PREP CAPSULES (Week 9): Table almost set for playoffs
STAFF REPORT
We had looked forward to this week as the grand finale. Instead, it’s looking more like the insignificant end.
In somewhat of a surprise, the outcome of a few games we expected to decide a few region title or playoff spots didn’t materialize, at least in what is the last week of the region schedule. Several games last week took away the glitter or as in the case of a few teams, left their playoff chances in the dust.
It would be unfair to not to bring in the fact that COVID-19 has interrupted plans for many teams, Tallassee being the most significant. The Tigers should have been playing for playoff seeding this week against Central-Clay County. But due to the loss of two games, they are more than likely sitting at home in two weeks watching everyone else play.
Last week gave us plenty of exciting games with Montgomery Academy and Catholic clinching region titles.
Others have suffered disappointment on the field but that happens.
So, what does this week provide? There are teams still battling for a spot or looking to improve their seeding.
The best matchup in the River Region this week is in Millbrook where Stanhope Elmore and Wetumpka renew their big rivalry. The two teams are in the playoffs but are playing for seeding. But this game doesn’t need anything to get the two sides going.
The Holtville Bulldogs will be in the playoffs regardless of Friday’s outcome but can earn a 2-seed and first-round home game with a win over Sylacauga.
Autaugaville is also set to make the playoffs but if the Eagles can pull off the upset over Maplesville, they will be at home in the first round.
In AISA, Hooper faces Valiant Cross with the winner earning a playoff spot. The game is scheduled for Saturday at Cramton Bowl.
Games scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
EUFAULA at SIDNEY LANIER
Class 6A Region 2
Friday at Cramton Bowl
2020 Records: Eufaula (7-2, 4-2), Lanier (3-5, 1-5)
Last year: Eufaula, 27-13
Series: Eufaula leads, 3-1
Last week: Carver def. Lanier, 17-0; Eufaula def. Russell Co, 42-0
Key Numbers: Lanier suffered its second shut out of the season last week.
The skinny: Expecting an upset in this one is asking too much so let’s get that out of the way. Eufaula has the second seed in the region wrapped up with a win and there is no reason to expect the Tigers to take the Poets for granted. Lanier’s post-season fate is also decided. But can it show any improvement this week, particularly on offense where they have struggled mightily? They are on pace to average eight points per game offensively, which would be the lowest output since 2014 when the team averaged the same amount of points (8.2). This will not be one of those classic upsets in what is the season finale for the Poets. They hope for better days in 2021.
PREDICTION: Eufaula, 44-6
WETUMPKA at STANHOPE ELMORE
Class 6A, Region 3
Friday at Foshee-Henderson Stadium
2020 Records: SE (4-4, 3-2), Wetumpka (5-4, 4-1)
Last year: SE, 28-20
Series: SE, 31-20
Last week: Helena def. SE, 25-18; Wetumpka def. Calera, 49-28
Key Numbers: Stanhope Elmore has followed every loss with a win. Wetumpka can win three straight games for the first time this season.
The skinny: The preseason thought was this game would decide the region title. Now for reality, it’s to decide where these two will be seeded for the playoffs. In many ways, the season has been a disappointment for both programs. Both had close calls against the region winner, Pelham. Both dealt with mental mistakes and injuries during the season. Ironically, the Mustangs’ best win wasn’t earned on the field but a forfeit from Selma, which has had a surprisingly good season. The Indians have yet to get any momentum going. Basically, they’ve beaten the teams they are supposed to but really haven’t looked impressive in the games they weren’t. The records are similar with the difference in region play being the outcome against Helena – Wetumpka won, Stanhope lost. The Mustangs currently hold a modest two-game streak in the series but this game is too even to pick a winner. But since that’s what this is about, go with the home team.
PREDICTION: Stanhope Elmore, 28-27
PIKE ROAD at GREENVILLE
Class 5A, Region 2
Friday at Tiger Stadium
2020 Records: Greenville (4-4, 2-3), Pike Road (8-0, 5-0)
Last meeting: First meeting
Last week: Andalusia def. Greenville, 27-0; Pike Road def. Headland, 52-0
Key Numbers: Only one team has held Pike Road under 50 points this season (Andalusia -39)
The skinny: This was supposed to be that season-ending battle for the region title, the game we all looked forward to. Greenville was to be one of those challengers to Pike Road, the favorite. But a funny thing happened on the way to Butler County. The Patriots have arrived with the region title already in tow, looking like a serious contender for the 5A title (even without the injured Iverson Hooks). Greenville has proven to be a bit of a disappointment and currently dealing with a three-game losing streak. The Tigers blew their chances for a playoff spot, losing back-to-back games to Rehobeth and Carroll. Pike Road clinched the region three weeks ago so why is this game important? Honestly, it’s not but another chance to provide a look at what is probably the best team in Montgomery County (yes, even including the city schools). The Patriots will name their score, probably keep their 50-point scoring streak in tact and roll to another easy win.
PREDICTION: Pike Road, 54-6
KEY GAMES
Valley at R.E. Lee (6A/Region 2) (Cramton Bowl - Thursday) – We’ve been waiting to get the word that this one might be cancelled (Valley-COVID). It hasn’t come (at least as of late Wednesday). Lee needs a good tune up before the playoffs (yes, they play Pinson Valley next week). Their seeding rests in the hands of what Carver does this week. They also need to find more offense, which has been lacking of late. Lee, 28-13
G.W. Carver at Russell County (6A/Region 2) – Carver should win easily but in this crazy region, anything is possible. The Wolverines will wrap up the No. 3 spot in the region. Carver, 35-8.
Jeff Davis at Prattville (7A/Region 2) – This hellish train ride of a season has just one more week for the Volunteers. But it gets no better this week. Prattville, 42-6.
Tallassee at Central-Clay County (5A/Region 4) The Tigers get back on the field but against the region champion. Their playoff hopes all but dashed due to a couple of forfeits from COVID, it sets up for a disappointing night. Central-Clay, 29-15.
Sylacauga at Holtville (5A/Region 4) – Bulldogs can earn a first-round home game with a win. But it will be too hard to rustle up enough offense to win this one. Sylacauga, 37-23.
Autaugaville at Maplesville (1A/Region 4) – Eagles need a win to guarantee a playoff spot. It’s asking too much which means, more than likely, a three-way tie for third place which means the tiebreaker decides the final two spots. We’ll get back to you on that… Maplesville, 50-26.
Hooper Academy at Valiant Cross (AAA/Region 1) (Cramton Bowl – Saturday 11 a.m.) – Playoff spot up for grabs. Hooper should get it with relative ease. Hooper Aca, 26-12.
THE REST
Opelika over Park Crossing, 27-6; Alabama Christian over Bullock Co., 35-12; Catholic over Goshen, 30-13; Montgomery Academy over Goshen, 28-7; Trinity over Childersburg, 29-13; Talladega over Elmore Co., 23-21; Greensboro over Prattville Christian, 14-10; Macon East over Springwood, 26-18; Autauga over Wilcox Aca, 21-17; Edgewood Aca over Crenshaw Christian, 27-20; Lowndes Aca over Cornerstone Christian, 19-17.
BYE: Marbury
RECORD: Last week 16-2; Season 124-31 (.800)