Pell City 49, Anniston 14

Pell City put on an offensive show on at home last Friday, with fullback Hunter Craton scoring three of the Panthers’ six first half touchdowns. They found their way to a 35 point victory over an overmatched Anniston squad last Friday.

Two of Craton’s touchdowns were scored on the ground, while the third was a two yard score through the air from quarterback, Hudson Hughes who found Craton at the goal line off of play action. Hughes passed for two additional touchdowns – a second quarter strike to Logan Tucker that covered 37 yards and a 17 yard slant to Maleek Robinson in the third quarter that closed out the scoring for the evening.

Craton’s two rushing touchdowns were added to by Chris Lynch, who broke a 7-7 tie with an eight yard run, followed by a three yard touchdown run by Marquis Posey, who finished the night with 116 yards on the ground. Pell City’s defense was relentless against Anniston quarterback Marrio Dobbins, who was hurried all night and dropped by four sacks in the first half.

This Week: Pell City (4-1) @ Cullman (3-3)

The Panthers will be going up against a stiff Cullman defense on the road this week. A deep linebacking corps, anchored by Garrett Cornelius, will be supported by a strong secondary, led by free safety Owen Lovell – an extraordinary athlete who will take away the deep threat with his 6’4” frame.

Offensively the Bearcats have a veteran offensive line and a great feature back in Ezra Burks. Their strongest position on offense is likely their receiving corps, which goes five deep. The Panthers’ secondary will be busy trying to track receivers Caden Winn and Dawson Drake, who have beaten opponents this year with their aerial attack.

Shelby Co. 25, Springville 22

Springville’s ground game and strong defensive play almost upended Shelby County’s homecoming, but the Wildcats eventually prevailed, beating the Tigers by three points in Columbiana last Friday.

The Tigers scored first in the first quarter when versatile running back, Jordan Byrd, took a direct snap and raced around the left end of Shelby County’s defensive line for a 23 yard score. An unfortunate touch off of a Tiger player during a Wildcat punt flipped the field for Shelby County, who would finish the drive with a Keyvontae Mayfield touchdown run. Later in the second quarter Mayfield scored another rushing touchdown to give the Wildcats a five point lead at halftime.

Springville regained the lead in the third quarter with a 56 yard touchdown reception by Peyton Weisskoph from quarterback Hunter Richardson.

After losing the lead, Springville regained it for the third time with a pass between Richardson and Byrd that gave Springville a 22-18 lead before the Tigers relinquished the lead at the end of the game.

This Week: Springville (1-4) @ Hayden (4-1)

Springville’s visit to Hayden will be a mighty challenge to their defense and passing offense because of one very special player. Duke University commit senior number 2, Leonard Johnson will be playing cornerback in the ACC, but against Springville he will also be Hayden’s most dangerous running back along with his duties on the defense. Johnson will likely be the most athletic and powerful player Springville will face all season. Joining Johnson in the backfield to complement their relentless running assault is senior number 10, Colton Shirley who has a bruiser’s approach to running the football.

Saks 37, Saint Clair Co. 0

The Saints surrendered their fourth consecutive game last Friday to a resurgent Saks program that struck St. Clair’s defense from all directions. The Saints defensive problems emanated from Saks quarterback Dee Bell, whose mixed attack of passing and running led to three Wildcats touchdowns. By spreading the ball around, Saks was able to open up the Saints defense, and their running attack poured it on in the second half, scoring four touchdowns by three different running backs in the defeat.

Saks’ defense had the Saints number on Friday, forcing several three-and-outs and two fourth down stops that dried up any offensive momentum.

This Week: St. Clair Co. (1-4) vs. Briarwood Christian (4-1)

Briarwood Christian’s victory last Friday over Mortimer Jordan proved to most that the Lions are the best team in 5A Region 5. Briarwood’s relentless air attack, disciplined defense and confidence under Coach Fred Yancey are back. The Lions are led by senior William Gray a dual-threat quarterback with a rifle arm and the dynamic running attack of sophomore J.R. Tran Reno and Barrett Tindall. Mixing up the offensive attack will be Gray’s favorite target in receiver Carson Eddy.

Briarwood’s defense has proved to be a strong unit, holding Wenonah and Mortimer Jordan (two teams with great offenses) to 14 points each. The Saints have a steep hill to climb this Friday – but it is an opportunity to see who will play a full 48 minutes and help turn the Saints fortunes around when the time is right.

John Carroll 13, Moody 7

Moody’s struggles on offense continued this week in Homewood against John Carroll, who registered their first victory of the season. The Cavalier’s executed a long pass over Moody’s defenders that set up a short run for their first score, and a punishing Cavaliers’ running attack set up their second touchdown, putting John Carroll up 13-0 in the first half. Blue Devils running back, Gabe Webb was moved around in the backfield to provide a spark, which paid off when a direct snap into Moody’s ‘wildcat’ offense produced a six yard touchdown for the Blue Devils, which would be the team’s only score. For more in-depth reporting on last week’s game, please read Willie Strickland’s coverage of Blue Devils’ football.

This Week: Moody (2-3) vs. Woodlawn (1-4)

Less than two weeks ago, very few people would have said that Woodlawn is nothing more than an easy blowout victory on the schedule and an opportunity to rest starters for the remaining season. Today is a different story from two weeks ago. Coming off of a bye week preceded by a dominant defensive performance and a victory over region rival St. Clair County, the Colonels are eager to turn the corner. Moody has had great offensive performances one week, only to be challenged to find a gear in the next week – and so it’s important for the Blue Devils to find that gear for homecoming week. Woodlawn’s best offensive weapon is number 8 wide receiver, Keyshun Parks, a versatile player who gets lined up in different positions and is a running and receiving threat.

