PREP CAPSULES (Week 4): River Region 7A teams in a danger zone
STAFF REPORT
Don’t look now, but something might be happening that has never happened in the upper classifications of high school football in the River Region.
Since the AHSAA went to six classes in 1984, at least one team has made the playoffs among the city schools and those in Autauga and Elmore Counties during that span.
Unless we see a turnaround among Prattville, R.E. Lee or Jeff Davis, that streak might end this season.
Prattville’s loss to Dothan put the Lions in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Lee is back in 7A this year and has yet to dent the win column. Jeff Davis has a win but not in region play.
In fact, all three are winless in Class 7A, Region 2, the only ones with that signature.
All three will need a hot streak to turn that stat around.
It’s too early to start putting the puzzle together but the nine-team region will make it difficult to climb out of the bottom for all three.
Nothing is for certain. And yes, we have yet to reach the mid point of the season, at least on the calendar. But somebody needs to get hot in a hurry.
All three have difficult tests this week with Lee playing host to Auburn on Thursday; Prattville is at home against Opelika on Friday and Jeff Davis is at home on Saturday to face Central-Phenix City.
Week 4
All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise
G.W. CARVER at STANHOPE ELMORE (6A-R2)
Friday at Foshee-Henderson Stadium
2022 Records: Carver (3-0, 2-0), SE (1-2, 1-0)
Last week: Carver def. Russell Co, 40-14; Stanhope Elmore did not play
Last meeting: 2017: Carver, 39-7 Series: Carver leads, 8-5
Key stats: Carver’s defense is allowing just nine points per game. SE is allowing 21 points per game.
The skinny: Did the Mustangs solve their offensive problems last week? If scoring 45 points is proof, the answer would be ‘yes.’ But the opponent must be taken into consideration. It still bodes well to have a game under your belt where you were able to put up numbers more inline with expectations. The problem is the next opponent isn’t giving up much. Carver’s defense has been close to stellar this season. Led by the bookends, Qua Russaw and James Smith, they continue to have dominant seasons. Add that to the newfound offensive juggernaut that is still getting legs under itself and it makes the Wolverines a force. Are they the team to beat in the region? Friday might go a long way to answering that question. A win might not seal anything but it brings us closer to the answer. .
PREDICTION: Carver, 27-18
PARK CROSSING. vs. SIDNEY LANIER (6A-R2)
Friday at Cramton Bowl
2022 Records: PCHS (0-3, 0-2); Lanier (1-2, 0-1)
Last week: Pike Road def. Lanier, 35-21; Wetumpka def. Park Crossing, 27-8
Last year: Lanier, 43-0 (win later forfeited)
Series: Park Crossing, 6-2
Key Numbers: Tacaris Bozeman finished with200 all-purpose yards in Lanier’s loss to Pike Road; Solomon Beebe had the lone touchdown for the Thunderbirds last week.
The skinny: Two teams looking for a readjustment Friday. Lanier looked solid in the opener. Park Crossing is still looking for its game legs since the season began. It’s never easy when new coaches are involved. Both are in that category. But this is the fourth game for each and there should be some idea of what these teams have. We know about Bozeman. Park Crossing has its share of talent. But getting it on the same page is not as easy as it sounds and neither squad seems to be there, yet. Lanier has an advantage with the star running back and that should be enough in what might be a low-scoring affair.
PREDICTION: Lanier, 21-14
ANDALUSIA at MONTGOMERY ACADEMY (4A-R2)
Friday McLemore Field
2022 Records: Andalusia (4-0, 2-0), MA (3-1, 2-0)
Last week: Andalusia def. Bullock Co, 50-9; MA def. Dale Co, 30-13
Last meeting: First meeting
Key Stats: Jashawn Cooper had 120 yards and three touchdowns rushing in the win over Dale County.
The skinny: If it sounds odd that these programs have never met, it must be pointed out that the size of the two schools have never brought them together, playoffs of otherwise. Andalusia has hung around the 4A-5A level for the majority of time MA has been in existence. MA has never been higher than 3A until this year. In some ways, this has the “mismatch” feeling due to that fact that Andalusia played Pike Road in the Class 5A semifinals a year ago. MA played in the 3A championship game. Here they are meeting in a 4A regional game. It’s the way the system is set up. MA is penalized for success while Andalusia loses a few students and drops down a classification. By the way, the Bulldogs are very good, averaging 42 points per game offensively. Their top offensive threat, running back Jamarion Burnett, was first-team All-State a year ago and already has nearly 400 yards rushing this season. With Cooper and Co., MA has enough talent to play with Andalusia but asking for a win is too much.
PREDICTION: Andy, 28-11
PIKE ROAD (6A) at EUFAULA (5A)
Friday at Tiger Stadium
2022 Records: Pike Road (2-2, 2-0), Eufaula (4-0. 2-0)
Last week: Pike Road def. Sidney Lanier, 35-21; Eufaula def. Greenville, 43-7
Last meeting: First meeting
Key Numbers: Running back Anthony Rogers continues to impress with 197 yards and three TDs including 79 yards for a score in the win over Lanier.
The skinny: How much chop licking is going on this week in Eufaula with the former coaching heading their way this weekend? Ed Rigby spent four years leading the Tigers program to playoff berths at the 6A level each year. Eufaula is back at 5A this year and should be considered one of the favorites to win it all under new coach and former Eufaula star Jerrell Jernigan, thanks in part to the return of 22 seniors. They also have two of the top linemen in the state in defensive end Yhoneaz Pierre and offensive tackle Patrick Screws and a top receiver in RaRa Thomas. Pike Road can counter with their own set of college recruits but the issue for the Patriots this season has been consistency. There hasn’t been much and against top competition that has been their downfall. The Tigers are laying in wait for this one and should have enough to win at home.
PREDICTION: Eufaula, 35-28
KEY GAMES
Auburn at R.E. Lee (7A-R2) (Thursday) -At the moment, Auburn looks to be the class of the region and maybe the state in 7A. Lee is no match in their current state… Auburn, 48-12.
Central-Phenix City at Jeff Davis (7A-R2) (Saturday) – The Red Devils got bit by the upset bug last week to Opelika. Not good news for the Vols… Central, 38-6
Opelika at Prattville (7A-R2) - After the loss to Dothan, Prattville is in “must win” phase the rest of the way. It would be a great start on the path back but it’s asking too much considering the offensive woes the Lions have suffered. Opelika, 21-16.
Southside-Selma at St. James (3A-R2) - Southside has shown promise this season but so has St. James. Trojans win at home. STJ, 32-15.
Marbury (5A-R3) at Tallassee (5A-R2) – Two squads looking to right the ship. Tallassee is at home so the Tigers get the nod. Tallassee, 18-10.
Billingsley at Autaugaville (1A-R4) – Might be a tad early to talk playoffs but this one might have implications when all is said and done. Home team gets a slight edge… Autaugaville, 22-20.
Edgewood Aca (AA) at Lowndes Aca (A) - This one is usually fun to watch. Edgewood got on the winning track last week. Lowndes has been on it since the opening season loss. Rebels find just enough offense to win. Lowndes, 23-20.
THE REST
Wetumpka over Russell County, 30-20; Catholic over Geneva, 55-10; Trinity over Sylacauga, 43-13; Alabama Christian over Sumter Central, 45-12; PCA over Greensboro, 21-12; Autauga Aca over Valiant Cross, 23-13; Hooper Aca over Snook, 24-20; Evangel Christian over Meadowview Christian, 21-6.
OPEN: Elmore County; Holtville; Macon East
RECORD: Last week 14-5; Season 55-22 (.714)