Each week this season AHSFHS.org will post games of the week provided by our forum friends better known as the "Barber Shop Gurus". Welcome TheMUBM, Kodyaufan2 and Sloth Nationzz as they analyze games of their choice and even give us a prediction for each contest.

TheMUBM Week 15 Picks

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  40-16

(#1)  Saraland (13-0) at  Pike Road (10-4)  at Pike Road Stadium Saraland   Pike Road 13-0 (8-0)  Record 10-4 (6-0) 6A-R1  Class/Region 6A-R2 #1  ASWA Ranking NR 100.1  Power Rating 82.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Pike Road as a 16 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Saraland Spartans defeated Pike Road by a score of 47-12 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Pike Road and Saraland have met 2 times on the field.... Saraland holds a 2-0 edge in the games played. Comments:    Saraland comes in undefeated and having just destroyed a very good Spain Park team. KJ Lacey was his normal dominant self throwing to a bevy of talented receivers like Deshawn Spencer and keeping the defense off guard with a solid ground game led by McWilliams.     Pike Road's only three losses on the year were to 7A teams and were mostly competitive. The offense struggled against a good Hueytown defense this last week and had some untimely turnovers, but their own defense showed up in a big way and stopped a very talented Hueytown offense.     Here is the kicker, Saraland is probably as good as any of those 7A teams that Pike Road lost to. In fact, this past Friday, I was in a group message and some idiot claimed, rather confidently that Spain Park would beat Saraland. Jokes on that idiot. By the way, that idiot was me. I learned my lesson.   Prediction:  Saraland 37 Pike Road 10

(#3)  Oxford (13-1) at  (#2)  Parker (13-1)  at Major Brown Memorial Stadium Oxford   Parker 13-1 (6-0)  Record 13-1 (6-0) 6A-R6  Class/Region 6A-R5 #3  ASWA Ranking #2 91.6  Power Rating 100.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Oxford as a 11 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Parker Thundering Herd defeated Oxford by a score of 20-7 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Parker and Oxford have met 3 times on the field.... Parker holds a 3-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Oxford had to fight off a pesky Fort Payne team to make it to the semifinals. Perhaps they were looking ahead. The game still saw Mason Mims show out by connecting with Jay'lin Taylor for four TDs. Fort Payne did move the ball effectively through the air against the Yellow Jackets.

Parker is aptly named the Thundering Herd. When you got Offerd and Gaines running at you, it's like an unstoppable herd. Gaines was near unstoppable against a good Muscle Shoals defense, rushing for 139 yards on just 12 carries.

I don't know that many would argue that Parker doesn't have the most talented roster in the State, but that doesn't always mean automatic win. Mason Mims has shown out all year and I don't expect him to do any different this game, although Parker has a very talented secondary. Parker, even with all their talent running the ball, will need to incorporate some passing as they did against Muscle Shoals with Clarence Taylor receiving 99 yards. I have went back and forth on this. I have been on the Oxford train all year but that Parker rail line sure looks tempting. Give me the Herd!

Prediction:  Parker 44 Oxford 34

(#5)  St. Michael (12-2) at  (#1)  Jackson (13-1)  at Legion Field St. Michael   Jackson 12-2 (5-1)  Record 13-1 (6-0) 4A-R1  Class/Region 4A-R1 #5  ASWA Ranking #1 73.3  Power Rating 93.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Jackson as a 22 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Jackson Aggies defeated St. Michael by a score of 49-28 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Jackson and St. Michael have met 6 times on the field.... Jackson holds a 5-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    St. Michael comes in with their only loss on the season being to this very Jackson team that stands in their way for a Championship berth, by the tune of 55-16. It all starts and ends with Rivers for St. Michael, and he has been phenomenal in the playoffs. Doesn't hurt when you have a running back like Noah Moss that takes some pressure off the passing game.

Jackson comes in with one loss, an 8 points nail biter to Saraland. And as we have discussed, Saraland could play with anyone regardless of classification. Jackson is rolling, winning in the playoffs by 55, 51, and 31. They look absolutely unstoppable. Ezavier Crowell is coming off 196 yards rushing and 4 TDs on just 11 carries while Landon Duckworth completed 77% of his passed for 185 yards and a TD.

