PREP CAPSULES (Week 5): Midseason report cards are due
STAFF REPORT
While there is no actual “mid-season” to high school football (since some start a week earlier than others), it’s still a good time to see where many of the teams are at this point. While there will be no grades listed, it’s somewhat easy to break down who might be living up to expectations or who might not be.
It’s a hard sell at times to look at some of the programs and figure they are living up to expectations. But some are. That number includes Catholic and St. James, both which are expected to figure in the championship battle in their respective classifications.
The same is true for the likes of Lowndes Academy, which hasn’t given up a point in five games. The Rebels are two-time champions and look to be in position to make it three in a row in November.
A surprise or two might include Trinity, which heads into Friday’s game against Marbury undefeated. The Wildcats program went through a major coaching change prior to the season but has rebound with a perfect start at 5-0.
Elmore County turned its fortunes around last year, reaching the playoffs for the first. time since 2011. The Panthers are looking to follow suit with another playoff bid and hopes are to finish at least second in the region.
Both Pike Road and G.W. Carver are in position to earn a second-straight region title but has their season-finale against one another looming.
While the record isn’t perfect, Hooper Academy has shown signs of improvement after finishing .500 or below every year since 2017.
There is disappointment in a few programs, at least to this point. Prattville is not used to a 1-3 start but that’s where the Lions are. Same is true for the likes of Tallassee, Macon East and Edgewood Academy, which are struggling so far this season.
Same for the majority of City teams in Montgomery. Along with Carver, SIdney Lanier has shown signs it could be a force come playoff time - but the Poets need to win a couple before they can make those plans. Meanwhile Julian and JAG are looking for wins while Park Crossing got off to a good start but has lost the last three.
Most games are out of region play this week. But keep an eye on Catholic’s visit to Demopolis. Both teams will have a say in their respective playoff brackets.
WEEK 5
All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
STANHOPE ELMORE (6A) at PRATTVILLE (7A)
Friday at Stanley-Jenson Stadium
2023 Records: SE (2-2, 1-1 6A/R2), Prattville (1-3, 1-3 7A/R2)
Last week: G.W. Carver def. Stanhope, 20-6; Opelika def. Prattville, 38-13
Last year: Prattville, 49-10
Series: Prattville leads, 31-11-1
Key Numbers: Prattville kicker Reid Montgomery was the bright spot on an otherwise disappointing night with two field goals in the loss to Opelika… Stanhope suffered three turnovers which led to scores in the loss to Carver.
The skinny: Often coaches talk about playing for pride. This game has that hanging over its head. Neither team has a lot to brag about after the first four games. At the moment, it’s too early to tell if the playoff hopes for either one are dashed. Chances are both will need some help to get to the postseason. Normally a rivalry can eliminate issues and - maybe - chase away a few problems with a “feel good” victory. Both could use it. The Lions are, seemingly, heading toward their worst finish since 1988 when they were 2-9 (yes, believe it or not they made the playoffs with a 1-9 record - thank you for region play). While not guaranteed, wins over JAG and P. Julian are expected but the other games are iffy at best. Stanhope’s remaining schedule features one or two games that should be winnable and the playoffs are still in play but a win this week would be a good start. It’s difficult to figure out which team has the advantage since both have suffered too many mistakes that led to losses. Consistency has been lacking. No, the season doesn’t tilt one way or the other with a win but it has to mean something. Prattville gets the edge due to being at home but nothing in this game is certain.
PREDICTION: Prattville 27-24
CATHOLIC (4A) at DEMOPOLIS (5A)
Friday at Stanley-Jenson Stadium
2023 Records: Catholic (5-0, 3-0 4A/R2), Demopolis (3-1, 2-0 5A/R3)
Last week: Catholic def. Geneva , 49-0; Demopolis did not play
Series: First meeting
Key Numbers: The Catholic defense has pitched three shut outs in the first five games, which is a similar pace to last year when it recorded five…. Catholic hasn’t lost a non-region game outside of teams from the River Region since 2018 when it lost to Beauregard (29-28).
