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 4 Picks

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  9-3

Florence (0-0) at  Austin (0-0)  at Austin Football Field Florence   Austin 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 5A-R7  Class/Region 5A-R7 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 64.2  Power Rating 78.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Austin as a 16 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Austin Black Bears defeated Florence by a score of 34-6 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Austin and Florence have met 20 times on the field.... Austin holds a 11-9 edge in the games played. Comments:    Florence comes in after finally securing their first win this season 28-8 over Albertville. The Falcons have struggled offensively thus far, granted against two good teams (Muscle Shoals & Hillcrest Tuscaloosa), only amassing 14 total points in those two losses. Cade Davis threw for 3 TD's against lowly Albertville to give Florence a 21-0 halftime lead last week that allowed them to coast to the victory.     Austin comes in 2-1 after securing a big 29-7 victory over Sparkman, which could be pivotal for playoff positioning. The Black Bears Qadir Lyle was virtually unstoppable scoring 2 TD's while rushing for 219 yards. Aidan Davis also threw for 186 yards in the winning effort.     Bob Jones has established themselves as a clear front runner in 7A R4. The rest is a jumbled mess. Austin looked not long for this world after the abysmal start against Hartselle, but here they find themselves with a chance to establish a good foothold on a possible playoff position. Both teams have been really sloppy at times. The real matchup here is a good Florence rushing defense against a good Austin running game.     I'll take Austin, but it's close.   Prediction:  Austin 21 Florence 10

Winfield (0-0) at  Gordo (0-0)  at Green Wave Stadium Winfield   Gordo 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 3A-R5  Class/Region 2A-R5 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 58.3  Power Rating 61.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Gordo as a 5 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Gordo Green Wave defeated Winfield by a score of 35-21 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Gordo and Winfield have met 17 times on the field.... Gordo holds a 10-7 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Winfield comes in 2-1, having allowed just 12 points in the last games. The only loss being a competitive game against a very good 5A Corner team 34-20. The Pirates have a fairly balanced attack being able to get big yards on the ground with #3 (Jamyckal Hackman?) and Blaine Bowen, while Bowen also can throw the ball efficiently, spreading it around to multiple targets.

The Greenwave enter 3-0 and are coming off an offensive explosion, downing Hanceville 73 to 8. This isn't the air it out Greenwave teams we have seen in recent memory, rather a smashmouth battering ram that comes at you full force on the shoulders of the offensive line James Davis and Ryder Robertson.

Let's call it what it is, the region championship. Winfield has played as expected thus far, battling a good 5A team and shutting down inferior competition. Meanwhile Gordo is battle tested having pulled off nailbiters against Fayette County and Bibb County. Gordo has the most dynamics players on the field, IMO, with Davis and Robertson but I think Winfield in the slightly more complete team but I won't be surprised either way with this one (unless it isn't competitive.)

Prediction:  Winfield 28 Gordo 27

West Morgan (0-0) at  Priceville (0-0)  at Bulldog Stadium West Morgan   Priceville 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 4A-R7  Class/Region 4A-R7 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 69.8  Power Rating 66.9 AHSFHS Power Ratings have West Morgan as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The West Morgan Rebels defeated Priceville by a score of 8-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Priceville and West Morgan have met 14 times on the field.... Priceville holds a 8-6 edge in the games played.

Comments:    West Morgan, the holder of the longest regular season win streak in the state at 27, comes in 3-0 and off a 49-0 region win against the West Limestone Wildcats. Surprisingly the game was 7-0 at the half. Nash Thomas came alive in the second half and ran one TD and caught another leading the onslaught.

Priceville, vastly improved from last year, also comes in 3-0 outscoring opponents 47 to 11. The level of competition hasn't been the greatest thus far, but they found themselves 1-2 at this point last year. This year they're looking to contend for a region title in 5A R7.

While West Morgan is stepping up a classification, I believe they'd win 5A R7 as well. They can't overlook Priceville like it appears they did West Limestone last week. The seasoned veterans of Partlow and Johnson will help pull the Rebels through this game. Priceville is a big threat in region this year, but not this week.

Prediction:  West Morgan 45 Priceville 28

Central Florence (0-0) at  Brooks (0-0)  at E.D. Redding Stadium Central Florence   Brooks 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 3A-R7  Class/Region 4A-R7 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 52.0  Power Rating 42.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Central Florence as a 8 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Brooks Lions defeated Central Florence by a score of 27-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Brooks and Central Florence have met 48 times on the field.... Brooks holds a 32-16 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Central Florence comes in 2-1. Central lost most all of it's offensive production from last year and most expected them to struggle mightily this season. You might say Heath Wood has them ahead of schedule by knocking off Colbert County and blanking a much improved Wilson team. Sophomore Lucas Price has led the team with two 100 yard performances on the ground and grinding out a tough 86 against a good Lauderdale County defense.

