PREP CAPSULES: MA-Catholic great way to cap year in capsules
STAFF REPORT
Our final Capsule is a great one.
Having two teams from the area face off in the semifinals of any classification is quite special. Who knows if it happens again.
So, we embrace the moment and look for a great game at McLemore Field.
It is a shame that more folks can’t see it. But that’s the cry for a lot of events this year. We all know why.
The winner of Montgomery Academy-Catholic will face the winner of another classic matchup between two state champions. Fyffe and Piedmont have spent many December dates at the Super 7, winning eight times. It’s remarkable the two will face off for the north bracket title.
It also means the winner in Montgomery will have a difficult task next week if only due to the experience of the opponent.
It should be a great night across the state with several other big games. Mountain Brook hasn’t been this far in the playoffs since 2002 when Joey Jones was at the helm. Ditto for Gordo, which hasn’t won a title since 2002.
Brantley and Linden is a matchup in Class 1A that harkens back to the days when the Bulldogs were routing teams on a weekly basis.
It’s truly the best night of high school football every year. It’s better this year because the city of Montgomery is a part of it.
CATHOLIC at MONTGOMERY ACADEMY
Class 3A Semifinal Round
Friday at McLemore Field (7 p.m.)
2020 Records: MA (13-0, R3 1 seed), Catholic (11-2, R4 1 seed)
Previous meetings: Sept. 25 – MA, 31-21 (Series: MA leads, 30-13-1)
Latest Semifinal Round appearance: MA 2002 (Lost to TR Miller); Catholic 1989 (Lost to Georgiana)
Last week: Catholic def Thomasville, 25-15; MA def. Trinity, 42-21
Next week: Winner reaches Class 3A finals vs. either Piedmont or Fyffe (Dec. 3, 10 a.m.)
Key Stats: In the first meeting, MA jumped out to a 22-8 lead at halftime but held off the Knights late. Catholic suffered three interceptions in the loss.
The Skinny: Pretty much everything that can be said about this game can be found in one of many stories provided by River Region Sports this week. There is a certain uniqueness about this one for several reasons. Obviously, the biggest has to do with the fact that it’s the first time two CCC teams have reached the semifinals. Maybe that’s a surprise but considering the coaching and the talent, it shouldn’t be. Catholic coach Aubrey Blackwell says his team is different heading into this one. That’s true and is so for most teams that are playing on Thanksgiving weekend. Robert Johnson’s team has improved, as well. Consider where this group was when they played back in September, still trying to grasp a new offense. No doubt, the Eagles have, considering they average 32 points in the last five games, three of which are in the playoffs. Catholic may have the advantage at the skills positions. Quarterback is a wash in that both – Britton Kohn of MA and Caleb McCreary of Catholic – are prodigious at their craft. The line of scrimmage may have a small tilt towards MA but not enough to call it a significant advantage. So, what gives? Rain may be a factor. But to who’s advantage? Difficult call but we have to make one. No, a coin wasn’t flip but it’s a worthy thought. Eagles get a very, very slight nod.
PREDICTION: Montgomery Academy, 28-27
KEY GAMES
1A: Brantley at Linden – A pair of undefeated teams, Linden is in the semis for the fourth time in six years. Brantley hasn’t been this far since 2013. The Bulldogs average more than 51 points per game (they have one forfeit win). They have played a tougher schedule. May not mean enough to pick them but…. BRANTLEY, 40-21
3A: Piedmont at Fyffe (winner faces MA/Catholic winner) – Eight championships between these two programs. Both won the title in their respective class a year ago (Piedmont – 3A/ Fyffe – 2A). The two have one common opponent – Ohatchee. Piedmont lost, 20-15 while Fyffe beat the Indians last week, 26-7. This is also Fyffe’s first year at the 2A level. Which of those points matter most? That’s a toss up, but we’ll go with Fyffe. FYFFE, 26-24
THE REST
6A: Saraland over Spanish Fort, 31-30; Pinson Valley over Mountain Brook, 26-21; 5A: St. Paul’s over Faith Academy, 32-28; Ramsay over Pleasant Grove, 35-24; 4A: American Christian over Handley, 23-21; Gordo over Etowah, 20-13; 2A: Leroy over Abbeville, 29-18; Mars Hill over Spring Garden, 41-20; 1A: Pickens Co over Berry, 27-21.
RECORD: Last week 10-5; Season 227-63 (.783)