|
(#3)
Cherokee County (13-2) at
(#1)
Jackson (14-1)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Cherokee County |
|
Jackson |
| 13-2 (7-0) |
Record |
14-1 (6-0) |
| 4A-R6 |
Class/Region |
4A-R1 |
| #3 |
ASWA Ranking |
#1 |
| 80.6 |
Power Rating |
93.0 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Jackson as a 12 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Jackson Aggies defeated Cherokee County by a score of 69-6 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Thu., Dec. 5
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Jackson and Cherokee County have met 2 times on the field....
The teams have both won 1 game.
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| Comments: Cherokee County had to remind everyone this past week that the road to the Super 7 in 4A North goes through Centre, Alabama with a convincing win over West Morgan. The game wasn't as close as the score indicated. Tae Diamond returned to the field, after missing the Brooks game, and put up 150 yards on the ground. |
Jackson put away St Michael for the second time this year 49-28 to advance to the finals. I think most of us thought Jackson would be here all year and this time they didn't disappoint. Now they just have to finish it. Jackson rushed for 225 yards against a pretty solid St Michael team. |
A lot of people had these two meeting at the start of the playoffs, some even had it as the start of the year. I went against the Warriors last week and they played arguably one of their best games of the year. Well, congratulations Centre, I am going against you again. I just don't see anyone stopping Landon Duckworth, especially when the Jackson defense has been playing like they have against opposing offenses. |
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| Prediction: Jackson 38 Cherokee County 16 |
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(#5)
Thompson (11-3) at
(#4)
Central Phenix City (10-3)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Thompson |
|
Central Phenix City |
| 11-3 (6-1) |
Record |
10-3 (5-2) |
| 7A-R3 |
Class/Region |
7A-R2 |
| #5 |
ASWA Ranking |
#4 |
| 104.5 |
Power Rating |
97.6 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Thompson as a 7 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Thompson Warriors defeated Central Phenix City by a score of 21-7 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Wed., Dec. 4
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Central Phenix City and Thompson have met 5 times on the field....
Thompson holds a 3-2 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: Obviously two teams not unfamiliar with success on the big stage here in this 7A Final. CPC entered the playoffs as a 3 seed and I am not sure a lot of folks thought they'd make it this far but Patrick Nix has had the Red Devils playing great ball this post season. And let's not forget, they are defending State Champions for a reason. Alford threw for 2 TD's against a stingy Hoover defense while the Red Devil defense held the Hoover offense, who had averaged 34 ppg in the playoffs, to a measly 7. |
Thompson enters their 7th straight championship game, losing this game to CPC last year by 2 points. The Warriors have looked good in the playoffs only really being challenged at all by Auburn. The old cagey vet Trent Seaborn threw for 2 TD's that led them against Enterprise. |
I can't wait for this game. Both teams seem evenly matched. Thompson has three losses all by 1 point (I am not sure if that' ever been done) and CPC lost heartbreakers to Opelika and Auburn who just as likely could be here playing for this championship. I really do believe this is a true toss up and going either way wouldn't be crazy. That being said, give me CPC to repeat, fittingly by 1 point. |
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| Prediction: CPC 21 Thompson 20 |
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(#4)
Mars Hill (14-1) at
(#10)
Houston Academy (13-2)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Mars Hill |
|
Houston Academy |
| 14-1 (7-0) |
Record |
13-2 (6-1) |
| 3A-R7 |
Class/Region |
3A-R2 |
| #4 |
ASWA Ranking |
#10 |
| 78.3 |
Power Rating |
77.9 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have the teams as even. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Mars Hill Panthers defeated Houston Academy by a score of 50-43 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Thu., Dec. 5
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Houston Academy and Mars Hill have met one time on the field....
