West Alabama High School Football Playoff Preview: Quarterfinals

A handful of west Alabama area teams advanced to quarterfinal play last week but a shocking upset took place in Tuscaloosa during second round action.

The top ranked and previously undefeated Hillcrest Patriots fell 23-13 to defending Class 6A state champion Spanish Fort.

While the Patriots saw their state title hopes come to a screeching halt, Gordo, Pickens County, Aliceville and Hubbertville have opportunities to take one step closer to the Super 7.

#2 Gordo (12-0) vs. Bayside Academy (8-4)

The second ranked Gordo Green Wave returns home to face Bayside Academy in a Class 3A quarterfinal game.

Gordo dismantled Wicksburg 55-14 in a second round playoff game on the road. Gordo raced out to a 42-0 halftime lead while scoring on their first five possessions. Junior running back Collin Herring rushed for 116 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Koy Chapman completed 8 of his 10 pass attempts for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Bayside Academy is looking to make their second straight Super 7 after falling to Piedmont in the state championship game last season at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Admirals played one of their best games of the season last week in a 24-7 win against Pike County. Quarterback Reid Norton tossed two touchdown passes and ran for another score while the defense held Pike County to 144 total yards and forced three turnovers.

Bayside Academy leads the all-time series against Gordo 2-0. The Admirals slipped past the Green Wave 17-14 in last season’s Class 3A quarterfinal while defeating Gordo 43-24 in the first round of the 2013 playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 PM

#10 Hubbertville (10-1) vs. #3 Addison (12-0)

The tenth ranked Hubbertville Lions host the third ranked Addison Bulldogs in a Class 1A quarterfinal matchup.

Hubbertville defeated Hackleburg 27-22 in dramatic fashion thanks to running back Dax Benton’s 4-yard scoring run with less than five minutes left in the game. Benton finished the game with 230 rushing yards on 27 attempts.

The Addison Bulldogs will appear in their first quarterfinal playoff appearance since 2010. Addison has excelled offensively scoring 43.7 points per game but has scored 49.8 points per game over their last four games.

Tonight marks the first game between the two schools since 1949. Hubbertville has a 2-0 lead in the all-time series. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.

Other West Alabama Playoff Game

#5 Aliceville vs. #6 Elba 7 PM (2A Quarterfinals)

#8 Decatur Heritage Christian vs. Pickens County (1A Quarterfinals)

#2 Linden vs. #4 Georgiana 7 PM (1A Quarterfinals)

#7 Sweet Water vs. #1 Maplesville 7 PM (1A Quarterfinals)

#4 Marengo Academy vs. #5 Chambers Academy Noon (AISA 1A Championship Game: Troy, AL)