High School Football Preview: Week 3

No matter if you’re team is 2-0, 0-2 or somewhere in the middle, the start of region play offers an opportunity to take the first step toward making the playoffs. A number of teams within Tuscaloosa County face critical region games against intra county foes.

Northridge vs. #4 Hillcrest

After convincing wins over Demopolis and Oak Mountain, Hillcrest looks to build their playoff profile against rival Northridge. Patriots running back and Alabama commit Brian Robinson has five rushing touchdowns while quarterback Cole Frederick has four scoring passes over the first two weeks. The Jaguars have struggled offensively scoring a combined 20 points in losses to Theodore and Tuscaloosa County. Hillcrest has taken 11 of the 12 all-time meetings in the series. Kickoff is at 7 PM with airtime on 95.3 the Bear at 6:30.

Tuscaloosa County vs. Thompson

Tuscaloosa County steps into region play with a lot of confidence after two solid wins over Paul Bryant and Northridge. Last season, Thompson blanked Tuscaloosa County 27-0 in the final road game of the season for the Wildcats. A key aspect for TCHS this season has been the production of junior running back Frederick Evans. Evans has recorded rushing touchdowns in both of his first two games this season including two scores against Northridge. Thompson comes into the game off a 27-14 win against Godby High School out of Florida. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Ragland fired a pair of touchdown passes in the victory. Tuscaloosa County leads the all-time series 3-2. Kickoff is at 7 PM with airtime on Tide 102.9 at 6:45.

Central vs. Demopolis

Central looks to right the ship after two tough losses to begin the 2016 season. The Falcons have managed a combined seven points in two games against Bessemer City and Jackson-Olin. The Demopolis Tigers rebounded off an opening week loss to Hillcrest with a 42-14 win over Greensboro. Tigers senior quarterback Logan McVay scored two rushing touchdowns while junior running back A.J. Jackson gained 87 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown. Demopolis has won all four of the prior meetings against Central. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

Paul Bryant vs. Brookwood

In a crucial early-season region game for both teams, Paul Bryant looks to get in the win column for the first time this season while Brookwood tries to avenge a 36-7 home loss to the Stampede last season. Although Paul Bryant is 0-2, their losses came to a 7A school in Tuscaloosa County and one of the top teams in Florida in Plant High School. In last week’s effort, junior wide receiver Seth Williams hauled in three touchdowns. Despite shedding a 21-7 halftime lead, Brookwood beat Oak Grove 29-21 in overtime last week. Paul Bryant leads Brookwood in the all-time series 5-3. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

Other Games around West Alabama (All kickoffs are at 7 PM)

Montevallo vs. American Christian

Sipsey Valley vs. West Blocton

Holt vs. Oak Grove

Hale County vs. Northside

Pickens County vs. Holy Spirit

Keith vs. Aliceville

Greensboro vs. Bibb County

Brilliant vs. Berry

Fayette County vs. Good Hope

Hubbertville vs. South Lamar

Lamar County vs. Phil Campbell