Mars Hill holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: Every year there is at least one team that I pick to lose multiple times and I am very confident in the pick and they just keep winning. This year that team is Houston Academy. I was sure they'd lose to Thomasville, then I was sure they'd lose to TR Miller, but here we are and they are in the Super 7. Kadyn Mitchell has been a beast from the QB position with both his arm and his legs. He will be a big test for the Mars Hill Panthers. |
Hudson Higgins and Caden Chandler put on a show combining for 7 TDs on the ground in the dismantling of a very good Piedmont team last week. Ultimately the Panthers amassed 429 yards on the ground but did give up over 300 through the air (217 to Pinto alone.) |
I think this game could be up and down the field. Both teams have great offenses. One of the definitions of insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result. I went against Houston Academy two rounds in a row, only to see them knock off two powerhouse teams. Think I am dumb enough to do that for a third week in a row? Of course.... |
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| Prediction: Mars Hill 42 Houston Academy 30 |
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kodyaufan2
Week 16 Picks | Last Week: 3-1
Season Total: 41-18 |
|
(#4)
Moody (11-3) at
(#1)
Catholic Montgomery (14-0)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Moody |
|
Catholic Montgomery |
| 11-3 (6-0) |
Record |
14-0 (6-0) |
| 5A-R6 |
Class/Region |
5A-R2 |
| #4 |
ASWA Ranking |
#1 |
| 99.9 |
Power Rating |
98.8 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Moody as a 1 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Catholic Montgomery Knights defeated Moody by a score of 17-14 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Thu., Dec. 5
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Catholic Montgomery and Moody have met one time on the field....
Catholic Montgomery holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: There were several great teams in 5A South, but Montgomery Catholic, as the defending 4A champions, was always one of the favorites. They will have to knock off Moody if they want back-to-back titles. Moody has been the premier team in the North all season and is in search of their first state championship. |
It seems like most years the offense is what gets the headlines for Montgomery Catholic, but this year's team is definitely led by their defense, which hasn't given up more than 14 points in a game yet. They have 131 TFLs and 39 sacks as a team through 13 games. Three different players, Keltric Washington Jr, Garrett Sanford, and Dylan Rogers all have more than 20 TFLs. Tulane commit Jotavion Pierce also has 8 interceptions on the season. Offensively, the Knights are pretty run-heavy. They'll run a good bit of the Wildcat with #4 JJ Williams. When they throw, it is usually with Freshman QB #1 Kingston Preyear. He's got a big arm with a lot of potential, but they haven't used him as much the last couples of games, but I expect they'll need to rely on him more against Moody's defense. |
It is debatable whether Moody's defense is as good as Catholic's but they're really close. They've allowed 20+ points 4 times, but all but one were to 6A teams. The other time was 22 points to Leeds in the regular season, but they shut the Green Wave out 42-0 last week in a rematch and held them to just 119 yards of offense last week. They have a devastating D-Line with Juniors Henry Smith and Cameron Mallory along with Sophomore Ba'Roc Willis all holding D1 scholarship offers. Safety Sidney Walton is a Tennessee commit. They've been balanced all year offensively and had nearly 250 yards passing and rushing last week. QB Charlie Johnston, a Georgia Southern commit, has been the best QB in 5A with 2,700 yards and 32 TDs to 6 INTs. |
This will be an extremely low-scoring game and could just become a battle for field position for much of the game. The matchup of the Catholic O-Line vs the Moody D-Line will feature Strength vs Strength. I expect Moody to be able to take away the run, making Catholic's Freshman QB beat them. He is certainly capable, but I like the team with an experienced Senior Quarterback. |
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| Prediction: Moody 17, Catholic 14 |
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(#2)
Parker (14-1) at
(#1)
Saraland (13-1)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Parker |
|
Saraland |
| 14-1 (6-0) |
Record |
13-1 (8-0) |
| 6A-R5 |
Class/Region |
6A-R1 |
| #2 |
ASWA Ranking |
#1 |
| 100.8 |
Power Rating |
103.9 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Saraland as a 3 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Parker Thundering Herd defeated Saraland by a score of 28-17 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Thu., Dec. 5
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Saraland and Parker have met one time on the field....
