All First Round Games
Game #1 - Davidson (5-5) at Central-Phenix City (9-0) Friday at 7:00 p.m. (CST), Garrett-Harrison Stadium, Phenix City
Davidson comes into the game scoring 31.2 points per game, and that is the good news. The bad news is that they give up 43.6 points per game on defense, which will not do well against the Central-Phenix City offense. While the offense might score some points with quarterback DJ Butler, the defense will have difficulty keeping up with the Red Devils offense.
Butler has completed 9-of-16 passing for 209 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions, along with 1,814 yards on 171 carries and 20 touchdowns. That is a whopping 10.6 yards per carry average. Davidson will put it all on the line with Butler and the Warriors offense. Running back Terrance Gray has 763 yards on 125 carries and five touchdowns. Anthony Rabb had 20 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
Defensively, the Davidson defense gives up 39.2 points per game. Chadwick Glover has 76 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Quinteris Wheeler leads the team with three sacks on the season.
#1 Central-Phenix City is loaded on both sides of the ball. The Red Devils average 44.7 points per game. Quarterback Andrew Alford leads the Red Devils offense. In his first year as the starter, the junior QB has completed 110-of-171 passing for 2,203 yards with 29 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Texas A&M commitment Cam Coleman has 38 receptions for 894 yards and 14 touchdowns. Daylyn Upshaw has 32 receptions for 638 yards and eight touchdowns. Zack Simmons has 514 yards on 83 carries and five touchdowns, while Tristan Williams has 507 yards on 37 carries and six touchdowns. Offensive lineman Mal Waldrep leads the offensive line for the Red Devils.
The Central-Phenix City defense is led by Trent Hood. The Red Devils defense only gives up 10.7 points per game. Hood has 36 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks. Alabama defensive lineman commitment Isaia Faga has 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Tristan Lyles has 31 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and five sacks on the season. Rydarrius Morgan leads the Red Devils with two interceptions.
Game #2 - Auburn (8-2) at Baker (8-2) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Hornets Stadium, Mobile
The Auburn Tigers are averaging 33.8 points per game on offense. Quarterback Jackson Kilgore is back. He has been injured for many weeks but did get playing time before the playoffs. For the season, Kilgore has completed 42-of-67 passes for 508 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Henry Allen filled in for Kilgore to get the Tigers through some of the Region games. Super sophomore Omar Mabson has 848 yards on 127 carries and ten touchdowns. Tyler Flakes has 535 yards on 95 carries and four touchdowns. Ean Nation has 37 receptions for 358 yards and two touchdowns.
The Tigers defense averages 15.7 points per game. Davis Smith has 66 tackles and two tackles for loss. Ty Hudson has 59 tackles and three tackles for loss. Wyatt Trexler leads the team with 12 tackles for loss on the season, while Caleb Pitts and Akeem White have five sacks to lead the Tigers defense. La'Mychael Gunn leads with two interceptions for the Tigers defense.
Baker is averaging 34.0 points per game on offense. Mr everything Josh Flowers can take over a game. The Mississippi State commitment senior QB has completed 124-of-182 passes for 1,952 yards with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions with 1,310 yards on 150 carries and 13 touchdowns. That is 3,262 total yards on offense for Flowers. Roderick Taylor has 995 yards on 121 carries and eight touchdowns. Bryce Cain has 40 receptions for 881 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Kevin Beckham has 54 receptions for 807 yards and four touchdowns.
The Baker defense gives up 24.6 points per game and will need to be a little better than that to get the win against Auburn. Quinterirus Robinson has 98 tackles and a sack. Leland Normand has 77 tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception. Kicker Towns McGough has a 60-yard field goal against Ramsay this season. For the season, the senior kicker is 15-of-17 on field goals while being 33-for-33 in extra points.
Baker is 1-10 in playoff action. They haven't won a playoff game since 1984.
Game #3 - Dothan (8-2) at Mary Montgomery (10-0) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Grider Field, Semmes
This should be one of the most competitive first-round games. Both teams played Baker earlier in the season, and both teams won by a score of 35-14. Dothan had to win on the road, while Mary Montgomery had the home game against Baker.
The Dothan offense averages 41.5 points per game on the season. They have been one of the top offenses in Class 7A, playing their single-wing attack. Quarterback Sam Broadaway has completed 47-of-100 passes for 711 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions with 241 yards on 43 carries and three touchdowns. AJ Alexander and Tamarion Peterson bring a big 1-2 punch for the Dothan ground game. Freshman Alexander has 1,044 yards on 124 carries and 11 touchdowns, while Peterson has 928 yards on 134 carries and 18 touchdowns.
The Dothan defense gives up 18.4 points per game, and they will need to have a huge game against Mary Montgomery. The Dothan defense is led by Markis Myers with 68 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a sack. Asim White has 63 tackles on the season. Ezekiel Scott leads the Dothan defense with three sacks, along with Gabe Smith. Ke'aviyon Durry has five interceptions on the season. Dothan has 12 interceptions on the season and will be tested against Mary Montgomery.