I think most of us figured Phillip Rivers would turn St. Michael around, but I don't think that any of us thought he'd have them on the precipice of a state title appearance this soon. That being said Jackson's defense has been a turnover machine this year, just ask St. Michael about the first meeting between the 2. St Michael has arrived ahead of schedule, but the gate to the title game is closed.

Prediction:  Jackson 45 St. Michael 14

(#4)  West Morgan (13-1) at  (#3)  Cherokee County (13-1)  at Warriors Stadium/Johnson Field West Morgan   Cherokee County 13-1 (8-0)  Record 13-1 (7-0) 4A-R7  Class/Region 4A-R6 #4  ASWA Ranking #3 81.2  Power Rating 77.0 AHSFHS Power Ratings have West Morgan as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Cherokee County Warriors defeated West Morgan by a score of 35-19 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Cherokee County and West Morgan have met 3 times on the field.... Cherokee County holds a 3-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Drew Phillips leads the Rebels into this game as the only undefeated team left in 4A. They are coming off an absolute beat down of Anniston 50-20 (was 43-6) at half. The concern this year was the Rebels would drop off significantly, at least offensively, with all the talent they had graduate this year. Not so fast said Phillips as this Rebels team is averaging over 45 a game. But I do really think their defense is the star. They are giving up just 11 points a game, and most of those are in garbage time (Deshler game aside.)

Cherokee County comes in after holding off a feisty Brooks team 21-14. A game that saw the Warriors take a 21-0 lead in the 3rd only to have it evaporate. Tristan Brown and Keyshawn Thomas were absolute workhorses. Thomas scored 2 on the ground while Brown added another and had some backbreaking runs earlier in the game when Brooks appeared to have drives stopped.

Cherokee County is the standard in 4A north we all know that. We all know they are going to use multiple backs to wear your defense down, but yet no one seems to be able to stop it. They will need to incorporate a little more successful passing against this tough defense. West Morgan has had a wonderful year regardless of what happens. This is the first time in school history they have made the semifinals and that is a lot to be proud of. I just hope that a lot of people in Trinity are free next week because I think this week they'll accomplish another first and find themselves on their way to the Super 7.

Prediction:  West Morgan 24 Cherokee County 16

kodyaufan2 Week 15 Picks

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  38-17

Sulligent (9-5) at  (#6)  Tuscaloosa Academy (12-2)  at Knights Stadium Sulligent   Tuscaloosa Academy 9-5 (4-2)  Record 12-2 (5-1) 2A-R5  Class/Region 2A-R5 NR  ASWA Ranking #6 56.9  Power Rating 57.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Tuscaloosa Academy as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Tuscaloosa Academy Knights defeated Sulligent by a score of 20-14 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Tuscaloosa Academy and Sulligent have met 4 times on the field.... Tuscaloosa Academy holds a 3-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This is a rematch of one of the best games of the regular season when Sulligent turned their season around with a 46-44 Overtime upset win to end the Knights' undefeated season. This will be the 4th meeting between these schools in the last 3 seasons, and each previous matchup came down to the final possession.

That Tuscaloosa Academy vs Pisgah matchup was one that had been penciled in for the Quarterfinals since before the season even started, and boy did it deliver. Tuscaloosa Academy led most of the game and came away with a 44-34 win in a game that saw 800 yards of total offense, with over 300 rush yards and nearly 500 pass yards between both teams. The Knights now take their high-flying offense into the semifinals for the first time since moving to the AHSAA in 2022.

That win over Tuscaloosa Academy really was the turning point of the season for Sulligent. The Blue Devils were 3-4 coming into that one after a 2-4 start, and they haven't lost since. They're in the semifinals for the first time since 2017 after knocking off previously-unbeaten Winston County last week. This offense runs the ball more than 80% of the time and has a pair of rushers that have eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in Senior AJ Lowe and Sophomore Johnwil Spruiel. LB Braden Long leads the defense with 13 TFLs, while DE Bryant Mundy leads the team with 4.5 sacks.

This game will certainly be a clash of styles with Tuscaloosa Academy's passing game and Sulligent's rushing attack. With two familiar opponents, it's difficult to imagine that this won't be another close game. However, it is difficult to beat any team twice in a season, so I might lean Tuscaloosa Academy this time.

