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.

TheMUBM Week 4 Picks

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  9-3

(#6)  Gordo (10-2) at  (#8)  Winfield (11-2)  at Estes Hudson Stadium Gordo   Winfield 10-2 (6-1)  Record 11-2 (7-0) 3A-R5  Class/Region 3A-R5 #6  ASWA Ranking #8 61.1  Power Rating 51.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Gordo as a 8 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Winfield Pirates defeated Gordo by a score of 28-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Winfield and Gordo have met 16 times on the field.... Gordo holds a 9-7 edge in the games played. Comments:    Gordo comes in 3-0 and clicking on all cylinders with a couple of blowouts under their belt and a hard fought win against a very good 4A Bibb Co. It all starts with the speedy Jase Neal at QB.     Winfield enters the contest with a 2-1 mark, rebounding from their opening season defeat to 5A Corner. Winfield has been suceptible to the run but has defended the pass well including 3 pick sixes against Midfield. The Pirates also lost two fumbles.     This was a tight contest last year and just like last year this will be for the region crown most likely. I don't think Pirates will be able to slow the ground game that Gordo brings in. But a few funny bounces and Winfield has a chance.   Prediction:  Gordo 28 Winfield 14

Fayetteville (3-6) at  Winterboro (8-3)  at Bulldog Stadium Fayetteville   Winterboro 3-6 (0-5)  Record 8-3 (4-1) 1A-R6  Class/Region 1A-R6 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 27.9  Power Rating 28.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Winterboro as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Winterboro Bulldogs defeated Fayetteville by a score of 40-20 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Winterboro and Fayetteville have met 19 times on the field.... Winterboro holds a 16-3 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Fayetteville comes in 2-1 and coming off a thrashing from the top ranked team in 1A. Fayetteville did hang tough for a half, trailing only by 7 at the half.

Winterboro comes in 1-1, only loss being to a higher classification Vincent. Winterboro has a lot of speed coming out the backfield and with some big boys blocking like Ponder and Hutton they can be a handful.

I believe this game will go towards determining playoff seeding. Fayetteville will have to put together two good halves of football and be worn down by Winterboro. Winterboro needs to get their athletes in space. Ultimately I think Winterboro is just too fast for Fayetteville and awaits a date with Wadley.

Prediction:  Winterboro 42 Fayetteville 28

Sand Rock (5-6) at  Section (1-9)  at Section Stadium Sand Rock   Section 5-6 (3-3)  Record 1-9 (0-6) 2A-R7  Class/Region 2A-R7 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 28.0  Power Rating 17.4 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Sand Rock as a 9 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Sand Rock Wildcats defeated Section by a score of 35-6 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Section and Sand Rock have met 24 times on the field.... Sand Rock holds a 19-3 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Sand Rock comes in 2-1 coming off an impressive shutout over a good NSM team 16-0. Brendan Lindsey is a hard nose runner that'll give Section some problems.

Section comes in 1-2 on a 2 game losing streak but those losses were to Valley Head and Pisgah, certainly no slouches. Section will rely on dual threat QB Aaron Thomas.

Sand Rock won in a close one last year and I would expect another tight one this year. This should have some playoff implications. I like Sand Rock in a physical game.

Prediction:  Sand Rock 22 Section 7

Huntsville (5-5) at  James Clemens (6-5)  at Madison City Schools Stadium Huntsville   James Clemens 5-5 (2-5)  Record 6-5 (5-2) 7A-R4  Class/Region 7A-R4 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 72.5  Power Rating 76.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have James Clemens as a 6 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The James Clemens Jets defeated Huntsville by a score of 32-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   James Clemens and Huntsville have met 11 times on the field.... James Clemens holds a 9-2 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Huntsville comes in 3-0 after holding off Grissom I a nail biter Friday, 30-27. Sophomore Will Carter came off the bench and threw three TDs for the Panthers while Jackson Spencer pitched in 125 on the ground.

Speaking of nail biters, James Clemens upped their record to 2-0 by defeating rival Bob Jones 34-31. Securing the win with a blocked field goal. Anthony Gideon paced the Jets with 117 yards and 2 TDs.

Huntsville will need to remain balanced on offense, something they have struggled with in the past. James Clemens needs to be able to throw a knockout punch. They allowed Bob Jones to come back from a pretty sizeable deficit. Ultimately I think the Jets experience in big games plays a pivotal role.