Mary Montgomery averages 37.2 points per game. Mary Montgomery has one of the best quarterbacks in Class 7A. Jared Hollins is special and is the key to the Vikings offense. Hollins has completed 135-of-192 passes for 2,395 yards with 29 touchdowns and only two interceptions with 384 yards on 50 carries and eight touchdowns. James Bolton has 40 receptions for 801 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Jaylin Culver has 37 receptions for 585 yards and three touchdowns. Jayvian Hawthorne has rushed for 530 yards on 69 carries and four touchdowns, and Shondell Harris has 416 yards on 32 carries and six touchdowns. Troy Flowers has 366 yards on 64 carries and a touchdown.
The Vikings defense gives up only 8.1 points per game but will get tested by the Dothan ground game. John Robinson has 83 tackles and two tackles for loss. Devin Pettway has 58 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack. Anthony Cassino has 42 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks on the season. Jaylen Gray, JT Busby, and Jariell Lett have three interceptions apiece.
The Vikings are 0-8 in playoff games, but this is a very special team that could get their first playoff win Friday night.
Game #4 - Daphne (6-4) at Enterprise (8-2) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Enterprise
The Daphne offense is averaging 30.8 points per game. Jamar Malone runs the Trojans offense. Malone has completed 119-of-177 passes for 1,642 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Senior running back Nick Clark has 1,183 yards on 133 yards and 13 touchdowns, with 24 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns.
The Daphne defense gives up 21.9 points per game. Junior linebacker Andre Houston has 95 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two QB hits, four QB hurries, and a forced fumble this season to lead the Vikings defense.
The Enterprise offense is averaging 38.0 points per game. Eric Winters leads the Wildcats offense. The junior quarterback has been one of the main weapons for Enterprise. Keion Dunlap and Amare Griffin are a huge one-two punch for the Wildcats ground game. Andrew Purcell leads the Wildcats group of receivers.
The Enterprise defense gives up 16.4 points per game. J.T. Hooten and Marzavious Reed lead the Wildcats defense. Andrew Purcell leads the Wildcats in interceptions this season and is having an outstanding season. Tomorris Green is another key piece of the Enterprise secondary.
Game #5 - Hoover (4-6) at James Clemens (7-3) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Madison City Schools Stadium, Madison
It has been since 1998 that the Hoover Bucs only had four wins in a season. In 2007, they went 4-5 during the regular season but went 2-1 in the playoffs for a 6-6 record. The good news is the Bucs have won three out of their last four games. Their only loss was a home defeat to Thompson 21-11 in a hard-fought game. Hoover averages 25.2 points per game and has been inconsistent for most of the season. Jonah Winston has been starting at quarterback. In limited play, Winson is 14-of-24 passing for 173 yards and a touchdown, with 374 yards on 49 carries and eight touchdowns. Noah Schuback has completed 99-of-186 passes for 1,256 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Fred Dunson and Kamal Amerson are leading the ground game for the Bucs. Amerson has 483 yards on 81 carries and three touchdowns, while Dunson has 388 yards on 76 carries and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jordan Woolen is the deep threat, while Chris Warren is a big target at tight end. Woolen has 34 receptions for 578 yards and six touchdowns while Warren has 26 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns. At receiver, Winston has 25 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bucs defense gives up 22.7 points per game. Linebacker Bradley Shaw is one of the best in the state. Jamar Moultrie roams the secondary for Hoover but has been out due to an injury.
James Clemens is averaging 29.7 points per game. Ty Marsh leads the Jets offense. Through nine games, Marsh completed 103-of-175 games for 1,415 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Cameron Berry leads the Jets ground game. The junior running back has 617 yards on 99 carries and six touchdowns through nine games. Ty Doughty has 50 receptions for 674 yards and five touchdowns through nine games.
The James Clemens defense gives up, averaging 21.5 points per game. Jaylen Brown and Nate Jennings are two great defensive linemen for the Jets. Brown has 62 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and seven sacks this season. Jennings has 61 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks this season. Mason Rose had three interceptions to lead the Jets secondary.
James Clemens is 3-7 in playoff action and hasn't won a playoff game since 2019. Both teams played 6A Mountain Brook this season and both teams lost to the Spartans. Hoover lost 34-24 while James Clemens lost 18-13 against Mountain Brook.
Game #6 - Bob Jones (5-5) at Hewitt-Trussville (7-3) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Hewitt-Trussville Stadium, Trussville
Bob Jones offense is averaging 28.7 points per game. Dylan Willingham started the season at quarterback and was injured, which really hampered the Patriots offense. Sophomore Sheldon Graham has taken over as quarterback for Willingham. Tyren Washington has been the workhorse for the Patriots offense. The senior running back had some huge games running the football this season. Washington has 1,304 yards on 238 carries and 18 touchdowns for the season. Malachi Foster leads the Patriots in receptions and could be a force in the Patriots passing game.
The Patriots defense has given up 29.6 points per game, and they will be tested by the Huskies offense. Romeo Washington led the Patriots defense. Washington has 65 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. William Aldridge and Brandon White are key pieces in the Bob Jones defense.