Woodlawn’s strength lies in its defense. The Colonels have an outstanding two-shell in number 2 strong safety, Brandon Bryant and number 3 free safety, Keshawn Hampton. Woodlawn also has excellent pass pressure coming from number 42 defensive end, Rodney Phillips. The Colonels do not get beat over the top, and the team likes to grind out low-scoring affairs. The Blue Devils’ defense and ball security is the key for victory this week, and Moody has an excellent track record in low scoring games because it is a team that is coached to play the full 48 minutes.

Piedmont 29, Leeds 14

Top ranked 3A Piedmont got its revenge from its sole loss last season with a stellar performance by Piedmont quarterback Taylor Hayes and an opportunistic defense that defeated Leeds 29-14 at Piedmont last Friday.

Piedmont’s Hayes scored the first touchdown of the game, but then the Greenwave’s Jaylen Washington, starting at quarterback in place of Zach Roberts, opened Leeds’ scoring with a fantastic designed run that went 53 yards and through two Piedmont defenders and down to the one yard line before Gyderious Rogers punched in the touchdown to help Leeds take the lead at 7-6. Hayes responded for Piedmont with a touchdown run and a touchdown pass to T.J. Fairs to extend their lead to 22-7.

In the fourth quarter, Jaylen Washington found Jakobi Hunter in the end zone for a 16 yard touchdown pass to close Piedmont’s lead to 22-14, but a late touchdown by the Bulldogs put the game out of reach for the Greenwave.

This Week: Leeds (4-2) vs. Holtville (0-5)

Leeds fans should be hoping for a 2015 déjà vu moment this week – specifically how the Greenwave responded after stumbles in their schedule. Last year, Leeds took it on the chin early in the season, losing two of their first three games. After that stumble, Leeds ran off 12 consecutive victories, outscoring their opponents 553-53. Holtville is the perfect team to allow Leeds to repeat that history. After scoring 24 points in their opener against Marbury, Holtville has struggled offensively, scoring only 37 points total in its previous four games. Also – last year’s game against Holtville? Won by Leeds, 78-0.

Ohatchee 54, Ashville 20

Ohatchee running back Austin Tucker shredded Ashville’s defense for the second consecutive year, scoring five times and gaining nearly 250 of the team’s 450 offensive yards as the undefeated Indians convincingly dispatched the Bulldogs in a non-regional contest last week.

Tucker managed to gain 220 yards in the first half and scored four touchdowns before halftime as Ohatchee jumped out to a 41-7 lead by the end of the second quarter.

One of the bright spots for Ashville was the play of wideout Hunter Huckbay, who scored one of Ashville’s touchdowns in a direct snap zone-read from 12 yards out and later stopped an Ohatchee drive with an interception.

This Week: Ashville (2-3) @ Jacksonville (5-0)

Jacksonville, rested up after last week’s bye week, have been studying game film and preparing for Ashville for two weeks. Everything appears to be leaning in the Golden Eagles’ favor: home field advantage, a perfect record and an explosive team that scores nearly 40 points per game.

Jacksonville’s base offense appears to be Ace out of spread and utilize zone-read for their two great runners. Senior running back number 9, Niko Richmond is listed as 5’11” and 190 pounds – but he plays much bigger. His upright running style will remind the old-timers of Eric Dickerson’s gait. He is a tackle breaker and when he gets into open space defenders will need perfect technique to bring him down. Sharing time with Richmond in the backfield is senior number 24, Taye Ackles, who makes great cuts and creates his own space to make big gains.

Ragland 34, Tarrant 25

Ragland has zeroed in and perfected a great running package that produced great results last week on the road at Class 2A Tarrant. Fullback Dylan Lively produced consistently between the tackles, gobbling up hard, physical yards and creating holes for teammate, Jadon Killings. This has created one of the best inside/outside running combinations in 1A football. Killings took full advantage of Lively’s support, stringing together three touchdown runs on the night, a 35 yard toss left that streaked by the Ragland bench, a 43 yard explosion through Tarrant’s defensive line for Killings’ second score and the Purple Devils’ star third touchdown on a 38 yard end-around toss right. Killings also added a two point conversion to contribute to Ragland’s third win.

Victory Chr. 41, Coosa Chr. 14

Victory Christian’s star quarterback, Harrison Cheatwood had his best outing of the season, throwing all six touchdowns in the Lions’ convincing victory over Coosa on Friday.

Coosa’s defense had no answers for the Lions’ passing game, as Cheatwood would throw for 260 yards and complete three touchdowns passes to his favorite target Ethan Carlisle. Wide receiver David Smith had three touchdown receptions as well, including a spectacular 82 yard touchdown off an inside screen that allowed Smith to display his speed, and a great over-the-shoulder deep ball that resulted in a score from 35 yards out.

This Week: Ragland (3-3) @ Victory Christian (4-2)

Expect a county rivalry game with great matchups this week. Victory Christian will need to play physical interior defense to stop the combined running power of Dylan Lively and Jadon Killings. There is also the threat of Purple Devils’ quarterback Stoney Merritt burning the Lions’ defense with play action or quarterback keepers. Victory Christian’s offensive weapons are well known and will severely test Ragland’s secondary. This appears to be the most exciting matchup in the county this week.