Last Week: Oxford 37, Pell City 3

This Week: Pell City (5-3) @ Fort Payne (0-8)

Southside-Gadsden’s loss last Friday secured Pell City’s position in the AHSAA postseason in November. One question remains, will the Panthers be able to separate themselves from the crowded field sitting behind Oxford and have a chance to host a first round game at Pete Rich Stadium.

Fort Payne has struggled all season with injuries, turnovers and a lack of production. Offensively they muster an adequate running game behind fullback J.C. Groat, and defensively they have veteran leadership with the talented senior Jace Atwood leading from middle linebacker. Fortunately for the Panthers, this year’s Wildcats are thin on depth and talent and shouldn’t give Pell City too much trouble.

Last Week: Saint Clair Co. 39, Moody 35

This Week: Moody (2-6) @ Fairfield (5-3)

Now that the playoff spots in 5A Region 5 are locked in, Fairfield may rest some of their starters to save them for November. This may give Moody, and their fiercely competitive defense, an opportunity to get their third victory of the season. To do that, the Blue Devils defense must compete against Fairfield’s formidable offensive attack for at least one-half of the game. The Tigers have a one-two punch in the backfield with senior running back number four, Valandin (Tez) Spencer and senior quarterback, number 14 Demetrius Buford, who is a running threat. Fairfield also features the tall and athletic pairing of 6’3” quarterback, number 15 Christian Smith, whose most dangerous target, at 6 feet 5 inches, is number three Jalen Copeland, who can sprint behind smaller defenders and control the high point of any jump ball throws.

This Week: St. Clair Co. (2-6) vs. Wenonah (6-2)

The Saints, who have had deal with mid-season injuries of key players on their roster, face a red-hot Wenonah team coming in with a three game winning streak and hopes for a deep drive into the playoffs. Wenonah has an exciting offensive attack led by a two-quarterback system in sophomore number 15 Cornelious Brown – an athletic quarterback with sprinter’s speed – and junior, number 3 Carlos Rodgers, who has a strong arm and can throw the ball all over the field. Their favorite target is number 12 Demond Brown, the senior wide receiver who has confounded defensive backs for the past three years. Grayson Beatty and the other offensive stars for the Saints should be prepared for a disciplined and physical Dragons’ defense, which leads the region in points surrendered this year. St. Clair’s passing attack will come under danger from senior cornerbacks number five, J.D. Redwine and number two, Telvin Miller, who are excellent man-on-man defenders. The Saints rushing attack, which roared to life last week, will have to overcome the outstanding linebacker senior, number 58 Giovanni Williams, who is backed up by the Dragons’ rising star on defense, junior free safety, number one Henry Hudson.

Last Week: Corner 34, Springville 24

This Week: Springville (1-7) @ Fairview (3-5)

Coming into this Friday’s matchup, Fairview and Springville have been eliminated from playoff contention, so this is a game for pride. Springville’s defense will be tested by a talented offensive attack. Senior quarterback number seven, Ragan Ashley lines up with senior running back number five, Logan Brooks in an attack similar to the Richardson/Byrd backfield of Springville delivers on game night. Ashley has a solid, accurate arm – and his favorite target is another senior, number 24 slotback Sambo Woods.

Defensively it has been a rebuilding struggle for Fairview, with only four starters returning this season. It has to lead to inconsistent defensive plays and a spate of injuries further depleting the Aggies. Springville’s offense should be able to gain yards and points on Fairview. A few defensive standouts like junior strong safety, Scoot Bennet and defensive mainstays, Austin Harris and Caleb Chambers are there to shore up some holes, but this is a team Springville can gash through and score on.

Last Week: Tallassee 26, Leeds 13

This Week: Leeds (6-3) @ Munford (6-2)

Going into its regular season finale the Leeds Greenwave have already secured a playoff spot in 4A Region 3, unfortunately Leeds will need a victory this week and some help to host a first round playoff game – something they have done every year since 2012.

Munford easily handled Childersburg last week but struggled in a 24-13 loss against Handley two weeks ago. The Lions have shown a vulnerability when going up against strong rushing defenses, and that is what Leeds will need to dial up to get this win. Leeds can go a long way if they can find a way through Munford’s imposing front line, led by senior center number 70, Jakari Robinson and bottle up the Lions’ outstanding tailback in Junior number 1, Tacorrie Russell – a great running and receiving back.

Last Week: Cherokee Co. 57, Ashville 22

This Week: Ashville (2-6) @ White Plains (0-8)

Ashville is in a great position to match its total wins from the 2015 season when they travel to winless White Plains this week. White Plains is last in the region in both points scored (60) and points by opponents (265). King, Cornutt, Huckbay and friends have more than enough offensive firepower to overwhelm the Wildcats.

White Plains’ cupboard is not bare, though. Running backs James Elrod and Charles Huey were able to generate offense last week for the struggling Wildcats offense, with Elrod finishing with over 100 yards on the ground and both backs scoring touchdowns. Ashville can contain a running attack, and White Plains cannot generate much of a passing threat. Ashville should stack the box on defense and force the Wildcats to move the ball through the air.

Last Week: Ragland 55, Donoho 31

This Week: Ragland (6-3) @ Appalachian (4-5)

The Purple Devils come into this final regional matchup red-hot enjoying a four game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Appalachian win/loss columns are very deceiving. All four of their victories came against non-regional opponents, three of which are tiny Christian academies with long-term struggling football programs. All five losses were in Region 4, and all but one loss were convincing defeats.

Appalachian does have a couple of good offensive skill players, however. Senior Trey Calvert has started for Appalachian for three years, and is looking to close his senior season with a strong finish. Alex Bynum is a junior wide receiver with great hands and solid route running discipline. The Eagles are Ragland’s rival, but this year, the Purple Devils have too much firepower and should be able to handle Appalachian with confidence.

Last Week: Victory Christian (idle)

This Week: Victory Christian (4-4) @ Winterboro (5-3)

Victory Christian’s hopes for a playoff run begins Friday. A win over Winterboro puts the Lions in a three-way tie for the third and fourth playoff seedings in 1A Region 4. The Bulldogs quarterback number 14, Clay Twymon lines up in Winterboro’s base offense in shotgun with split backs. The running game for Winterboro is zone-read or designed quarterback runs by Twymon. When they pass the Bulldogs like to go ace or empty in the backfield with four receivers to take advantage of Twymon’s strong arm to go long and his mobility to outmaneuver a three man rush. This type of attack could be a real headache for Victory Christian’s defense, who has struggled against versatile offenses like Winterboro’s. The Lions strength over the past two seasons has been their passing game and open-field running on offense, but this week Victory Christian’s defense needs to bring their ‘A’ game for four quarters to secure a playoff spot.