West Alabama HS Football Preview: Semifinals

While all of Alabama is enjoying the Thanksgiving week, 24 teams around the state of Alabama are looking to take one more step in the journey to the Super 7 at Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium.

Around west Alabama, Gordo, Aliceville, Pickens County and Linden are looking to punch their ticket to next week’s Super 7.

#3 Mobile Christian (12-1) vs. #2 Gordo (13-0)

The second ranked Gordo Green Wave are a game away from their first championship game appearance since 2001 as they hit the road for a Class 3A Semifinal matchup at  No. 3 Mobile Christian.

Gordo advanced to tonight’s semifinal game with a dominating 55-21 win over Bayside Academy. The Green Wave got out to a 21-7 lead after one quarter and cruised into the halftime locker room with a 49-7 advantage. Junior running back Collin Herring paced the Green Wave with 5 total touchdowns including four on the ground in the first 24 minutes of play. Quarterback Koy Chapman completed all 12 of his pass attempts for 232 yards with three touchdowns.

After having to forfeit their season opener against Lancaster Christian due to playing an ineligible player, Mobile Christian reeled off 12 straight wins and can make their first ever Super 7 with a win tonight. The Leopards have made the playoffs eight times since joining the AHSAA in 2006.

Tonight’s matchup features the leading scoring offense and scoring defense in Class 3A. Gordo leads the state scoring 43.8 points per game while Mobile Christian holds the opposition to a Class 3A best 10.3 points per game. One of the key players for the Leopards is junior defensive back Troy Young. The Arizona commit has three interceptions this season.

Tonight’s meeting is the first ever meeting between the two schools. Kickoff is at 7 PM from Mobile.

#2 G.W. Long (12-0) vs. #5 Aliceville (12-1)

Fifth ranked Aliceville travels to second ranked G.W. Long in a Class 2A Semifinal clash.

Aliceville held off Elba 52-44 in last week’s quarterfinal round game. Deonte Taylor led the Yellow Jackets with two touchdown runs and four two-point conversions. Nicquavious Craig also added a rushing and passing score in the win. Aliceville’s defense came up big in critical situations with three fumble recoveries and a safety.

G.W. Long has the opportunity to make their first ever Super 7 appearance with a win over Aliceville. A key in tonight’s contest will be the play of G.W. Long all-purpose athlete Garrett Sanders. Sanders torched Southern Choctaw for 338 all-purpose yards and six total touchdowns including three on the ground, one receiving, a pick six and kickoff return for a score.

The two schools will meet for just the second team ever as G.W. Long defeated Aliceville 32-22 in a 2013 first round playoff matchup. Kickoff from Skipperville is at 7 PM

Pickens County (10-3) vs. #3 Addison (13-0)

The Pickens County Tornadoes host third ranked Addison in a Class 1A Semifinal round game.

Pickens County destroyed No. 8 Decatur Heritage Christian 48-12 in last week’s quarterfinal round contest. The Tornadoes took a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and never trailed in the victory. Zachary Thomas led Pickens County with three scoring passes while Arkansas State commit Caleb Bonner scored two rushing touchdowns.

No. 3 Addison brings an undefeated record into tonight’s game. The Bulldogs beat No. 10 Hubbertville 30-20 on the road last week. Noah Ball rushed for 110 yards, scored two touchdowns and intercepted two Hubbertville passes.

Pickens County and Addison will meet in a playoff tilt for the second time in four seasons. Addison held a halftime lead in a second round game against Pickens County before falling to the Tornadoes 38-22.

Pickens County leads the all-time series 4-0. Kickoff from Reform is at 7 PM.

Other AHSAA Semifinal Playoff Games

#2 Linden vs. #1 Maplesville 7 PM (1A)

#8 Lanett vs. #1 Fyffe 7 PM (2A)

#1 Piedmont vs. #7 Ohatchee 7 PM (3A)

#1 Andalusia vs. #5 Handley 7 PM (4A)

Hokes Bluff vs. #7 Madison Academy 7 PM (4A)

#10 Jackson vs. #3 Beauregard 7 PM (5A)

#5 Briarwood vs. Wenonah 7 PM (5A)

#10 Ramsay vs. Austin 7 PM (6A)

#3 Opelika vs. #7 Park Crossing 7 PM (6A)