Last Week’s Picks: 4-2*
This Season’s Picks: 35-13

*- Paul Bryant High School canceled their matchup due to COVID-19 reasons. This resulted in a victory for Hillcrest.

As the end of the high school football season in Alabama approaches, schools are starting to get a better picture of what the playoffs will look like. With only two weeks of the regular season left, it’s anyone’s game in west Alabama.

McAdory Yellow Jackets (4-5, 3-2) @ Northridge Jaguars (6-2, 3-2)-

Earlier in the season, Northridge strung six wins in a row to make their case as the biggest surprise team in Tuscaloosa County. Recently though, the Jaguars lost two in a row, one of which was a forfeit loss to Hueytown, to bring the team to their last region game. Still, Northridge has a stout defense and a strong running game that can make a push against the Yellow Jackets.

Photo Courtesy of J.R. Moore
Photo Courtesy of J.R. Moore
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Speaking of McAdory, the team has had a rollercoaster of a season. From starting the season 0-3 to winning four straight, the Yellow Jackets have seen it all. Previous to the last two weeks, McAdory’s highest-scoring game was only 25 points. In their last two weeks though, both games each had over 80 combined points.

 

Bryant’s Pick: Surprisingly, after a wild season in Region 4, Hueytown of all teams clinched the region title after a win over McAdory last week. If Hillcrest wins out, they will clinch a two-seed, so this game will likely determine the three- and four-seeds. Northridge has a better defense that will shine, and the Jaguars will close region play with a win.

Bessemer City Purple Tigers (2-6, 2-3) @ Hillcrest Patriots (7-1, 4-1)-

While Bessemer City already recorded its first win earlier this season in a forfeit from Hueytown, the Purple Tigers finally got in the ‘W’ column from an actual game against Brookwood. In fact, B.C. scored a season-high 43 points and allowed zero.

Courtesy of HomeTeamsOnline.com
Courtesy of HomeTeamsOnline.com
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The Purple Tigers’ defense will be up for a huge test against Ethan Crawford and the Hillcrest Patriots. With a chip on their shoulder, Hillcrest will try to complete their region schedule and clinch a two-seed. The Patriots have a week off last week due to a forfeit by Paul Bryant High, but before, Hillcrest scored at least 45 points two weeks in a row.

Bryant’s Pick: After a one-loss season last year, Bessemer City has had a difficult run in 2020. Between that and a high-powered Patriots offense, Hillcrest will win big in this one.

Northside Rams (7-1, 5-1) @ Hale County Wildcats (4-4, 2-4)-

The Rams have once again had a successful eight-game start by going 7-1 for a fourth straight year. While Northside has completed its region schedule and almost secured a two-seed in the playoffs, they still have two games against non-region opponents to finish out their regular season. Last week was a big win over Oak Grove with over 40 points which proves Northside’s offense can be explosive.

Photo Courtesy of J.R. Moore
Photo Courtesy of J.R. Moore
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Unfortunately for the Wildcats, in three of their four losses, Hale County has given up at least four touchdowns. Still, Hale County will look to finish strong a year after they lost nine games. The playoffs don’t look likely for Hale County- they still need Monroe County, who the Wildcats lost to, to lose to Montgomery Academy.

 

Bryant’s Pick: While Monroe County will most likely lose to M.A., Northside looks to be too strong for Hale County. Northside beat Hale County in 2017, and the Rams will win again.

West Blocton Tigers (5-3) @ American Christian Academy Patriots (8-0, 6-0)-

After a region title-securing win over Dallas County last week, A.C.A. is riding high. The Patriots will host the Tigers for their homecoming game and their last region game for the year. In every game this year, American Christian has scored over 30 points. Look for this trend to continue this week.

Courtesy of ACAcademy.com
Courtesy of ACAcademy.com
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Last week, the Tigers won in a forfeit against Wilcox Central, who has canceled their season due to COVID-19. Before this win, the last ‘W’ came back in September against Dallas County. In their four total matchups, West Blocton has only beaten A.C.A. once- back in 2014.

 

Bryant’s Pick: While it is possible for the Tigers to pull an upset this week, it is unlikely. An American Christian victory will secure a third straight undefeated regional record. Expect A.C.A. to win their homecoming game in an exciting fashion.

Central-Tuscaloosa Falcons (2-6, 1-5) @ Sipsey Valley Bears (0-8, 0-5)-

Both Central and Sipsey Valley have had a rough season thus far. The Falcons have not won since September 18th, a 27-12 victory over Marbury, and they have scored just 39 total points in their last four games.

Courtesy of The West Alabama Watchman
Courtesy of The West Alabama Watchman
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Sipsey Valley is still searching for its first win of the season. In fact, Sipsey Valley’s last victory was last year on October 24th, 2019. If the Bears lose on Friday, it will be at least a full calendar year since Sipsey Valley’s last win.

Bryant’s Pick: With two games remaining, Sipsey Valley has two more chances to win a game before going 0-10. Surprisingly, this wouldn’t be the first time. In the school’s first season in 2010, the Bears lost every game. Unfortunately for Sipsey Valley, Central has talented athletes and the Falcons will be hungrier for a win. The Falcons will win and might even shut out the Bears.

Curry Yellow Jackets (0-8, 0-5) @ Gordo Green Wave (7-1, 5-0) [Thursday]-

Much like Sipsey Valley, the Yellow Jackets are still winless in 2020. If Curry finishes 0-10, this will be the second straight year of losing every game. While the last Curry victory was back in October of 2018, Curry has still proven that they are capable of putting up a fight. While the last two Curry games have been forfeited due to COVID-19, the Yellow Jackets have scored 112 total points this season.

Courtesy of J.R. Moore, TIDE 100.9
Courtesy of J.R. Moore, TIDE 100.9
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Gordo clinched a region title last week with a win over Fayette County, but if the Green Wave can win on Thursday, they will be undefeated in region play for a second straight year. Gordo had a tough turn of luck after their starting quarterback got injured, but the Green Wave has the potential to “turn the tide.”

 

Bryant’s Pick: Gordo is a very talented football team. While anything can happen in high school football, it is highly unlikely for Curry to take down the mighty Green Wave. Gordo will win, and they will ride the momentum into the playoffs in a couple of weeks.

In addition to these teams, several other games will be taking place around west Alabama.

Tuscaloosa Academy will host regional opponent Monroe Academy.

Tuscaloosa County will take on Spain Park.

Pickens County is hosting South Lamar in a region game.

And finally, the Holt Ironmen will travel to Bibb County.

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