Prediction:  Tuscaloosa Academy 35, Sulligent 30

(#1)  Highland Home (13-1) at  (#4)  Reeltown (13-1)  at Nix-Webster-ONeal Stadium Highland Home   Reeltown 13-1 (6-0)  Record 13-1 (6-0) 2A-R3  Class/Region 2A-R4 #1  ASWA Ranking #4 71.7  Power Rating 73.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Reeltown as a 4 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Reeltown Rebels defeated Highland Home by a score of 6-0 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Reeltown and Highland Home have met 12 times on the field.... Reeltown holds a 11-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    With ten prior State Championship Game appearances, this is a familiar position for Reeltown, who lost in the championship game last year. For Highland Home, This will be their fifth semifinal appearance all-time, but they're 0-4 in those previous attempts.

Reeltown won a pretty weak region, but they challenged themselves with a non-region schedule that included 3A schools in T.R. Miller, Trinity, Dadeville, and Lee-Scott Academy. You always know Reeltown will have a good offense, and this year is no exception as they average over 41 points per game. QB Jamarkius Smith leads the passing attack with 29 TDs to 4 INTs. WR Tae Martin was an All-State player last year, and he has 35 catches for an incredible 16 TDs on the season. Seven different Rebels have over 100 rush yards on the seasons, led by RB Traylen Roberts with 1,318 and 12 TDs. The #2 scoring defense made a statement last week, holding Cottonwood to 30 points under their season average.

Highland Home has the distinction of being #1 in 2A in both scoring offense, at 47.4 ppg, and scoring defense, at 5.5 ppg. The Flying Squadron have unquestionably been the most dominant team in 2A this year, but they've been so dominant that it's tough to get a read on how they will fair against a team like Reeltown. 4-Star Edge Rushers Jakaleb Faulk and CJ May have a combing 152 tackles, 35 TFLs, and 11 sacks between them this season, but the most important player to this team might be their fellow Senior Austin Crittenden. He's their leading rusher with nearly 1,500 yards to go with 23 TDs, but he's also their leading tackler with 88 tackles and 14 TFLs.

Reeltown seems a bit more reliant on the pass this year than normal, so they'll be forced to deal with the trio of great pass rushers on Highland Home's side. These teams shared a region the last two years, and both of those were low-scoring games. With both teams coming in with the top 2 defenses in 2A, I expect this one will be as well.

Prediction:  Reeltown 14, Highland Home 8

(#6)  Hackleburg (12-2) at  (#1)  Wadley (13-0)  at Curtis Lynch Memorial Field Hackleburg   Wadley 12-2 (7-0)  Record 13-0 (5-0) 1A-R7  Class/Region 1A-R6 #6  ASWA Ranking #1 57.2  Power Rating 73.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Wadley as a 18 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Wadley Bulldogs defeated Hackleburg by a score of 69-31 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Wadley and Hackleburg have met 2 times on the field.... Wadley holds a 2-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This matchup features a pair of schools still searching for their first ever state championship. Wadley also has the #1 Offense in 1A, while Hackleburg has the #1 Defense in 1A.

The scouting report for Wadley can probably start and end with one name-Jaquez Wilkes. The 4-Star Junior stars on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs. How do you stop a 6'4'' 220 lbs wrecking ball at the 1A level? Nobody has had an answer to that question this year as Wadley has scored at least 49 points on every 1A opponent they've faced. They're also playing their best football of the season, with their two highest scoring outputs both coming in the playoffs.

QB Blaise Vickery has been the X-factor all year for Hackleburg's offense. He only attempts about 8 passes per game, but he's also the team leader in rushing attempts. RB Jaquan Reeder is another key contributor to this offense and is extremely elusive with the ball in his hands. That makes him a big threat on defense and special teams as well. According to MaxPreps, he recorded 4 interceptions in their first 5 games this season, and he had a pick six and kick return TD two weeks ago against Winterboro. Hackleburg has a lot of size up front for a 1A squad, which could give them a fighting chance against Wadley.

The only teams that have been able to limit Wadley's offense this year were 3A teams B.B. Comer and Lee-Scott Academy. I don't know that Hackleburg has the athletes of B.B. Comer of the size of Lee-Scott, but I think they're somewhere in the middle of both. For that reason, I think they'll actually match up fairly well, but Wilkes is just a whole different level of player.

