West Alabama High School Football: Week 2 Preview

Football season is now underway- at least for high schools across the state of Alabama. Tuscaloosa County especially is seeing an influx of talent from all classifications.

While all teams have only played one game, we are looking at several teams that have the potential to be battling for a ‘blue map’ at Bryant-Denny Stadium in December.

On Friday, 7A Tuscaloosa County will travel to 6A Hillcrest to take on the Patriots. Both teams are undefeated with big wins already under their belt. T-County beat cross-town foe Paul W. Bryant High, while Hillcrest traveled where they beat Homewood High. Though the two schools are 15 miles away, students from both schools have strong animosity for each other. In fact, at the Wildcats’ game against Bryant, students chanted, “We want Hillcrest!”

Hillcrest currently sits on a six-game winning streak over County High, so while on the surface this game looks one-sided, anything can happen. For the Patriots, this winning over the Wildcats is new. In this rivalry, Hillcrest is only 9-15 against the ‘Cats.

Bryant’s Pick: In this matchup, I’m taking Tuscaloosa County in a one-score game.

On the other side of Tuscaloosa, a little closer to the university, two more local teams have a huge matchup. 6A Northridge will host a 5A Central Falcons team that had a big showing against Holt High last week. The Falcons’ 50-6 win over the Ironmen proved that Coach Bivens Era has begun at Central.

The Jaguars, led by Coach Vickery, put up a rushing attack that rivals some of the best powerhouses in the state. While they and Central both had below-average seasons last year, it is clearly obvious that these teams are forces to be reckoned with.

Bryant’s Pick: While Coach Bivins has the Falcons off to a hot start, I think Northridge will prevail with a score of 45-31.

Coming off a big week-one win, American Christian Academy will look to continue their dominance across west Alabama with a road trip to Greensboro High. Tuscaloosa Academy will be hosting Autauga Academy.

Bryant’s Pick: For these two games, I am taking ACA and Tuscaloosa Academy.

Paul W. Bryant will host Minor, who is riding hot on a win against Hueytown. This game is huge for the Stampede. Region four of 6A is considered to be one of the best in the state. With teams like Northridge, Hillcrest, and McAdory, is a must-win going into region play.

Bryant’s Pick: While Bryant has a lot of talent, Minor looks too good. For this game, I’m taking Minor.

Finally, Gordo, year in and year out shows that they are one of the best 4A schools in the state, and after a disappointing end to last season, it seems to be a revenge tour for the Green Wave. That is evident in the Green Wave's game this week against Aliceville. Last year Aliceville gave the team a fit, but Gordo prevailed in overtime.

Bryant’s Pick: In Region five of 4A, Gordo reigns as king. Last year was impressive, and this year will be as well. Gordo wins an easy one against Aliceville.