The skinny: It’s a long trip to the western part of the state and Catholic is about to make it on Friday to face a pretty decent test in Demopolis, which has been a mainstay in the 5A playoffs every year since 1996. The Tigers have had their share of big name coaches. The list reads like a Hall of Fame group with the likes of Stacy Luker, Tom Causey and now Lance Tucker leading the charge. The program won a state championship in 2009 and reached the semis in 2017. They’ve had double digit wins in four of the last six seasons. But Catholic has numbers, too. The latest version seems to be on the same level as the previous four, having won 12 or more games in each. The question for this season, leading up to this game - how much have the Knights been tested. Demopolis’ lone loss came to Jackson, a perennial powerhouse. Catholic has a shut out against 6A McGill-Toolen, but the jury is still out on how good the Yellow Jackets might be. There will be plenty of talent on the field Friday, but none more so than quarterback Caleb McCreary, who will be the difference in this one.
PREDICTION: Catholic, 35-14
ALABAMA CHRISTIAN (3A) at MONTGOMERY ACADEMY (4A)
Friday at McLemore Field
2023 Records: ACA (2-2, 1-1 3A/R3), MA (2-3, 2-1 4A/R2)
Last week: ACA def. Sumter Central , 49-18; MA lost to Andalusia, 63-19
Last year: ACA won, 33-27
Series: MA leads, 33-7
Key Numbers: ACA’s AC Walters rushed for 222 yards and three TDs in last week’s win... Andalusia had four different running backs record 50 or more yards rushing against MA. None of those were Auburn commit J’Marrion Burnette.
The skinny: Most figured these two teams would struggle this season based on the changes for each of the programs in the summer. ACA lost almost everybody and had to rebuild. MA lost its coach, Robert Johnson. It’s hard to tell at this point if either one has overcome any barriers to get where they are. The ACA Eagles have floundered offensively against the better teams. MA’s problems have been on defense where it has allowed an average of 49 points in its three losses. Tradition would lead one to think MA has the advantage, having won 33 of 40 contests. But ACA has won the last two meetings and three of the last four. Under most circumstances, the home team usually has the edge in a rivalry game but ACA “seems” to be playing a little better and gets the nod in this one.
PREDICTION: Alabama Christian, 26-21
KEY GAMES
G.W. Carver (6A) vs. P. Julian (Lee) (7A) - Carver has given up a touchdown or less in the last four games. Julian has scored an average of nine points in the last three games. Those numbers don’t compute well for the Phoenix. CARVER, 25-7
Selma (5A) at Park Crossing (6A) (Thursday) - After a 2-0 start, the Thunderbirds are reeling, losing the last three. Selma has been reeling since the AHSAA Kickoff Classic, still looking for its first win. T’Birds should have enough to win for a third time, which would be the most wins on the field since 2019. PCHS, 35-21.
Wetumpka (6A) at Greenville (5A) - The Indians have won two straight while Greenville broke a three-game losing streak last Friday. Indians should get a victory on the road. WETUMPKA, 34-12.
Charles Henderson (5A) at St. James (3A) - Another physical test for the Trojans. Like the game with Handley, this is a gut-check for the future. Trojans will learn from another loss to a bigger schools. CH. HENDERSON, 24-13.
Marbury (5A) at Trinity (3A) - The Wildcats are unbeaten and looking to prep for the eventual showdown with St. James in three weeks. The next two games should be good for their confidence. TPS, 45-14.
Chilton County (5A) at Tallassee (5A) - The Tigers found its offense against hapless Marbury last week. The 50 points were the most scored since 2020. Chilton County is a better opponent but J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium should work in Tallassee’s favor. TALLASSEE, 35-30.
Lee-Scott at Autauga Academy (AAA) - Both teams have been scoring points in bushels. One of those “team with the last possession wins” type game. Generals get the home-field advantage in a key region game (of course, they are all region games in AAA). AA, 40-34.
THE REST
Sidney Lanier over Jasper, 35-20; Elmore County over St. Clair Co., 40-15; Holtville over West Blocton, 30-21; PCA over Beulah, 25-21; Isabella over Billingsley, 45-13; Edgewood Aca over Banks Aca, 29-21; Lowndes Aca over Clarke Prep, 31-6; Glenwood over Valiant Cross, 50-21; Crenshaw Christian over Macon East, 35-14; Evangel Christian over Coosa Valley , 37-0.
OPEN: JAG (Jeff Davis) ; Pike Road; Autaugaville
RECORD: Last week 15-3; Season 77-15 (.754)