Bob Jones hasn't won a playoff game since 2013. The Patriots are 0-8 in their last eight playoff games.
The Huskies offense averages 38.7 points per game. Quarterback Peyton Floyd is the key to the Huskies offense. The senior QB has completed 161-of-226 passes for 2,136 yards with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions, along with 723 yards on 124 carries with 15 touchdowns. Jaqson Melton has 437 yards on 77 carries and four touchdowns, and Kennedy Mitchell has 334 yards on 77 carries and seven touchdowns. Jodon Loving has 53 receptions for 864 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jacob Serena has 35 receptions for 459 yards and five touchdowns.
The Huskies defense gives up 23.3 points per game. Linebacker Parker Floyd has 78 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. Owen Robinson has 65 tackles and three tackles for loss. Defensive lineman Tyler Averhart has only played six games this season. He has 24 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Game #7 - Florence (6-4) at Thompson (8-1) Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Warriors Stadium, Alabaster
The Florence Falcons average 20.0 points per game on offense. Quarterback Leo Glover leads the Falcons offense. The senior QB has completed 73-of-160 passing for 948 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. Glover committed to North Alabama as an athlete. Wide receiver Kedrick Triplett has 15 receptions for 312 yards and six touchdowns, while Jamarrion Reeder has 22 receptions for 258 yards and a touchdown with 47 yards on five carries and a touchdown. Running back K'lon Triplett has 386 yards on 56 carries and two touchdowns. Junior running back DeMarion Vaughn has 545 yards on 112 carries and two touchdowns. Kicker Chandler Dixon is having a great season for the Falcons.
The Florence defense gives up 13.8 points per game. Senior Linebacker Xavier Garner will play an important role for the Falcons defense. Garner has 73 tackles and nine sacks in seven games. Outside linebacker Lazaro Martin has 63 tackles and six sacks. H.T. Blanke has 57 tackles and five sacks. Defensive backs Danyell Beckwith and Jayshod Pearson have two interceptions each to lead the Falcons defense.
Florence hasn't won a playoff game since 2019. The Falcons are 0-3 in their last three playoff games. Head coach Kenny Morson has a state championship coaching in Tennessee.
Thompson has won the last four 7A state championships and could get the fifth one this season. Head coach Mark Freeman is 21-2 in the playoffs, along with his four championships.
Thompson averages 40.7 points per game and is led by quarterback Trent Seaborn. The freshman QB has completed 116-of-164 passes for 1,602 yards with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. Duece Oliver has 50 receptions for 477 yards and two touchdowns. Colben Landrew has 23 receptions for 468 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kolby Hearn has 22 receptions for 497 yards and six touchdowns. AJ Green has 777 yards on 99 carries and eight touchdowns, and Michael Dujon has 315 yards on 47 carries and six touchdowns for the Warriors.
The defense has safety Kaleb Harris who leads the team with 81 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, a sack, and three interceptions on the season. Cornerback Anquon Fegans has 53 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions for the season. Freshman Cam Pritchett leads the team with four sacks on the season.
Game #8 - Vestavia Hills (8-2) at Austin (8-2) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Austin Football Field Stadium, Austin
This is a rematch from last season, as Vestavia Hills defeated Austin 52-10 in a first-round game. Vestavia Hills averages 34.4 points on offense. Quarterback John Paul Head leads the Rebels attack. The senior QB has completed 110-of-170 passes for 1,554 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Also, Head has 1,045 yards on 179 carries and 19 touchdowns. William Tonsmeire and Head will lead the ground game. Tonsmeire has 665 yards on 86 carries and two touchdowns. Keown Richardson is a big target at receiver. Great leaping ability with good hands. Richardson has 35 receptions for 426 yards and three touchdowns. Jay Daniels is another solid receiver for the Rebels.
The Rebels defense only gives up 12.2 points per game. Defensive end Jordan Ross and linebacker Jacob Watson lead the way for the Rebels defense. Ross has 72 tackles, 10 sacks, and 14 tackles for loss along with a touchdown reception. Watson has 76 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and a sack. Safety Spence Hanna is solid in the back end of the defense.
The Austin offense averages 36.0 points per game. Austin has used two quarterbacks this season. Judd Bailey has completed 48-of-79 passing for 904 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception, along with 130 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown. JL Davis has completed 49-of-89 passes for 982 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions, along with 119 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown. Jaxon Potter has 28 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns. Nick Crayton has 24 receptions for 504 yards and five touchdowns. Kenneth Joshua has 19 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns, along with 410 yards on 72 carries and seven touchdowns on the season. Running back Gavin Fugua has rushed for 1,074 yards on 153 carries and 17 touchdowns.
The Austin defense only gives up 14.2 points per game. Junior defensive lineman Cortavious Mason has 75 tackles, four tackles for loss, and five sacks. Senior defensive lineman Achilles Woods has 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and eight sacks on the season. Senior linebacker Jeremiah Carter has 70 tackles, five tackles for loss, and an interception for the Black Bears defense.
Austin hasn't won a playoff game since 2017. Austin is 0-4 in their last four playoff games.
