PREP CAPSULES (Week 3): First three weeks provide more questions than answers
STAFF REPORT
The first region games are in the books. Maybe there were a few surprises but basically, little is known among the River Region as we head into Week 4.
While it’s just one game, and it might be too early to tell, the top teams seem to be lining up for a run at a region title. Montgomery Academy took the first big game with a win over Houston Academy last week. Those two are expected to be the teams to beat in Class 3A, Region 2. Trinity and Alabama Christian can make a statement this week when the two face off at Trinity.
The biggest jigsaw puzzle may be Class 6A, Region 2 where more than half the teams have a key win. Percy Julian was in survival mode with. the win over Stanhope Elmore while Pike Road got an important victory over 6A newcomer Rehobeth.
Several games will add to the equation this week. One includes the Patriots, who face Wetumpka while Julian is home to face upstart Russell County on Thursday at Cramton Bowl.
Carver leaves the friendly confines of the Bowl this week to face Smiths Station while Prattville is home, sort of, to face Tuscaloosa County. The game will be played in Wetumpka.
An early key test awaits Edgewood Academy with Chambers Academy and Lowndes and Hooper renew their storied rivalry.
Week 3
All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise
WETUMPKA AT PIKE ROAD (6A-REGION 2)
Thursday at Pike Road Stadium
2024 Records: Wetumpka (1-2, 0-1), Pike Road (1-2, 1-0)
Last week: Wetumpka lost to Russell Co, 21-17 ; Pike Road def. Rehobeth, 40-19
Series: PIke Road, 3-2
Last year: Pike Road, 41-18
Key Numbers: The Rebels scored three times in the fourth quarter last week.. Wetumpka led twice in last week’s game against Russell County but couldn’t hold the lead.
The skinny: The high school football world is trying to figure out who the best team is in this region. Prior to the start of region play, the odds-on favorite was Pike Road, after their impressive 2023 season. But the Patriots have not lived up to expectations, at least to some degree. The rest of the league is searching for an identity as the second week of region play arrives. Wetumpka has been its own enigma. After a struggle (but a win) against Beauregard, they lost two games to teams the Indians would normally defeat in the past. But this looks like the season where nothing is for certain which Includes this game. Neither one has shown any consistency on either side of the ball. Pike Road has played the more difficult schedule to this point, although it’s hard to tell just how good Rehobeth might be. But that fact is enough to pick the Patriots to win a close one.
PREDICTION: Pike Road, 26-20
ALABAMA CHRISTIAN AT TRINITY (3A-REGION 2)
Friday at Ragsdale-Boykin Field
2024 Records: Trinity (2-1, 1-0), ACA (2-1, 1-0)
Last week: Trinity def. Prattville Christian 49-0; ACA def. Northside Methodist, 56-7
Series: Trinity leads, 30-7
Last year: TPS 38-6
Key Numbers: Trinity scored all of its points in the first half of last week’s win over PCA… ACA’s 56 points last week were the most by the program since 2022 when the Eagles scored 63 points in the first round of the 3A playoffs against Randolph County.
The skinny: It seems as though both of these teams got well offensively last week with each scoring a season-high points. Prior to last week, there were concerns about both, and it might be premature to think all is well now for these two. Fact is ACA was expected to have a pretty good offense but didn’t quite live up to the hype until last week. Trinity returned plenty of bulk up front but was looking for a spark in the backfield. They finally got it going last week, jumping all over PCA in the first few minutes and opening up a big lead. If preseason suggestions are correct, Trinity should win this one, just based on size alone. But don’t be surprised if the Eagles provide enough fight to take this one deep into the fourth quarter before falling.
PREDICTION: Trinity, 28-24
RUSSELL COUNTY AT P. JULIAN (6A-REGION 2)
Thursday at Cramton Bowl
2024 Records: RCHS (2-1, 1-0), Julian (2-1, 1-0)
Last week: Russell Co def. Wetumpka, 21-17; Julian def. Stanhope Elmore, 22-20
Series: First meeting
Key Stats: Julian scored the go-ahead touchdown with 46 seconds remaining to beat the Mustangs last week.
The skinny: As stated earlier, it’s hard to figure these two as part of a bigger picture in the region. Early in the race, it’s anybody’s to take, meaning these September games are vital. Julian has been a bit of a surprise with a new coach in Kenneth White. But the stability at quarterback in Bryson McGrew and a veteran roster has worked, at least so far. Russell County also has a veteran quarterback in Bryson Riggins, who was All-region a year ago. There have been plenty of inconsistencies with both teams but that shouldn’t hinder either team. While this isn’t a “must win,” it probably means a little more to the Phoenix since it’s a home game. They will get the slightest of nods but don’t be surprised if this one has a similar ending as last week.
PREDICTION: Julian, 25-21
KEY GAMES
Carve at Smiths Station (7A-R2) - The Wolverines are off to a perfect start, something that hasn’t happened in a couple of years. Smiths Station is perfect, too, as in 0-3 to start the season. This one should be a cakewalk for the visitors. . CARVER, 49-12.
Tuscaloosa Co. at Prattville ( at Wetumpka; 7A-R3) – The Lions have looked good to start the year, a perfect start at that. Tuscaloosa County will make it four straight to keep Prattville perfect. Prattville, 35-20
Stanhope Elmore at Park Crossing (6A-R2) – Both teams are in need of a win in a very big way. The Mustangs have come closer than the Thunderbirds and was in position to win last week before the attempt at a winning field goal was blocked. Chances are good they won’t need a late field goal to win on Friday. SE, 30-13.
Tallassee at BT Washington ( 4A-R3) – Don’t know how much emotion will be invoived in this game with LA O’Neal visiting his former team. The Golden Eagles would like nothing better than the their former coach. But Tallassee is starting to show why he was the right hire. This one is close but the Tigers win late.. Tallassee, 28-23.
Handley at St. James (3A-R2) - St. James found enough offense to knock off Bullock County. Handley will be much better on offense and that will be the difference. Handley, 20-7.
Holtville at Elmore County (5A-R4) - The Panthers have allowed just 14 points in two games. Holtville got its first region win last week. A rivalry that will come down to turnovers. Elmore Co, 23-13.
Autaugaville at Autauga Academy (1A-R4) - The Generals are off to a perfect start. Autaugaville has enjoyed a nice turnaround since the opener. Should be close in what Eagles’ players are deeming “a big rivalry game.” Autauga Ac, 30-21.
Edgewood Academy at Chambers Academy (Class AAA, R1) - Tough task for the Wildcats, facing a defending champion. With an open week, they had two weeks to prepare but it might not be enough. Chambers Aca, 35-22.
THE REST
Opelika over JAG, 34-7; Catholic over Pensacola Catholic, 34-13; Verbena over Billingsley, 23-14; PCA over Northside Methodist, 25-13; Central-Clay Co over Marbury, 34-16; Lowndes Aca over Hooper Aca, 45-21; Banks Aca over Valiant Cross, 34-13; Macon East over Meadowview, 37-21; Evangel Christian over Southern Prep, 28-21.
OPEN: None
RECORD: Last week 12-6; Season 35-19 (.648)