Brooks comes in 0-2 and is having the opposite type of year. It's not that they lost to two really good teams (West Morgan and Hatton), but the way they lost. Brooks has been dominated in both outings. The defense has played very good at times, but has found themselves on the field most of the time due to the inability of the offense to sustain drives, which isn't helped out by unforced errors and multiple turnovers.

A game that most of Killen probably saw as inconsequential early in the season now becomes a huge game. If there is anyone who can right the ship, it's Coach Bowens and his staff but this has to be one of those ''back to the drawing board'' weeks.

The Wildcats are playing with house money and find themselves in a position to sneak up and snag a playoff position themselves. Brooks has the dangerous weapon of kicker Charlie Bottoms (two fgs against Hatton, one of over 40 yards) but they haven't been able to give him many opportunities thus far.

Prediction:  Brooks 26 Central Florence 8

kodyaufan2 Week 4 Picks

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  9-3

Pleasant Valley (0-0) at  Pisgah (0-0)  at Sam Kenimer Stadium Pleasant Valley   Pisgah 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 2A-R6  Class/Region 2A-R8 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 49.2  Power Rating 40.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Pleasant Valley as a 6 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Pisgah Eagles defeated Pleasant Valley by a score of 44-20 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Pisgah and Pleasant Valley have met 3 times on the field.... Pisgah holds a 3-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Comments: It's not an overreaction to say that this game is for a region championship, something Pisgah has done twice in the last four years, but Pleasant Valley has only accomplished this feat once in their history. Region 7 isn't terrible, but these are the clear two best teams.

Pisgah lost two 1st team All-State players from last year's team in RB Legion McCrary and QB/ATH Luke Gilbert, but perhaps their biggest loss was Coach Luke Pruitt, who left for Boaz after leading the Eagles to the 2A Semifinals in 2022 and 2023, as well as the Quarterfinals last season. They do return 2nd Team All-State receiver Landon Watkins, so expect the offense to remain explosive. The defense, however, is likely where the Eagles will take a step back.

Pleasant Valley's only region championship came way back in 1984, so they could put themselves in position to make history on Friday night. The Raiders lost 52-6 in this matchup last season, but they've improved at pretty much every position for this season. QB Braxton Salster is the real deal at QB, and will be the best at that position in 2A. I've heard he could get some scholarship offers coming in this year if he hasn't already. He's 6'5'', throws a beautiful ball, and is a true dual threat, as they draw up a lot of designed runs for him like you'd see back in the day for players like Tim Tebow or Cam Newton. He's also a menace at OLB for them on the defensive side, where the Raiders have allowed just 7 total points in 3 games.

It's really hard to make up a 52-6 deficit in just one season, but I think this Pleasant Valley team could be a legitimate state championship contender. I think Coach Jonathan Nix's team has all the pieces, it's just a matter of overcoming the psychological hurdle for a program that has never even won a playoff game.

Prediction:  Pleasant Valley 40, Pisgah 28

Alexandria (0-0) at  Anniston (0-0)  at Lott/Mosby Memorial Stadium Alexandria   Anniston 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 4A-R6  Class/Region 4A-R6 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 60.5  Power Rating 59.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Alexandria as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Anniston Bulldogs defeated Alexandria by a score of 20-18 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Anniston and Alexandria have met 42 times on the field.... Anniston holds a 35-7 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Comments: This is a loaded region at the top, with as many as five teams that could make some noice in the postseason, and last year the 1, 3, and 4 seeds from this region won their 1st Round games. Anniston was one of the favorites to reach the state championship game, but Alexandria could be a dark horse in the North.

I have to admit I don't really know what to make of Anniston yet. They were my preseason pick to make the Super 7 from the North in Class 4A, but their first two results this year haven't been as convincing as expected considering their competition. The opening win over Beauregard seemed like a solid win until the Hornets fell to Marbury last week. Anniston then beat Ashville 43-20 last week, which is a comfortable win, but considering they won that game 62-8 last season, you could argue that was still a less-than-stellar performance. Regardless, this is one of the most talented teams in 4A, so I expect them to rise to the occasion against better competition. Junior OL Sharontae Bailey is a 3-Star prospect who is expected to rise up recruiting boards over the next two seasons, and QB/DB Damon Pope is one of the most versatile players in 4A. The offense appears to be ahead of where it was at this point last season in terms of execution, so if the defense catches up this is a dangerous team.

