PREP CAPSULES (Week 5): Mid-season report cards due this week
STAFF REPORT
It’s time for the mid-season report and the non-region week for most everyone.
The 2021 season has provided a few surprises but maybe the biggest might be that teams are holding serve from living up to expectorations this season – good and not so good. We all knew Catholic, Montgomery Academy and Trinity would be solid. Ditto for St. James and Alabama Christian. All have basically followed suit.
Both Wetumpka and Stanhope Elmore have had up-and-down seasons. Maybe that wasn’t expected but like last year, they are fully in the hunt for a playoff berth. They both need wins in the second half.
The 6A schools are battling as usual but Sidney Lanier has been the most consistent. Lee and Carver are making waves as well. Surprises there? Maybe but keep an eye on the Generals.
Pike Road looks unbeatable. Prattville is molding into shape and Holtville is putting together a great season. Tallassee is the “bad luck” team so far. The Tigers might end up being pretty good when it’s a said and done.
In AISA, Autauga Academy looks back to normal while Valiant Cross might be the surprise in the league.
What happens next is anybody’s guess but we can’t wait to find out.
Jeff Davis and Carver open the Week 5 with a Thursday tilt, as does Autauga Academy, which faces Bessemer Academy.
Friday’s docket includes the rematch of last year’s Cass 3A semifinal game between Catholic and Montgomery Academy. Several teams are off this week.
Week 5
All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
JEFF DAVIS (7A) vs. G.W. CARVER (6A)
Thursday at Cramton Bowl
Records: JD (0-4, 0-2), Carver (2-1, 2-0)
Last week: Opelika def. Carver, 28-6; Auburn def. JD, 40-7
Last year: Carver, 40-0
Series: JD leads, 36-16
Key Numbers: Jaqueraius Thomas had a 100-yard interception return for Carver’s lone TD last week. QB Savion German had the only score for the Vols with a 76-yard run against Auburn.
The skinny: No one will view this one as an epic battle. It’s not going to make headlines across the state, although there was a time it would. But that was a while back. JD has not shown much improvement under second-year coach Rory Bell, but not all of this is his fault. He’s dealing with transfers and other issues former coaches like Billy Livings, Steve Bailey and others didn’t have to. Carver has a new coach who is going through growing pains. Carver is in a battle for a playoff spot but this one doesn’t have any implications for that. JD may manage a win before the season ends. But it will not be on Thursday.
PREDICTION: CARVER, 27-6
HOOVER (7A) at PRATTVILLE (7A)
Friday at Stanley Jensen Stadium
Records: Prattville (4-1, 1-1), Hoover (5-0, 3-0)
Last week: Prattville def. Dothan, 24-7; Hoover def. Oak Mountain , 28-21
Last year: Hoover, 28-6
Series: Hoover leads, 4-3
Key Numbers: This is the second ever regular-season meeting between the two programs. The other was last season. The remainder of the series was all championship games.
The skinny: This game may not have the “swagger” of previous meetings but it should still provide some entertainment. The Lions are still working out the kinks with new coach JB Copeland. But the offense has looked solid for most of the five games. Hoover seems to be back to normal – as in one of the favorites to win the state title. Yes, Thompson will have something to say about that. But this might be a good measuring stick where the Lions are. They still have a key region game left with Central-Phenix City. That comes in two weeks. Is it fair to call this a “tune up” for that one? Maybe but a win certainly builds confidence. Or maybe even a close loss…
PREDICTION: HOOVER, 23-20
MONTGOMERY ACADEMY (3A) at CATHOLIC (3A)
Friday at Catholic Field
Records: MA (4-1, 3-0 R3), Catholic (5-0, 3-0 R4)
Last week: MA def. Prattville Christian, 49-13; Catholic def. Beulah, 49-0
Last year: Split: MA, 32-21 (Reg. season); Catholic, 35-28 OT (3A semis)
Series: MA leads, 30-14-1
Key stat: Thomas Woodward and Judson Lindsey each had touchdown passes in MA’s win last week. Catholic got a pair of TD passes from Caleb McCreary in the win over Beulah.
The skinny: The two epic battles last year left us wanting more in 2021. There is no reason to think the two won’t deliver again on Friday. MA has the loss against Trinity but has looked solid for most of the season. The Eagles seem to be figuring it out at quarterback, scoring 40-plus points in the last three games. Granted, the opponents weren’t of Catholic’s caliber but it still provides a glimpse of what is to come. Catholic has rolled through the schedule with ease, averaging almost 50 points per game. Although it hasn’t been against quality competition, at least not the likes of the Eagles, there is itte for the Knights to prove. But they have nothing to prove. They are one of the favorites in all of Class 3A. This is a test for both but the expectation is they might meet again in the post season. Catholic gets the nod this time but not by much.
PREDICTION: CATHOLIC, 37-31
KEY GAMES
Bessemer City (6A) at Sidney Lanier (6A) – The Poets have found their “bell cow” in Tacaris Bozeman. Winless Bessemer City should provide another opportunity for the running back to shine. Another 200-yard performance and another victory for the Poets. LANIER, 38-6
Eufaula (6A) at Stanhope Elmore (6A) – Another intriguing matchup with two teams looking for continued improvement. Mustangs need it more and get the win. SE, 19-12
Greenville (6A) at Wetumpka (6A) – Likewise, the Indians need to continue the good tidings created by last week’s win over Ben Russell. Greenville is always a wildcard, not quite sure what you get. Wetumpka gets a close win. WETUMPKA, 27-24.
Holtville (5A) at Marbury (5A) – Holtville is on a nice run while Marbury is still trying to figure things out under a new coaching staff. Fans in Slapout get to celebrate… HOLTVILLE, 26-16.
Hooper Academy (AAA) at Lowndes Academy (A) – It seems like we say it every year but this is one of the games you throw out the records… only the favorite usually wins. In this case, it’s the Rebels. LOWNDES ACADEMY, 21-14.
THE REST
Thorsby over Prattville Christian, 28-13; Isabella over Billingsley, 24-20; Autaugaville over Francis Marion, 35-12; Autauga Aca over Bessemer Aca (Thur.), 45-10; Macon East over Monroe Aca, 20-14; Valiant Cross over Wewaditchka (Fla.), 26-21.
OPEN: R.E. Lee; Park Crossing; Tallassee; Pike Road; Alabama Christian; St. James; Trinity Presbyterian; Edgewood Academy
RECORD: Last week 19-2; Season 60-15 (.800)