PREP CAPSULES: Region play arrives in AHSAA with top-shelf tilts

STAFF REPORT

As important as the first two games of the season might be (particularly those of the rivalry persuasion), this week opens the games that matter most in the AHSAA.

Region play begins on Thursday and early indications provide just what teams from the River Region are up against.

Take the Robert E. Lee Generals who face Eufaula, fresh of its win over Central-Phenix City. Lee dropped down to Class 6A this year but may not be considered a favorite after watching the Tigers win last week. It makes this Thursday night tilt vital to Lee’s playoff picture, even if it is the first game in region play.

In Class 7A, Prattville will travel to Auburn in a battle of heavyweights. The Lions have looked good in their first two games but so have the Tigers. It sets up as a dandy.

Holtville and Elmore County will play their first games in 5A region play. The Bulldogs have been solid in their first two games while Elmore County could easily be undefeated.

One game was moved this week due to COVID-19. Alabama Christian and St. James were scheduled to face off but the Eagles were sidelined due to a positive test. The two will play on Sept. 25.

All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise

EUFAULA at R.E. LEE
Class 6A, Region 2

Thursday at Cramton Bowl

2020 Records: Eufaula (2-0), Lee (1-1)

Last meeting: First meeting

Last week: Eufaula def. Central-Phenix City, 38-36; Lee def. Jeff Davis, 19-14

Key Numbers: Rodarius “Rah Rah” Thomas caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with less than two minutes remaining to lift the Tigers to an upset of Central-Phenix City, their second-straight win over a Class 7A team dating back to last year… Reggie Davis broke a school record with 354 yards rushing and three touchdowns in Lee’s win over JD.

The skinny: Thanks to the upset, it’s doubtful Lee will take Eufaula for granted, not that the Generals would do that anyway. But Lee must play a “tighter” game than what it showed against the Vols a week ago. Lee was basically three touchdowns better even without much of a passing game. They have plenty of talent. Eufaula is becoming a juggernaut in Class 6A. It’s taken Ed Rigby a couple of years to get his team in this position but you can see it taking shape. This will be a good test for both. Lee will need to play inspired, moreso than what it showed last week. But that may not be enough. By the way, we are still not sure just how good the now 0-2 Red Devils are, but Eufaula’s win is enough to make them the pick in this one.

PREDICTION: Eufaula, 27-24

PRATTVILLE at AUBURN
Class 7A, Region 2

Friday at Duck-Sanford Stadium

2020 Records: Prattville (2-0), Auburn (2-0)

Last year: Auburn, 17-3
Series: Prattville leads, 18-16-2

Last week: Prattville defeated Stanhope Elmore, 16-10; Auburn def. Opelika, 37-10

Key Numbers: Auburn’s 27-point win over Opelika was the largest margin of victory over the Bulldogs since 1979. Albert Taggart had 118 yards on 12 carries in the win over Stanhope Elmore.

The skinny: The way these two teams have performed defensively so far, it will make scoring a premium in this all-important region opener. Prattville doesn’t need it but revenge will probably be on the minds of the players after a somewhat embarrassing loss last year. According to reports, Auburn forced seven Opelika turnovers with defensive back Carson Yancy owning three interceptions. But don’t expect the Lions to be so giving on Friday. EJ Ousely has been proficient in the passing game and the running back duo of Taggart and Keondre Powell have been solid. The Prattville defense looks like the Lions of old. This one has an aire of a playoff game. The Lions take the first step towards a region title.

PREDICTION: Prattville, 17-16

RUSSELL COUNTY at PARK CROSSING
Class 6A, Region 2

Friday Cramton Bowl

2020 Records: Russell Co (0-1), Park Crossing (1-1)

Last year: PCHS, 44-33
Series: PCHS leads, 6-0

Last week: Russell County and Park Crossing did not play. PCHS earned a forfeited win.

Key Numbers: Russell County has yet to play a game after losing its first game to COVID (Smiths Station). Park Crossing has won this matchup by an average of 36 points.

The skinny: Win or lose, both teams are just happy to get on the field. RCHS coach Mark Rose has been rather vocal about his feelings about playing – if it were up to him, they wouldn’t be on the field. PCHS coach LC Cole hinted the same feelings prior to the season. It’s understandable since both have dealt with the virus directly. Cole has been particularly miffed since he’s still trying to learn some of the names on his roster since he arrived back in late June. He has plenty of talent but he’s still trying to get it together. You can expect both teams to show some rust but the Thunderbirds should have enough to pull this one out.

PREDICTION: Park Crossing, 30-17

HOLTVILLE at ELMORE COUNTY
Class 5A, Region 4

Friday at Burt-Haynie Field, Eclectic

2020 Records: Holtville (2-0), ECHS (1-1)

Last year: Holtville, 35-14
Series: Elmore Co leads, 42-24-5

Last week: Holtville def. West Blocton, 30-12; Elmore County lost to Dadeville, 20-19

Key Numbers: Prattville QB E.J. Ousley had 240 yards passing and a TD pass in the win last week. Collin Rogers added three field goals of 44, 28 and 43 yards. Antonio Trone and D.J. McGhee scored TDs for the Mustangs in the loss.

The skinny: The Panthers were a two-point conversion away from starting 2-0. Holtville is 2-0 for the first time since 2002 although they opened ’09 with two wins but had to forfeit one of those. Both teams have shown flashes of improvement in two games. The Panthers needed playmakers and seem to have found a couple in Shawn Brackett and Braxton Potts. Ditto for ECHS who has a solid runner in Payton Stephenson.  The Panthers must protect the football after suffering three turnovers last week. They are at home but the Bulldogs get the nod.

PREDICTION: Holtville 16-14

KEY GAMES

G.W. Carver at Valley (6A/Region 2) – Despite the loss, Carver left a good impression last week. Enterprise is a solid team and will do well in Class 7A. Valley is off to a good start but look for the Wolverines to pull a slight upset. Carver, 21-17

Sidney Lanier at Opelika (6A/Region 2) – Opelika is still licking its wounds from last week’s loss to Auburn. Lanier had a week to prepare. Create a few turnovers and the Poets can win (Bulldogs had 7 last week). Alas… Opelika, 26-20

Benjamin Russell at Stanhope Elmore (6A/Region 3) – Ben Russell is the only team in the region to start without a win. Stanhope could have been 2-0, it was that close to the upset of Prattville. They finish the job this week. SE, 20-12.

Helena at Wetumpka (6A/Region 3) – Helena has the chops to knock off the Indians. Not this time. Wetumpka opens region play with an impressive win. Wetumpka, 33-15.

Dadeville at Catholic (3A/Region 4) – The Knights begin defense of last year’s region title (even if it’s in a different region). Catholic, 35-13.

Autaugaville at Notasulga (1A/Region 4) – First big test of the season for the Eagles. They pass, just barely. Autaugaville, 23-21.

THE REST

Montgomery Academy over Hale County, 24-20; Trinity over Goshen, 23-12; Pike Road over Carroll, 45-7; Marbury over Selma, 35-8; Thomasville over Prattville Christian, 27-17; Billingsley over Loachapoka, 30-20; Edgewood over Banks, 34-28; Pike Liberal over Hooper, 21-20; Lowndes Aca over Abbeville Christian, 29-14; Macon East over Southland Academy (Ga.), 33-13.

BYE: Alabama Christian; St. James (game postponed to Sept. 25); Jeff Davis; Macon East; Tallassee; Autauga Academy

RECORD: Last week 16-3; Season 29-5 (.853)