It is almost everyone's favorite time of the year here in Tuscaloosa and the whole state of Alabama; football season is weeks away!

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Fall practice starts today for most teams (August 5, 2024). Some schools are looking at a new challenge as they have moved up in classification starting this 2024-25 season. Also, see the games we expect to be a fight between two great programs.

(see below for reclassifications)

HILLCREST PATRIOTS

With a student body of over 1,000 students, Hillcrest High School (Tuscaloosa, AL) previously held the title of one of the largest schools in the 6A classification before being moved up to 7A in December 2023.

The Hillcrest Patriots performed well last season, bringing in 12 wins before unfortunately falling in the playoffs to the Saraland Spartans (Saraland, AL), where former 5-star prospect and freshman wide receiver for the University of Alabama, Ryan Williams attended High School.

Head Coach Jamie Mitchell came to Hillcrest in 2021. Since his hiring, the Patriots have had a 12-3 season in 2021, 11-1 in 2022, and 12-1 in 2023. Can Coach Mitchell continue his success this season in 7A ball?

GAMES TO SEE

Hoover Bucs @ Hillcrest Patriots - September 6

Hillcrest Patriots @ Tuscaloosa County Wildcats - October 4

Thompson Warriors @ Hillcrest Patriots - October 11

NORTHSIDE RAMS

Previously competing in 4A, Northside High School (Samantha, AL) had an impressive turnaround in its football program after hiring Chris Hilliker in 2012. Coach Hilliker inherited a losing program that made its way to news stories and breaking records as he retired as the winningest coach in Northside history, leading the Rams farther in the playoffs than at any other point in school history.

Hilliker retired in 2022 when then-assistant coach Robby Jones took over as head coach. Coach Jones and the Rams fell short of an ideal season last year, putting up a 4-6 record. The Rams have an opportunity to re-establish the dominance they once had as they compete in 5A this year.

GAMES TO SEE

Sipsey Valley Bears @ Northside Rams - October 4

Demopolis Tigers @ Northside Rams - October 25

Northside Rams @ ACA Patriots - November 1

SIPSEY VALLEY BEARS

Also moving up to the 5A classification, Sipsey Valley High School (Buhl, AL) ended the season last year with a 6-5 record, with a loss to Andalusia in the playoffs. Head coach Joey Milligan has over ten starters from last year's team across the offense and defensive sides of the ball returning for another season with the Bears.

Sipsey Valley previously moved up to 5A in the past before dropping back to 4A due to fluctuating enrollment numbers.

Sipsey Valley starts its season at Greene County on Friday, August 23, 2024.

GAMES TO SEE

Sipsey Valley Bears @ Marbury Bulldogs - September 27, 2024.

Sipsey Valley Bears @ Northside Rams - October 4, 2024.

Sipsey Valley Bears @ Demopolis Tigers - October 11, 2024

We are looking forward to this season here at Tide 100.9 and can't wait to bring more coverage of your school. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter, so you never miss an update!