Prediction:  Wadley 34, Hackleburg 20

(#4)  Elba (11-3) at  (#9)  Maplesville (12-3)  at Red Devil Stadium Elba   Maplesville 11-3 (6-1)  Record 12-3 (7-0) 1A-R2  Class/Region 1A-R4 #4  ASWA Ranking #9 67.3  Power Rating 57.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Elba as a 8 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Maplesville Red Devils defeated Elba by a score of 28-21 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Maplesville and Elba have met 2 times on the field.... The teams have both won 1 game.

Comments:    This game is a rematch of last year's Quarterfinal, which Elba won handily. Both schools are used to making deep playoff runs, with nearly 30 semifinal appearances and 13 state championship game appearances between them, so this will be a clash of Titans in 1A.

If you want a player to watch for the future, keep on eye on Maplesville's RB Nehemiah McCary. The Freshman already stands 6'3'' 205 lbs and is an absolute bruiser of a runner. He is also the leading rusher for the Red Devils with 967 yards and 13 TDs. Junior QB Pearce Yeargan leads the passing attack with over 1,300 yards and 19 TDs to 8 INTs. They seem to throw the ball more this year than Maplesville teams in years past, but they still run the ball about 65% of the time. The only team that has held them under 40 points is 3A Glenwood back in Week 2. On the defensive side, watch out for #32 Dee Elliott. Despite being an undersized Linebacker, he is always one of the first players to the ball on every play.

Unless they need to, you'll probably never see Elba throw a pass; they have just 21 completions on the season. Granted, when you have Alvin Henderson there's little reason to run. The Auburn commit has now tallied 3,456 yards on 250 carries for 61 TDs. QB Cayden Adkins also has 1,200 yards on the ground with 21 TDs. Elba was pretty atrocious on the defensive side early in the season, but they've really improved over the last two months, not allowing more than 24 points in a game since Week 6. Adkins is a key player on that side of the ball as well, leading the team with 5 sacks and a whopping 28 TFLs.

Maplesville was my pre-playoffs pick to reach the title game from 1A South, and they had a really impressive win last week over Millry. But now that Elba's defense has improved, it's just hard to imagine that Alvin Henderson graduates without playing for a state championship.

Prediction:  Elba 38, Maplesville 33

Sloth Nationzz Week 15 Picks

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  38-18

(#2)  Piedmont (13-1) at  (#4)  Mars Hill (14-1)  at Mars Hill Stadium Piedmont   Mars Hill 13-1 (8-0)  Record 14-1 (7-0) 3A-R6  Class/Region 3A-R7 #2  ASWA Ranking #4 70.0  Power Rating 73.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Mars Hill as a 6 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Mars Hill Panthers defeated Piedmont by a score of 49-20 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Mars Hill and Piedmont have met one time on the field.... Mars Hill holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Here it is, one of the matchups we have all been looking forward to this whole season. We have thought that this matchup would happen and here it is. These two are definitely two of the best programs in 3A. Mars Hill finally got past their second round woes and has marched to the semi finals. But what a draw they have with the historically great Piedmont Bulldogs.

Piedmont is no different this year, and it is really hard to stop this new Bulldog offense which is led by Cole Wilson, and Rollie Pinto. Mars Hill has some players on their end as well, with the likes of Hudson Higgins, and Jaxon Penn. I do wonder how Mars Hill will hold up with Piedmont. You see, Mars Hill is playing up a classification or two due to reclassification.

It feels like Piedmont has been a 3A for as long as I can remember. Piedmont is a natural 3A school while Mars Hill is having to play in 3A due to success. Now does that mean Mars Hill isn't good? No, they are great. It actually makes it even more impressive that they are competing for a title. Piedmont I wonder if they can impose their size and strength on Mars Hill.

My Prediction: It will come down to the wire, but Piedmont will prevail in the end. Give me the Bulldogs to make its return to a state title game.

Prediction:  Piedmont 34 Mars Hill 28

Southside Selma (11-3) at  (#10)  Houston Academy (13-2)  at Westgate Park Southside Selma   Houston Academy 11-3 (6-1)  Record 13-2 (6-1) 3A-R3  Class/Region 3A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking #10 60.6  Power Rating 77.7 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Houston Academy as a 19 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Houston Academy Raiders defeated Southside Selma by a score of 48-28 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Houston Academy and Southside Selma have met one time on the field.... Houston Academy holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Remember how I said we all thought we could see Piedmont vs Mars Hill in the state semi final and we would not be surprised? Well, I don't think anyone would had picked these two schools to make the state semi finals this year. You have Houston Academy's who's only loss was to Montgomery Academy in very rainy conditions.