Prediction:  James Clemens 35 Huntsville 17

kodyaufan2 Week 4 Picks

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  9-3

(#2)  Leroy (10-2) at  (#5)  Sweet Water (9-3)  at Nolan Atkins Stadium Leroy   Sweet Water 10-2 (7-0)  Record 9-3 (6-1) 1A-R1  Class/Region 1A-R1 #2  ASWA Ranking #5 34.5  Power Rating 31.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Leroy as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Leroy Bears defeated Sweet Water by a score of 27-20 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Sweet Water and Leroy have met 24 times on the field.... Sweet Water holds a 15-9 edge in the games played.

Comments:    You'll be hard pressed to find two programs with more success all-time than these two. They have won an unbelievable 18 state championships between them, and both teams are always in the hunt.

We rarely get a ton of information out of Sweet Water prior to the playoffs, but we pretty much know that Sweet Water is going to be a threat for a deep playoff run every season. They've made the playoffs every year going back to 1997, and only five times during that span have they failed to advance beyond the 1st round. There could be some concerns on offense for the Bulldogs, as they've managed just 6 points in each of their first two games, but their defense was able to carry them to a 6-0 win over Millry a week ago.

The defending two-time 1A state champs have had some offensive woes of their own to open this season. The Bears scored at least 26 points in every game they played in 2023, but scored just 13 total points in their first two games in 2024. They rebounded to score 40 in a win against McIntosh last week, but it will be interesting to see what they've got against another quality opponent this week. This is probably not unexpected for them, as they are replacing QB Brayden Huebner, who led them to the last two state championships.

These two teams always have tough defenses, so given the offensive struggles of both thus far in 2024, points should be hard to come by in this one. Mark the winner down as one of the favorites to win the 1A championship.

Prediction:  Leroy 20, Sweet Water 6

(#2)  Pleasant Grove (9-2) at  Oak Grove (8-3)  at Tiger Stadium Pleasant Grove   Oak Grove 9-2 (7-0)  Record 8-3 (5-2) 4A-R4  Class/Region 4A-R4 #2  ASWA Ranking NR 62.3  Power Rating 57.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Pleasant Grove as a 3 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Pleasant Grove Spartans defeated Oak Grove by a score of 41-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Oak Grove and Pleasant Grove have met 11 times on the field.... Pleasant Grove holds a 9-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    The first meeting between these schools since 2001 offers Oak Grove a huge opportunity to prove their 3-0 start was no fluke. Pleasant Grove has been near the top of 5A for a decade now, and their run looks to continue in 4A.

The Oak Grove Tigers made he playoffs last season for the first time since 2010. With a lot of returning talent, they always had big plans for 2024. Their goal on offense appears to be to just maul their opponent, as sweeps and other outside runs are their bread and butter. Defensively, they play very instinctively, which shows in the 6 points they've allowed per game so far. I doubt anyone will expect them to finish higher than fourth in a tough Region 4, but they would make a very scary 4-seed should it play out that way.

Pleasant Grove enters this matchup 1-1, with the loss a 38-35 loss to 6A McAdory to open the season. The Spartans lost QB Eric Handley to graduation and WR Clarence Taylor, who transferred to Parker, but their offense appears to still be pretty potent. Speedy WR Tremell Washington transferred in from Ramsay and should fill the void left from Taylor's departure. The defense will be led by 3-Star DB Howard Daniels, who holds an offer from NC State.

Coach LeBeaux and Pleasant Grove have tried for many years to win a state championship. They've come up just short so many times in the past. They are in a tough region and are replacing several key players, but I would expect them to be right there in contention again once the playoffs roll around.

Prediction:  Pleasant Grove 35, Oak Grove 13

UMS-Wright (6-7) at  (#5)  Vigor (12-2)  at Prichard Stadium UMS-Wright   Vigor 6-7 (4-3)  Record 12-2 (7-0) 5A-R1  Class/Region 5A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking #5 65.4  Power Rating 80.0 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Vigor as a 17 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Vigor Wolves defeated UMS-Wright by a score of 41-10 in the third round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 22 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Vigor and UMS-Wright have met 6 times on the field.... The teams have both won 3 games.