Parker holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: It seems like this is just a repeat of what we said last year about the 6A State Championship Game featuring the two most talented teams in the state regardless of classification, just with Parker replacing Clay-Chalkville. Hopefully this game lives up to the hype as much as the game last year. |
Saraland makes their third straight 6A State Championship Game appearance after dominating Pike Road last week 47-12. They've won every playoff game by at least 26 points, and haven't allowed more than 19 points in a game since Week 1. QB KJ Lacey, a Texas commit, is one of the top passers in the state with over 3,800 yards and 38 TDs. His top target this year has been Carson Gill, a 3-Star WR with 70 catches for 1,200 yards and 20 TDs. The Spartans are one of the most pass-heavy teams at this year's Super 7, but they have a loaded backfield between Santae McWilliams Jr. and DeShawn Spencer, the latter of whom could be their lead back next year. You could pick any number of guys as impact players on defense, but DE Damond Williams leads the team in both TFLs, with 14.5, and Sacks, with 8. |
We've been saying all year that Parker is the most talented team in the state, but we were concerned that issues on Special Teams could hinder them. So far it hasn't mattered for them, largely because the most points they've allowed in a game to an in-state team is 17. They are the exact opposite of Saraland offensively, as the Herd only throw the ball about 30% of the time. Terence Gaines is the lead back, but they take a bit of a RB-by-committee approach, with five different players with at least 47 carries on the year. 5-Star DB Na'eem Offord will line up in the backfield in must-have situations, as 1 out of every 5 of his carries are TDs. Offord will also take away an entire half of the field defensively, as the nation saw earlier in the year when Parker faced the top high school QB in the country from Carrollton, Georgia. Then on the other side of the field is 4-Star DB and Miami commit Timothy Merritt. The Thundering Herd defense held Oxford to just 101 passing yards and 128 total yards last week. |
This game will be the most-hyped matchup of the week, so what better way to cap off the Super 7. Saraland came up a yard shot of the title last season when everyone thought they were the most talented team in the state, so they'll have a chip on their shoulders. However, I just don't see how they'll be able to throw on Parker. I think this will be a low-scoring game, but if Parker can avoid the turnover bug I think they'll win their first state championship. |
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|
| Prediction: Parker 20, Saraland 17 |
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|
(#5)
Thompson (11-3) at
(#4)
Central Phenix City (10-3)
at Protective Stadium |
|
|
| Thompson |
|
Central Phenix City |
| 11-3 (6-1) |
Record |
10-3 (5-2) |
| 7A-R3 |
Class/Region |
7A-R2 |
| #5 |
ASWA Ranking |
#4 |
| 104.5 |
Power Rating |
97.6 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Thompson as a 7 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Thompson Warriors defeated Central Phenix City by a score of 21-7 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Wed., Dec. 4
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Central Phenix City and Thompson have met 5 times on the field....
Thompson holds a 3-2 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: Well a change in format couldn't keep these two teams from squaring off for the championship for the fifth time in the last seven years. Surprisingly, neither won their region championships, but with the talent they each have it shouldn't be a surprise they've made it back to the championship game. |
I guess it was naive for any of us to think that just because Thompson lost 3 regular season games and failed to win their region crown that the Warriors wouldn't reach the championship game for a 7th straight season. They went through periods of offensive struggles during the first couple months of the season, but they're averaging almost 40 points over their last four games, so those woes seem to be behind them. They're split 50/50 when it comes to run vs pass on offense, but they don't have a 1,000-yard rusher. Senior Michael Dujon and Junior RJ Evans II will get an even split of the carries. Sophomore WR Darion Moseley could be the top guy going forward for QB Trent Seaborn. A pair of Auburn commits lead their defense. Safety Anquon Fegans has 5 INTs, while DE Jared Smith has 21 TFLs, 10 Sacks, and 23 QB Hurries. |
Central Phenix City's QB Andrew Alford might have been the best passer in 7A this year with nearly 2,200 yards and 26 TDs to just 4 INTs. The Senior holds multiple D1 scholarship offers, so you'll see him play at the next level. WR Daylyn Upshaw, a Miami commit, has arguably been the top receiver in 7A this year with 62 catches for over 1,000 yards and 16 TDs. The Red Devils also have one of the top O-Linemen in the state in Alabama commit #73 Mal Waldrep. Junior Edge Rusher Tristan Lyles has been a menace for opposing offenses, with 28 TFLs and 11 Sacks. This defense wasn't quite as good as last year's for most of the year, but they're playing really well now and get a lot of help from an offense that averages 41 ppg. |
Honestly, I've been a bit underwhelmed by both of these teams when I've watched them this year, but I think it shows how well-coached they are that they still made it back to play for a state championship. I still don't think Thompson will fare well if they have to outscore Central, so they cannot afford to get behind early in this game. I think Smith and Fegans end up being the difference-makers for the Warriors and force a timely turnover of two to secure the win. |
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| Prediction: Thompson 23, Central Phenix City 21 |
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Sloth Nationzz
Week 16 Picks | Last Week: 3-1
Season Total: 41-19 |
|
|
(#5)
Thompson (11-3) at
(#4)
Central Phenix City (10-3)
at Protective Stadium |
|
|
| Thompson |
|
Central Phenix City |
| 11-3 (6-1) |
Record |
10-3 (5-2) |
| 7A-R3 |
Class/Region |
7A-R2 |
| #5 |
ASWA Ranking |
#4 |
| 104.5 |
Power Rating |
97.6 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Thompson as a 7 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Thompson Warriors defeated Central Phenix City by a score of 21-7 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Wed., Dec. 4
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Central Phenix City and Thompson have met 5 times on the field....