Rumors of Alexandria's demise were greatly exaggerated following their 1-win season a couple years ago. That 1-8 season was largely due to an extremely young roster full of mostly Freshmen and a few Sophomores. Those players are now Juniors and Seniors with two full years of experience, including a playoff win last season. This team is going to take another step forward in 2025. The only question is how big that step will be. This is a great region, with 5 teams that could win games in the postseason, but a region championship is on the table if they can knock off Anniston.

Anniston is a talented team that found their groove offensively late last season, and that seems to have continued into this season. Alexandria will also be a great team, but I think next year will be their year.

Prediction:  Anniston 42, Alexandria 34

Central Tuscaloosa (0-0) at  Bessemer City (0-0)  at Bessemer City Stadium Central Tuscaloosa   Bessemer City 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 5A-R3  Class/Region 5A-R3 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 71.4  Power Rating 71.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Bessemer City as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Bessemer City Purple Tigers defeated Central Tuscaloosa by a score of 28-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Bessemer City and Central Tuscaloosa have met 31 times on the field.... Bessemer City holds a 17-14 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Comments: Both teams came into this game 3-0 last season as well, but Central's season took a drastic turn following their 24-0 defeat in this matchup, as they would ultimately miss the playoffs. They'll likely need to pull off an upset either in this one or against Northridge next week in order to make the playoffs.

Every year that Coach Antonio Nelson has been at Bessemer City, their record has improved, from 0-10 in 2021, to 1-9 in 2022, to 5-6 and a playoff appearance in 2023, to 7-4 and another playoff appearance in 2024. That's the mark of a great coach. The Purple Tigers sit at 3-0 for the second year in a row, but they've been much more convincing in those victories this year than last season, with an average margin of victory of nearly 30 points. If they can win this one, they'll probably only be an underdog in two more games this year, so 8-2 would be firmly on the table, with a chance for more. Their top player is 4-Star DL Emanuel Ruffin, who hold offers from multiple SEC schools.

The story of the season so far for Central Tuscaloosa has been their defense. They sit tied for 3rd in Class 6A scoring defense, allowing just 6.7 points per game through 3 games. Granted, they haven't faced the best competition, but playing such stifling defense consistently so far is a great sign. They have a great combination in the running game of #2 Tra'von Hall and #6, who I believe is Anthony Dixon. Hall is actually a receiver who motions into the back field frequently, but he's also a great perimeter blocker. Guard #55 Nick Witherspoon is a 3-Star Interior lineman with multiple D1 offers.

I actually think Central might have the better athletes in this matchup, but Bessemer City looks like a really well coached team, and I think that combined with playing at home will be the difference.

Prediction:  Bessemer City 24, Central Tuscaloosa 14

Dothan High (0-0) at  Central Phenix City (0-0)  at Garrett-Harrison Stadium Dothan High   Central Phenix City 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 6A-R2  Class/Region 6A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 80.2  Power Rating 87.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Central Phenix City as a 9 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Central Phenix City Red Devils defeated Dothan High by a score of 56-28 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Central Phenix City and Dothan High have met 6 times on the field.... Central Phenix City holds a 6-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Comments: Dothan has never beaten Central in 5 previous meetings, but they came very close last season, leading late before the Red Devils came back to win 42-35. Going to Phenix City will be difficult, but this could be the best chance they've ever had of winning this matchup.

Central Phenix City is never short on talent, and they've got a loaded roster once again. But make sure you remember the name Braylen Averett. The freshman receiver has shown out so far for the Red Devils, leading the team Receiving yard and Touchdowns through their first two games. He has incredible breakaway speed, which mixed with solid route running has made him extremely difficult to cover. He's had a couple of great contested catches this year as well, so he could be the state's next great blue chip receiver prospect. Coach Patrick Nix has raved about the offensive line this year, so expect that to be a strength as well. The defense seems to be a tick behind last season in my opinion, but I would expect them to grow throughout the season.

After winning their first two games against out-of-state opponents, Dothan made a huge statement last week after dropping nearly 70 on what we thought was a really good Enterprise team. With their Single Wing offense, the Wolves completed just two passes in that one, but ran for almost 500 yards with two different 200-yard rushers in AJ Alexander and Sirlathian Meadows. Those two also combined for 7 Touchdowns on the ground. 3-Star OL Aden Jackson is the anchor of an Offensive Line that is a joy to watch in such an old school offense. They are one of the hottest teams in the state right now, and we'll really find out what they're made of this week. 2nd place in 7A Region 2 seems open for the taking, and Dothan is certainly in the mix.

