PREP CAPSULES (Week 7): TPS-STJ, Carver-Wetumpka take center stage
STAFF REPORT
On a typical Friday, we have at least one key game regarding region play on the docket.
This week we have at least two and maybe more, which is contingent on several outcomes.
Yes, one of those key games is on Thursday - Wetumpka at G.W. Carver - but a lot is up for grabs this week.
Start with St. James and Trinity, two huge rivals set up to all but decide the Class 3A, Region 3 race. This is the same situation as last year when the Trojans won and moved on to win the Class 3A state championship. Trinity is undefeated and looking for its first region title since 2013. St. James has been strong again. The Trojans are at home for this one.
Carver and Wetumpka meet at Cramton Bowl with plenty of playoff implications. The Wolverines are perfect in region play while Wetumpka has just one loss. The Indians have won three straight and have found the offense. The Wolverines have been solid defensively all season. Something’s gotta give.
Other key games have ACA visiting Prattville Christian; Elmore County visiting Beauregard and Autauga Academy making a trip to Glenwood in AISA.
WEEK 7
All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
WETUMPKA at G.W. CARVER
CLASS 6A REGION 2
Thursday at Cramton Bowl
2023 Records: Carver (5-2, 3-0), Wetumpka (4-3, 3-1)
Last week: Wetumpka def. Stanhope, 56-42; Carver def. Cedar Grove Ga., 13-9
Last year: Carver won , 33-13
Series: Wetumpka leads, 6-4
Key Numbers: Carver QB Terrell Russell overcame two INTs throwing for 205 yards and a touchdown in the Wolverines’ road win last week… Wetumpka QB Nate Rogers had a five-touchdown (passing/rushing) night in the win over rival Stanhope Elmore.
The skinny: The Indians are riding a lot of momentum, emotion and good tidings heading into what looks like - at the moment - the biggest game of the season. At least that’s what we have considering the winner of this one probably can make plans to be at home in the first round of the playoffs, something that coach Bear Woods promised before the season started. But there is some business to take care of before that promise can be kept. Start with Thursday’s matchup where the Wolverines will be the toughest defense they have faced. Yes, Pike Road is good and Baker has shown flashes but Carver continues to have solid numbers on the defensive side of the ball. The loss to P. Julian two weeks ago aside, they are giving up six points per game. They have held all but two opponents to single digits. But Wetumpka has proven to be a juggernaut on offense, scoring an average of 45 points per game during the four-game winning streak. It’s strength against strength and under the circumstances, defense usually gets the nod. That doesn’t change here.
PREDICTION: Carver, 26-18
SIDNEY LANIER at STANHOPE ELMORE
CLASS 6A REGION 2
Friday at Foshee-Henderson Stadium, Millbrook
2023 Records: Lanier (4-2, 2-1), Stanhope (2-4, 1-2)
Last week: Lanier def. Russell County, 32-28; Wetumpka def. Stanhope, 56-42
Last year: Lanier won, 41-17
Series: Stanhope leads, 6-3
Key Numbers: Both defenses are allowing more than 20 points per game, that’s including the shut out that Lanier pitched against Park Crossing.
The skinny: This one might not have all-star appeal like other games this week but it might be just as important, particularly for the Poets, who have a shot at a second seed or even an outside chance at the top seed in the region. A lot will have to fall into place for the latter, but Lanier has shown some consistency on offense. But it’s the defense that has plundered at times, putting a lot of pressure on the offense to score. Against the lesser teams, it has answered. In this case, Stanhope is dealing with similar problems. They have been outscored by an average of 13 points in the current three-game losing streak. The Mustangs are in must-win mode if they are to win a spot in the post season. Unfortunately, nothing in the last three weeks says they can pull it off.
PREDICTION: Lanier, 27-23
TRINITY at ST. JAMES
Class 3A Region 3
Friday at Carlisle Field
2023 Records: TPS (7-0, 3-0), STJ (5-2, 4-0)
Last week: Trinity def. Sumter Central, 41-0; STJ def. Alabama Christian, 42-20
Last year: STJ won, 37-21
Series: Trinity leads, 34-13
Key Numbers: Trinity has just one win in the last seven contests with St. James.
The skinny: As great a rivalry this has been since it started in 1977, rarely does it have an impact on the region (or in olden days, Area) champion. Start first with the fact that the two programs have been region rivals only 28 times and Trinity has dominated in many of those seasons. In the last 10 years, the two teams have been region foes only six times. Before last year, between 2014-17, the game had playoff implication four times but never decided the region champ. But it did last year and St. James was the dominant team on the way to its first state title. With Trinity enjoying a perfect season, does that mean the roles are reversed? Not necessarily. While the Trojans have two losses, the non-region opponents have been difficult, handing them the two blemishes on their record. Same was true this time last year for the Wildcats. Trinity was also enjoying a similar season, heading into its battle with the Trojans with just one loss. There are a few differences. Both teams have new coaches. Obviously there are changes among the rosters but one hasn’t changed - quarterback KJ Jackson, who has been brilliant again this season. He should be the difference in what is set up to be a close game with the Trojans pulling out a win.
PREDICTION: St. James, 34-32
KEY GAMES
Prattville at JAG (7A/R2) - JAG still without a win. Prattville hasn’t tasted victory in the region since early September. Do the Lions have the spirit left to win this one? It probably doesn’t matter. PRATTVILLE, 25-14
Central-Phenix City at Julian (7A/R2) (Saturday) - Central, at the moment, looks like the best team in the state. Julian has improved but not enough to challenge the Red Devils . C-PC, 48-20.
Alabama Christian at Prattville Christian (3A/R3) - PCA is in must-win mode for a playoff spot. But ACA will deny its shot. ACA, 31-24.
Elmore County at Beauregard (5A/R4) - Tricky challenge for the Panthers, who at the moment have the No. 2 seed in the region. Tougher than expected but … ELMORE COUNTY, 35-31.
Marbury at Holtville (5A/R3) - Bulldogs win Friday setting up the match for the region title next week against Demopolis. HOLTVILLE, 38-14.
Autauga Academy at Glenwood (AAA) - Can the Generals pull off the upset? If yes, it would be the biggest of the season in AISA. Unfortunately for the Generals, they would need an offensive explosion and that doesn’t look likely. Glenwood stays perfect. GLENWOOD, 48-28.
THE REST
Davidson over Park Crossing, 20-19; Pike Road over Russell County, 35-20; Valley over Tallassee, 24-18; Loachapoka over Autaugaville, 35-21; Maplesville over Billingsley, 22-14; Hooper Academy over Edgewood, 28-20; Lowndes Academy over Lakeside, 40-0; Chambers Academy over Macon East, 29-12; Lee-Scott over Valiant Cross, 40-15; Evangel Christian over North River, 23-18.
OPEN: None
RECORD: Last week 20-1; Season 115-19 (.858)