Comments:    It's a bit surprising that this is only the fifth meeting between these teams since 1960, but it will be the third year in a row they'll face each other. Vigor won 31-9 on the field last year before they were forced to forfeit, which ended up allowing UMS-Wright to keep their playoff streak alive and keep Vigor out of the postseason despite a 7-3 record.

Vigor came into the 2024 season flying a little under the radar to most people, but they've been impressive through three games. They opened the season with 30-point wins against 6A Blount and 7A Tuscaloosa County before a 60-0 win over region foe LeFlore last week. That's 13 points allowed in three games. The defense is led by a 4-Star Edge Rusher in Sophomore Jabarrius Garror, an Alabama commit. On offense, the thing that sticks out most on film is the team speed. RB Carlos Benjamin is capable of taking any carry to the house, and WR #4 Gerritt Holcombe averaged 37 yards per catch with 3 TDs against Tuscaloosa County. QB transfer Sammy Dunn will be a difference-maker as well after transferring in from Bayside Academy.

Last year was a rare rebuilding year for UMS-Wright, as the bulldogs just barely kept their 30-year playoff streak alive before upsetting Central Clay County in the 1st Round. This year, Coach Terry Curtis's team appears much-improved. In typical UMS fashion, they don't have all the college prospects like you might see from other top teams, but you can bet they'll always be sound at the line of scrimmage and play physical on defense. Through three games this year they've allowed a total of 16 points. If this turns into an ugly game it will favor the bulldogs.

Vigor's record this year of destroying higher-classification opponents speaks for itself, but they look even better when you watch them on film. They just have so much speed and so many different ways to attack that I don't know how anyone in 5A will stop them.

Prediction:  Vigor 34, UMS-Wright 13

(#4)  Spain Park (12-1) at  Helena (6-4)  at Husky Stadium Spain Park   Helena 12-1 (6-0)  Record 6-4 (5-1) 6A-R3  Class/Region 6A-R3 #4  ASWA Ranking NR 76.9  Power Rating 74.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Spain Park as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Spain Park Jaguars defeated Helena by a score of 28-26 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Helena and Spain Park have met one time on the field.... Spain Park holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    The assumption coming into the season was that it would be a three-team race at the top of 6A Region 3 between Benjamin Russell, Helena, and Spain Park. This is the first matchup between two of those teams and will give someone an early leg up in the Region title race.

Helena started last season 8-0 before losing 3 of their last 4, including a 2nd-Round playoff loss to Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, so the Huskies are used to getting off to fast start to the season. The top player to watch for the Huskies will be 3-Star DB Jeremiah Alvis, who is committed to play college football for Troy. Helena is searching for their first win over a ranked team in school history this week.

Spain Park had a bye week following their upset of Hoover two weeks ago, so they've had extra time to prepare for the Huskies. Under 3rd-year coach Tim Vakakes, the Jags have always played solid defense, but over the last couple of years they've turned into a bit of an offensive juggernaut. They averaged 33.5 points per game last season in 7A, and they've scored nearly 40 in both games this season. At least four players on offense hold D-I scholarship offers, including Senior RB Dakarai Shanks and Junior QB Brock Bradley.

I think Helena will need this game to turn into a shootout to have much of a chance, as Spain Park has the better team on paper and should definitely hold the advantage on offense. If they can avoid turning the ball over, I think Spain Park wins comfortably.

Prediction:  Spain Park 42, Helena 26

Sloth Nationzz Week 4 Picks

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  8-4

(#10)  Tallassee (9-3) at  B.T. Washington (5-4)  at Eagles Stadium Tallassee   B.T. Washington 9-3 (6-1)  Record 5-4 (4-3) 4A-R3  Class/Region 4A-R3 #10  ASWA Ranking NR 55.7  Power Rating 53.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Tallassee as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The B.T. Washington Golden Eagles defeated Tallassee by a score of 26-21 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   B.T. Washington and Tallassee have met 15 times on the field.... Tallassee holds a 10-5 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Tallassee Head Coach Lawrence O'Neal will travel on the road to face the school he built up, The Booker T Washington Golden Eagles. I think a lot of people thought that the fairy tale had ended with BT Washington losing in the semi finals and the head coach left.

However after an impressive on the road victory against Eufaula, the Golden Eagles showed they are ready to contend once again. Tallassee went 1-9 last year and made a lot of changes. Lawrence O'Neal has already tied the win total from last year with a great win over Munford.

