Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply. To register, click here. Registration is FREE!
|
T O P I C R E V I E W |
hthe3 |
Posted - 08/16/2025 : 08:55:38 These won't be as in depth as my predictions for Region 2 as I'm not as familiar with them as Region 2. Regardless, let's try:
Region 1
1. TR Miller - Like with Houston Academy, I'm betting on a program having a high floor. They're returning an all-state DL player in Aiden Haecker and while they lose their coach, I don't expect a drop off with the Ronnie Cottrell hire.
2. Bayside Academy - well coached and returning two good LBs to an already good defense. I wanted to pick them to win the region initially, but the 43 point margin of loss to TRM last year gave me pause.
3. Hillcrest Evergreen - They're losing an all-state athlete in Kevin Porter, but they played TRM and Bayside close in their two losses last year and got some impressive wins against Andalusia and Greenville. Hillcrest is another high floor program that seems to go on runs in the playoffs, last year notwithstanding.
4. Flomaton - Even losing Coach Vickery, I trust Flomaton as a program more than the other teams who could contend for a 4 seed in this region. They are also returning an all-state DB and O-Lineman.
5. Cottage Hill Christian - By all accounts, Cottage Hill is returning a lot of talent including an all-state D-lineman and LB. That said, they were statistically unimpressively last year and have only made the playoffs twice since joining the AHSAA while in 2a. Maybe they turn a corner this year, but I'm not so sure.
6. Excel - coach Phillips has done an excellent job at Excel and, if I'm honest, I may be underrating them. I certainly don't expect them to be bad - this is just a brutal region. They land here because of my expectations of the other teams and the general lack of information I have on them.
7. Monroe County - New coach in a tough situation coming off of a tough season. Unless some big changes are being made in Monroeville, I think they stay at the bottom of the region.
Region 3
1. Southside Selma - I know they lose the Smith brothers, but this team is returning their QB, RB, and another WR who caught everything thrown his way when I saw them play MA last year. This is a very well coached, physical team with a clear offensive philosophy and lots of athletes on defense. I was very impressed with how their play-calling iterated out of the same base look into a lot of different plays.
2. Thomasville - I think Thomasville takes a step back after losing two all-state RBs and an O-Lineman but they're easily better than the rest of this region and should still be able to get some playoff-wins. Their playoff success since 2020 tells me that they're not just a paper tiger playing a weak schedule.
3. Thorsby - there is a big drop off after the top two teams in the region. I'm putting Thorsby here because of their program consistency and history of being able to make the playoffs.
4. Hale County - Coach Locke finally got the Wildcats to the playoffs last year and was able to win some close games. The offense has improved each year, and the defensive slip can be explained by big losses to teams that were simply better in Thomasville, Southside, and Bayside. I expect the program to have the infrastructure in place to get back to the playoffs.
5. Dallas County - statistically I see another drop off here. Both Dallas County and Greensboro had more noticeably negative point differentials last year. There's not a lot of information coming out of Plantersville but they had a statistically better offense and defense last year point wise so I put them here.
6. Greensboro - see above. I do think that the coaching consistency will help the Raiders improve and they could jump Dallas County. Plus they played Hale County tough last year in a rivalry game.
7. Wilcox Central - tough, tough situation here. Limited historical success except for a few seasons in the late 90s and early 2000s. I think Wilcox and Sumter Central could be case studies for exploring why some programs are unable to find success.
8. Sumter Central - same as above but with a very successful basketball program. I am surprised, however, that the floor of the program isn't higher. Sumter County had some successful years at the same size prior to consolidation with Livingston.
Region 4
1. Randolph County - this is the pick I feel best about in the region, the rest is a mess besides putting Childersburg last. They return Mo Winston. Coach Prestridge has been so consistent except for whatever happened in 2021. The offense should still be good, but the defense needs to improve. I think the playoff loss to Trinity was partially just a bad matchup.
2. Glenwood School - Impressive first season in the AHSAA. Plus the playoff loss isn't as bad as one would think. ACA had some good talent and played in a tough region, hence them being a 4 seed. I do expect Glenwood to take a step back after losing their RB and Emory Davis on the DL but they've been a very consistent program and should still make the playoffs.
3. Lee-Scott Academy - I think everyone expected Lee-Scott to compete for the region title last year. Digging into the 5-5 record, however, they lost to good teams (more on Dadeville shortly) and finished with a positive point differential. I expect them to remedy a few of their close losses from last year and make the playoffs.
4. Dadeville - 3-7 regular season, negative point differential, but I have a feeling about Dadeville. Historically good program, good players, good community support. They put a scare into MA in the first round of the playoffs by playing tough defense and really controlling the ball on offense. If Coach McKelvey is right for the job, I expect to see improvement and if they play the same style of football they'll be a pain to play against.
5. Beulah - historically tough job with a new coach. The area is growing rapidly, however, as Auburn-Opelika's population booms. They should compete for a playoff spot with Dadeville. Depending on how the area grows and how the community builds its infrastructure, this could turn into a good job.
6. BB Comer - Coach Fossett is a good coach but I think 2a is the sweet spot for this program. They had some close losses but also some close wins last year. Not a bad team, but they'll have a hard time competing for the playoffs.
7. Childersburg - Hopefully for them last year was rock bottom. They have a new coach but haven't had consistent success since Coach Fossett left for Smiths Station. I think they stay in the basement of this region. |
2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
GiglnTiger |
Posted - 08/19/2025 : 13:33:43 Im calling it now. This is Coach Prestridges last year at Randolph County then he will retire.
_____________
Jeremy Wortham (former RCHS student-athlete 2000-2003)
Randolph County Tigers
2003 Class 2A State Champions
2017 Class 3A State Runner-Ups, 1998 Class 3A State Runner-Ups, 1984 Class 3A State Runner-Ups, 1979 Class 2A State Runner-Ups |
Sloth Nationzz |
Posted - 08/16/2025 : 15:04:23 I agree with your predictions my friend. I love this version of 3A south, feels incredibly balanced. Fingers crossed for a Southside Selma region title, that school deserves it, they have improved that football program so much within the last 6 years under Coach Moody. I think Lee Scott will have another tough season, they could drop down to 2A next season, would be much better for them if they did. Also great insight into Hillcrest Evergreen
Twitter handle(Or X whatever): Tp_hammock |
|
|
AHSFHS.org Forums |
© 2007-09 AHSFHS.org |
 |
|
This page was generated in 0.05 seconds. |
 |
|
|