brantley.

Leroy is also doing this with an Interim head coach, as their current coach has been deployed, and we wish him the best and a safe return. But what about Elba? Well they have Alvin Henderson, and he now holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a season. Elba crushed Maplesville last week.

Is the Elba defense as good as the Leroy defense? Probably not, but when you have Henderson in the backfield, you don't mind too much. But can the Leroy defense stop Henderson? If they do, then Elba could be in some trouble. A lot has changed since they last played back in 2017.

I think Elba will win, and march their way toward a state title. No one has been able to stop Alvin Henderson, and he will lead them to a title game.

Prediction:  Elba 42 Leroy 28

(#2)  Pisgah (11-1) at  (#5)  Fyffe (9-2)  at Paul Benefield Stadium Pisgah   Fyffe 11-1 (6-0)  Record 9-2 (7-0) 2A-R7  Class/Region 3A-R8 #2  ASWA Ranking #5 59.6  Power Rating 75.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Fyffe as a 18 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Pisgah Eagles defeated Fyffe by a score of 30-22 in week 2 at Home  on Thu., Aug. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Fyffe and Pisgah have met 35 times on the field.... Fyffe holds a 20-14 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Now we make our way up north to see the world famous Fyffe Red Devils take on a region foe in Pisgah. Are we surprised to see this rematch? I personally am not. Now Fyffe got out to a big lead in their first meeting, but Pisgah battled back, thanks to their quarterback play but still lost.

But is Pisgah healthy? Apparently they have had some injuries on the squad, very common when you get to this late in the playoffs. Fyffe's Logan Anderson has been on a tear lately. He scored eight touchdowns against a good Locust Fork team.

Is Pisgah going to be healthy for this rematch with Fyffe? Fyffe sure seems ready, but knows that it is hard to beat a team twice.

I think Fyffe will win, and get back into another state title game. Give me the Red Devils to advance to a state title game, again.

Prediction:  Fyffe 32 Pisgah 14