These are the top two scoring offenses in 7A through three games, each averaging about 50 ppg, so expect some offensive fireworks in this one as each offense thrives off of explosive plays. In a high-scoring game, turnovers and special team will be key. I think Central finds a turnover at some point, which forces Dothan to chase the game with their run-heavy offense.

Prediction:  Central Phenix City 49, Dothan 35

Sloth Nationzz Week 4 Picks

Last Week:  2-2    Season Total:  7-5

Hewitt-Trussville (0-0) at  Hoover (0-0)  at Regions Park Hewitt-Trussville   Hoover 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 6A-R3  Class/Region 6A-R3 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 90.9  Power Rating 81.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Hewitt-Trussville as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies defeated Hoover by a score of 17-14 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville have met 30 times on the field.... Hoover holds a 23-7 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Two schools that are battling for better playoff seeding. Hewitt has been incredible to start the year, and Hoover took a stunning loss to Hillcrest Tuscaloosa. These two are very evenly matched, and if Hewitt had their starting quarterback I would pick them to win this game very quickly. But without their starting quarterback it makes this pick much more difficult.

On the Hoover side of the ball you have Jonah Winston, a Florida State commit and younger brother of Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston. Hewitt Trussvillle has been stellar on defense, they truly look elite and could contend with their defense so far this season.

Hoover is playing for a lot here, a loss here means they likely won't be hosting a playoff game and will be hitting the road in round one. I believe even with a three quarterback system like Hewitt Trussville runs, I believe they will win this football game.

I think their defense will carry them to a victory. Give me the Huskies for the win.

Prediction:  Hewitt Trussville 14 Hoover 10

Straughn (0-0) at  Dale County (0-0)  at Warrior Stadium Straughn   Dale County 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 4A-R2  Class/Region 4A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 54.0  Power Rating 51.7 AHSFHS Power Ratings have the teams as even.

Last Meeting:   The Straughn Tigers defeated Dale County by a score of 22-19 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Dale County and Straughn have met 9 times on the field.... Straughn holds a 6-3 edge in the games played.

Comments:    In what is one of the most balanced and most chaotic regions in the state. This game will likely determine at minimum hosting a playoff spot, after Dale County's victory over Ashford last week.

Straughn has played well so far in this young season, and Dale County defeating what is a good Ashford team is a sign that maybe they are getting things moving towards another region title. However like I said this region really is a roll of the dice so you could really say this is a very even matchup. However I believe that Straughn has played better up to this point in the season and will get the win.

Not sure if they win the region, but I do believe they will defeat Dale County.

Prediction:  Straughn 28 Dale County 22

Dadeville (0-0) at  Randolph County (0-0)  at Hulond Humphries Stadium Dadeville   Randolph County 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 2A-R4  Class/Region 2A-R4 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 38.7  Power Rating 42.2 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Randolph County as a 6 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Randolph County Tigers defeated Dadeville by a score of 35-34 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Randolph County and Dadeville have met 26 times on the field.... Dadeville holds a 16-9 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Mo Winston of Randolph County has been running wild for Randolph County this season. I do not have the exact numbers, but I know he has been all over the place with his rushing numbers this season.

Dadeville is turning their season around so far. After two tough losses to higher classification teams, last week's win over Beulah was a nice bounce back and they played well in that contest! I just do not know if they can stop Mo Winston.

My thought process is, I am not sure if any team can stop Mo Winston this season, I know Randolph County's defense isn't too great, but I believe they can outscore a lot of teams and win.

Give me Randolph County to win this one in a high scoring affair.

Prediction:  Randolph County 49 Dadeville 40

Red Level (0-0) at  Brantley (0-0)  at Brantley Field Red Level   Brantley 0-0 (0-0)  Record 0-0 (0-0) 1A-R4  Class/Region 1A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 21.3  Power Rating 23.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Brantley as a 4 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Brantley Bulldogs defeated Red Level by a score of 36-20 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 12 during the 2025 football season. Series:   Brantley and Red Level have met 62 times on the field.... Brantley holds a 48-14 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This is not a game that I expected to be previewing back in the summertime, but hey, here we are. Brantley has not played up to the Brantley standard.

Red Level has played above the Red Level standard. I won't act like either one of these teams are world beaters, but I do think Red Level could win this game. If Red Level wins this game, it would be their first time beating Brantley since 1991! But if Brantley wins, it is just another Friday night.

That is why I am picking Red Level to win, it just means more to the Tigers to win this football game.

Prediction:  Red Level 14 Brantley 12