Since that loss, Houston Academy has defeated great teams, like Trinity, Thomasville, and TR Miller. Southside Selma started the season off with back to back blowout losses, and ever since then, the Panthers have rolled off 11 straight wins, and most of which have not been close. But in the playoffs they have really turned it on. Beating a good Hillcrest Evergreen team, region champion Montgomery Academy, then hosting and coming back to defeat Bayside Academy. Here is what my concern is with both teams.

Southside Selma my concern is turnovers and not making boneheaded decisions. The Panthers trailed 24-14 to Bayside in the 3rd quarter last week. They ended the game with five interceptions and somehow found a way to win. That is not a recipe for success, and I am sure their coaches are telling their kids that this week. Those coaches also get credit, as winning a game with five interceptions thrown is virtually unheard of. Houston Academy my concern is quarterback health, and stopping Southside Selma's speed. Some have reported or the rumor mill states that Houston Academy's quarterbacks got pretty banged up, will they be healthy? Another concern is can they play with Southside Selma's speed? The Panthers have a lot of perimeter speed. If they get loose on the outside, might as well get the kickoff return team ready because they have a lot of speed.

My Prediction: I think Houston Academy is the better coached team, and is the better team overall. Southside Selma will score points, but costly turnovers will hurt them in the end. Give me the Raiders to punch a ticket to the state title game!

Prediction:  Houston Academy 38 Southside Selma 22

(#5)  Vigor (12-2) at  (#1)  Catholic Montgomery (13-0)  at Catholic Field Vigor   Catholic Montgomery 12-2 (7-0)  Record 13-0 (6-0) 5A-R1  Class/Region 5A-R2 #5  ASWA Ranking #1 90.6  Power Rating 97.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Vigor as a 9 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Catholic Montgomery Knights defeated Vigor by a score of 21-7 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Catholic Montgomery and Vigor have met one time on the field.... Catholic Montgomery holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    These two teams many have said are two of the best teams in the state regardless of classification. The Vigor Wolves have been outstanding all year long, and it starts with defense. Historically, Vigor has always had a great defense and this year is no different.

Allowing just under five points per game, the Wolves have as strong of defense as anyone in the state of Alabama. Catholic Montgomery can also boast their strong defense, allowing just barely over five points a game. This game will boil down to who's offense can crack the elite defense?

I don't think it will be about a defense cracking, rather a defense making a big play to force a turnover and get the offense a shorter field. Catholic Montgomery has a strong offense as well, as does Vigor, but the Wolves quarterback health is a question mark. I think this will be a very physical and hard hitting football game.

My Prediction: Catholic makes the big defensive play to put the offense in an easier position to win the game late. Give me the Knights to punch their ticket to Birmingham.

Prediction:  Catholic Montgomery 14 Vigor 8

(#9)  Leeds (11-3) at  (#4)  Moody (11-2)  at Bill Morris Stadium Leeds   Moody 11-3 (5-1)  Record 11-2 (6-0) 5A-R6  Class/Region 5A-R6 #9  ASWA Ranking #4 75.0  Power Rating 96.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Moody as a 23 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Moody Blue Devils defeated Leeds by a score of 42-0 in the semi-finals of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 29 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Moody and Leeds have met 18 times on the field.... Leeds holds a 14-4 edge in the games played.

Comments:    The Moody Blue Devils are making a push to the state title like we expected them to do this season. Leeds is always a great contender, and has been in this position before and are used to these types of games. These two played earlier this year, and it certainly was all Blue Devils in that contest.

However, how many times have we seen a region regular season matchup rematch in the playoffs go the complete other way? More times than you might think. I think Leeds will play a much better game this time around. But I also know that Moody didn't play their best game either, and will be ready to play Leeds once again.

My Prediction: I have thought Moody was the best 5A team all year and this week I won't be changing that thought process. Give me the Blue Devils in a win, but close.

Prediction:  Final Score: Moody 28 Leeds 24