West Alabama High School Football Preview: Week 8

Four weeks remain until the high school playoffs in the state of Alabama. For some teams, a playoff game is certain while others are fighting to make a post-season appearance.

Hillcrest has the week off, but plenty of exciting games are on the docket around west Alabama tonight.

Tuscaloosa County (2-5) vs. Oak Mountain (2-4)

Tuscaloosa County closes out the home schedule as Oak Mountain comes in for a senior night clash. The Wildcats must win all of their remaining region games if they want to have a shot at making the playoffs. Last week, Mountain Brook shutout TCHS 40-0. The Wildcats will honor 23 seniors as part of senior night festivities.

Oak Mountain comes in as one of four teams tied for third in region play. With region games remaining against Mountain Brook and Spain Park, tonight’s game also represents a must-win game for the Eagles. An opportunity to host a first round playoff game exists if Oak Mountain wins their remaining region games.

The Eagles won both of the previous meetings including a 15-7 win last year at Tuscaloosa County. Airtime on Tidd 102.9 and the radioPup app is at 6:45.

American Christian (4-2) vs. #2 Gordo (6-0)

One of the top teams in the state in Class 3A puts an undefeated record on the line as Gordo travels to American Christian.

ACA enjoyed an open week while Gordo took care of eighth ranked Oakman 35-14 last week. Gordo quarterback Koy Chapman continued his stellar play in 2016 with four scoring aerials. On the season, Chapman has completed over 71 percent of his pass attempts with 18 touchdown passes to one interception.

What could decide the winner of tonight’s game is defense. Gordo has one of the top scoring defenses in the state allowing 7.8 points per game. On the opposite sideline, ACA has stepped up their defense allowing just 8.5 points per game over their last four games.

Paul Bryant (3-4) vs. Northridge (2-5)

Tonight’s clash between the two Tuscaloosa area rivals that will decide the final playoff spot in Class 6A Region 4.

Hillcrest handed Paul Bryant a humiliating 61-0 loss while Northridge cruised to a 27-6 victory at Selma last week.

Defense carried Northridge last week forcing five Selma turnovers including two interceptions from senior defensive back Jimmy Anderson.

The player to watch for Paul Bryant tonight is Seth Williams. He is one of the leading receivers around west Alabama with 32 catches for 337 yards and 8 touchdowns on the year.

Northridge leads the all-time series 9-5. Paul Bryant has not claimed a victory on the field since 2006 but have won thanks to a Northridge forfeit in 2012.

Games around West Alabama (All start times are at 7 PM)

Brookwood vs. Selma

Holt vs. Bibb County

Sipsey Valley vs. Oak Grove

Hale County vs. West Blocton

Greensboro vs. Northside

Berry vs. Holy Spirit

Demopolis vs. Sumter Central

Cordova vs. Fayette County

Hubbertville vs. Marion County

Thorsby vs. Aliceville

South Lamar vs. Pickens County