The real question is I wonder how much Coach O'Neal will know about his former team and if the Golden Eagles can overcome this. It should be a very even football game.

My Prediction: I think Tallassee is just slightly better and will get the win. BT Washington will make the playoffs still, but the Tigers show they are back.

Prediction:  Final Score: Tallassee 34 Booker T Washington 26

(#1)  Auburn (10-1) at  Enterprise (8-5)  at Wildcat Stadium Auburn   Enterprise 10-1 (7-0)  Record 8-5 (4-3) 7A-R2  Class/Region 7A-R2 #1  ASWA Ranking NR 85.1  Power Rating 80.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Auburn as a 3 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Auburn Tigers defeated Enterprise by a score of 53-22 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Enterprise and Auburn have met 30 times on the field.... Auburn holds a 16-14 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Some may have forgotten but last year Enterprise went to Auburn and won against Auburn. It is hard to beat Auburn, let alone at Duck Samford Stadium. Enterprise is a real deal team and they have a lot of talent, headlined by Eric Winters committed to Auburn University and Zion Grady who is committed to Ohio State University.

Auburn also has some elite level players like Peyton Plott, Omar Mabson and other players on that team. Auburn has to travel to Enterprise which is also quite the hornet's nest to play in.

Enterprise knows that if they win this game they can set themselves up greatly for contention for a region championship. Granted they would have to get through Central Phenix City, but a chance nevertheless. Auburn has a chance to avenge their loss from a year ago. This could be a tough spot for Auburn coming off an emotional win over Opelika.

My Prediction: I think Auburn will be tested greatly like they were last week, and come out with another win. I think Enterprise will be the best three seed in the whole entire state and no one would want to draw them in the first or second round. Auburn gets a close win in the Wiregrass.

Prediction:  Final Score: Auburn 24 Enterprise 21

Russell County (9-3) at  Percy Julian (5-5)  at Cramton Bowl Russell County   Percy Julian 9-3 (5-1)  Record 5-5 (3-3) 6A-R2  Class/Region 6A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 59.0  Power Rating 62.9 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Percy Julian as a 6 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Russell County Warriors defeated Percy Julian by a score of 49-19 in week 4 on the road  on Sat., Sep. 14 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Percy Julian and Russell County have met 3 times on the field.... Percy Julian holds a 2-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Two teams they may be surprisingly 2-1 to start the season. I think a lot of people would've said these two would not be playoff contention squads back in July. But now these two are firmly in the playoff mix with both knocking off teams that we had thought would make the playoffs.

Russell County defeated Wetumpka, and Percy Julian defeated Stanhope Elmore. Both games were mildly surprising but both wins have placed them with a good chance to make the playoffs. Russell County's win over Carroll to start the season was impressive, and Percy Julian got a good win over Paul Bryant to start the year.

I think this will be a very evenly matched game.

My Prediction: I think Russell County gets another region victory to put themselves firmly in playoff contention with a shot at hosting a playoff game. Percy Julian could still sneak their way into the playoffs.

Prediction:  Final Score: Russell County 22 Percy Julian 12

Autaugaville (3-7) at  (#10)  Autauga Academy (9-2)  at Generals Field Autaugaville   Autauga Academy 3-7 (2-5)  Record 9-2 (6-1) 1A-R4  Class/Region 1A-R4 NR  ASWA Ranking #10 30.1  Power Rating 32.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Autauga Academy as a 4 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Autauga Academy Generals defeated Autaugaville by a score of 35-0 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Autauga Academy and Autaugaville have met one time on the field.... Autauga Academy holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    The first ever meeting between these schools as Autauga Academy makes the jump to AHSAA from AISA. These two schools are separated by about 15 miles from one another or a little bit over a 20 minute drive. It is nice to see these two schools finally be able to play each other.

Which is the better Autauga school! I think both teams have been exceeding expectations.

Coach Javaris Jackson has done a great job with Autaugaville these last few years getting them back in the playoff hunt. Autauga Academy I think people thought would struggle more, but has started 2-0 including a win over 3A Thorsby. I think this will be a great game for both schools.

My Prediction: I gotta go with the Generals here, I think they're a really good football team.

Prediction:  Final Score: Autauga Academy 28 Autaugaville 12