Thompson holds a 3-2 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: All roads lead to these two playing in the 7A championship. These two have had not the season either one would've imagined, but at the end of the day when the playoffs arrived, these two stepped up to the plate. Thompson has an elite level defense with many going on to play in division one football. Central Phenix City has an elite level offense with some going to play at division one level football as well. So something has got to give. |
I wonder if Central Phenix City's wide receivers will be able to get loose on that elite secondary. I know Thompson has struggled at times on offense, but it seems that they have fixed that problem. So here's what you have to ask yourself, do you go with the offense? Or do you go with the defense? Well if only it was that simple. |
There has been times where I've seen Thompson offense look bad. There has been times where Central's defense has looked bad. But they have buttoned up since the playoffs hit. |
My Prediction: I think this game will be eerily similar to last year's game. But, I think Thompson pulls out the victory. I think it boils down to a field goal, and the Warriors and Mark Freeman bring home another banner and get revenge from last year. |
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| Prediction: Thompson 21 Central Phenix City 18 |
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(#6)
Tuscaloosa Academy (12-3) at
(#4)
Reeltown (14-1)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Tuscaloosa Academy |
|
Reeltown |
| 12-3 (5-1) |
Record |
14-1 (6-0) |
| 2A-R5 |
Class/Region |
2A-R4 |
| #6 |
ASWA Ranking |
#4 |
| 57.9 |
Power Rating |
73.8 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Reeltown as a 16 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Reeltown Rebels defeated Tuscaloosa Academy by a score of 49-13 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Thu., Dec. 5
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Reeltown and Tuscaloosa Academy have met one time on the field....
Reeltown holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: Reeltown makes it back to the Super 7, while Tuscaloosa Academy makes their inaugural debut into the AHSAA championship game, but they won in AISA before. Reeltown has a lot of great players, including the likes of Tae Martin, Alijah Woods, Jamarkius Smith leading the team at quarterback. |
Speaking of quarterbacks, Preston Lancaster leading the Knights on the other side. Lancaster has led the Knights through the storm at the latter half of the year when the Knights stumbled a bit. Now for the questions. When Reeltown lost, they turned it over multiple times. |
When Tuscaloosa Academy lost their two games. It was a lot of tackling problems. Can Reeltown not turn it over and stop Lancaster? Can Tuscaloosa Academy slow down a high powered, and physical football team in Reeltown? |
My Prediction: Reeltown has shown in 2A competition they are the best in the state, and they won't be slowing down. Give me the Rebels with the win. |
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| Prediction: Reeltown 34 Tuscaloosa Academy 21 |
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(#1)
Wadley (13-0) at
(#9)
Maplesville (12-3)
at Protective Stadium |
 |
|
| Wadley |
|
Maplesville |
| 13-0 (5-0) |
Record |
12-3 (7-0) |
| 1A-R6 |
Class/Region |
1A-R4 |
| #1 |
ASWA Ranking |
#9 |
| 77.5 |
Power Rating |
60.7 |
| AHSFHS Power Ratings have Wadley as a 17 point favorite. |
|
Last Meeting:
The Wadley Bulldogs defeated Maplesville by a score of 37-7 in
the Super Seven Championship game at Home on Thu., Dec. 5
during the 2024 football season.
Series:
Maplesville and Wadley have met 3 times on the field....
Maplesville holds a 2-1 edge in the games played.
|
|
| Comments: Two of the best programs in 1A will be lining up for the honor of hoisting the Blue Map, and boy, do these two programs want this title. Maplesville is hungry to a return to the throne, while Wadley is looking to take the throne for the first time. Maplesville was able to stop and end the career Alvin Henderson and Elba, alongside Sweet Water, and Millry. |
Wadley has steamrolled every team in their way, including a great Hackleburg team. Wadley is averaging 56 points a game, and a lot of that involves the Wadley Wishbone offense with Jaquez Wilkes, and Cortavion Lynch. |
Wadley has been impressive in every outing this season including against higher level competition. Maplesville has been impressive as well, outside of losing to a 3A and 5A team. Can Maplesville's defense step up to the plate again? Or will Wadley's offense continue their high powered offense. |
My Prediction: In the wise words of David Parker, ''Ain't nobody beating Wadley this year'' and I agree. Give me the Bulldogs to win. I have been on the Wadley bandwagon all year long, and think this is the year they win it all, finally. |
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| Prediction: Wadley 42 Maplesville 26 |
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