Each week brings something to watch
By DAVID CLEMONS, Correspondent
High school football season kicks off in less than two months on Sand Mountain.
The 11-week sprint to the playoffs begins Thursday, Aug. 20. Here’s a look at the big games we’ll be watching each week:
Asbury at Crossville
Week Zero | Aug. 21
In terms of high-stakes games, the meeting of the Rams and Lions at Crossville Memorial Stadium probably won’t rank high in the state. Asbury hasn’t won a game since beating Brindlee Mountain on Sept. 8, 2023, and Crossville is returning to varsity play after a three-year hiatus.
But Crossville coach Jason Walker has built the program back, brick by brick. It will be a long haul in Class 4A, Region 8, against programs like Scottsboro and Guntersville, but none of that will matter on Aug. 21. Walker and the Booster Club are planning a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first Crossville football team. Expect a big crowd and huge celebration of the revived program.
Also see: Guntersville hosts Arab on Aug. 20 in a matchup of two teams that went to the state playoffs last year. That’s often an exciting game, although Guntersville leads the all-time series 63-32-2. Another intriguing game is on Aug. 21 as Sardis welcomes Haralson County (Georgia). Those games that cross state lines are often interesting. The Rebels made the state playoffs in Georgia’s smallest division last year.
Boaz at Plainview
Week 1 | Aug. 28
Boaz isn’t taking the easy route as it prepares for region play. The Pirates open with Cullman on Aug. 21 then visit Plainview in Week 1.
The Bears went to the Class 4A playoffs last fall, where they lost by 3 points in the semifinals to eventual state champion Anniston. A loss in Rainsville wouldn’t hurt the Pirates’ playoff chances, but a win would certainly give them confidence heading into Class 5A, Region 8, play the next week.
Also see: Asbury visits Brindlee Mountain. It’s the Rams’ most commonly played rival with Asbury winning five of the matchups.
Arab at Albertville
Week 2 | Sept. 4
The Adam Winegarden era began last August with a bang. Albertville visited Arab and nearly put an end to the Aggies’ long losing streak. A fake punt came up short and Arab took advantage of the short field to score a touchdown and escape with an 18-14 win.
Also see: Boaz goes to Douglas in a battle of neighboring schools. The Pirates won this one 45-14 last year and Douglas hasn’t beaten Boaz since the 28-14 win in 2015.
Albertville at Boaz
Week 3 | Sept. 11
Do we even have to say it? It’s the 85th Backyard Brawl, at Dr. L.F. Corley Jr. Stadium. The Pirates scored 21 straight points in the fourth quarter to pull away for a win at Albertville and record their third straight win in the series, 31-10. Boaz returns a lot on offense this year, but Albertville is expected to be improved from its 1-9 record last fall.
Adding fuel to the rivalry this year is the playoff implication of the big game. The teams are in Class 5A, Region 8, together.
Also see: Crossville visits Sardis in a game that should tell us a lot about the progress both teams are making. Sardis will be it its second region game under new coach Wes Tidwell after a disappointing 1-9 campaign last fall.
Douglas at Albertville
Week 4 | Sept. 18
Yes, this is three Aggies games in a row, but we’re talking something rare here. This will be the first time Albertville and Douglas have played since a home-and-home in 2006-07. Albertville won those 41-6 and 41-7 with the 2007 game kicking off the centennial celebration of Aggie football.
Also see: Geraldine hosts Sylvania. The Bulldogs won this one easily last year, 64-21. This could be another one with plenty of points scored.
Crossville at Geraldine
Week 5 | Sept. 25
The last week of September brings homecoming to Coolidge Isbell Field and the renewal of the Battle of Skirum Creek. The Lions lead the series 57-41-3 but haven’t won it since Halloween Eve 2020.
The Bulldogs have won 10 of the past 12.
Also see: Sardis visits West End in a non-region game with Etowah County bragging rights. Only about 15 miles separate the schools, but they haven’t played since 2009. The Patriots lead the series 19-17, but Sardis won the last three played including a 34-7 victory in ’09.
Plainview at Geraldine
Week 6 | Oct. 2
This game could well decide Class 3A, Region 8. Both teams made playoff runs last year — Geraldine lost to eventual 3A champion Mars Hill Christian as Plainview lost to 4A champs, Anniston. Depending on the type of season Fyffe has, this game could determine who stakes claim to superiority in DeKalb County football.
Also see: Albertville visits Mae Jemison. The Aggies mostly struggled with Huntsville schools when they played in Class 7A, so this will be a test of the Albertville rebuild under Winegarden. The Jaguars were 4-7 last year, making the 6A playoffs.
Boaz at Fort Payne
Week 7 | Oct. 9
The Pirates’ trip to Wills Valley will be crucial for seeding out of Class 5A, Region 8. The Wildcats were 10-2 last year with a trip to the 6A second round.
Also see: Columbia hasn’t won a game since 2015. The Eagles from Huntsville visit the Eagles of Douglas, who’ll welcome the breather going into games at Fort Payne and against Arab to close out region play.
Guntersville at Scottsboro
Week 8 | Oct. 16
Guntersville travels to Pat Trammell Stadium looking to avenge its only loss of the regular season last year. Scottsboro had an inconsistent regular season but made a deep run in the 5A playoffs, losing in the semifinals to eventual champion Moody. Now Scottsboro has stepped down to 4A.
Also see: Arab visits Boaz in a key Class 5A, Region 8, game.
Fort Payne at Albertville
Week 9 | Oct. 23
If the Aggies’ rebuild is truly on track, this game will be for a playoff spot in Class 5A. The two teams haven’t played since 2019 and Albertville hasn’t beaten the Wildcats since 2017.
Also see: Take your pick: The last week of region play should bring meaningful matchups including Arab at Douglas, Geraldine at New Hope and Guntersville at Brewer.
Albertville at Guntersville
Week 10 | Oct. 30
Alabama’s oldest high school football rivalry pits the River Rats of Guntersville against the Mountain Goats of Albertville. The Wildcats lead the series 58-47-6, thanks in part to a winning streak that dates to 2019.
Also see: Boaz gave itself no breaks in the non-region schedule and the regular season finale is a fine example. The Mustangs made the second round of the 4A playoffs last year. The Pirates visit Madison Academy on Oct. 29.
Boaz fans believe they can build on last year’s 8-3 season, which included a trip to the Class 5A state playoffs. The Pirates return several key contributors from a year ago, including wide receiver Sage Bennett (12), who’ll be a senior. BENTLEY GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY
