Playoff capsules
- Updated: November 2, 2015
A capsule look at this week’s football playoff matchups involving Calhoun County teams; some games move to Thursday
Anniston’s L.J. Heard looks to turn the corner.
ANNISTON BULLDOGS (4-5) at RUSSELLVILLE GOLDEN TIGERS (9-1)
At Tiger Stadium, Thursday
COACHES: Eddie Bullock, Anniston (35-31, 6th year); Mark Heaton (17-4, 2nd year; 61-28 career).
SERIES: First meeting.
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: Anniston 28-22 in 24 appearances; Russellville 59-27 in 29 appearances.
STATE TITLES: Anniston 1989, 1994 (both 6A); Russellville 0-7 in 5A state championship games (1987, 1992, 2002-204, 2008-09).
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): Anniston, never ranked; Russellville (No. 4 Wk 3/No. 9 preseason).
ENROLLMENT: Anniston 379 (60 of 62 in 5A, 151 overall); Russellville 474 (24 in 5A, 116 overall).
SEASON RECAP: Anniston – Open, Handley L (14-6), Mortimer Jordan L (49-13), Hayden L (12-28), Lincoln W (37-14), Open, Springville W (22-3), Moody L (27-24), St. Clair County W (8-0), Alexandria W (25-0), Fort Payne L (27-26); Russellville – Open, Deshler W (42-12), J.O. Johnson W (29-26), Columbia W (35-14), Ardmore W (52-0), Sparkman L (39-36), East Limestone W (39-14), West Point W (27-7), Lawrence County W (18-13), St. John Paul II W (59-0), Cullman W (6-0).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): Anniston 19.9 (42nd), Russellville 34.3 (9th).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): Anniston 17.3 (18th), Russellville 12.5 (9th).
2014 POSTSEASON: Anniston missed playoffs; Russellville, lost in first round to 5A runner-up Pleasant Grove 36-14.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Parker (6-4)-Etowah (7-3) winner.
NOTES: Anniston is making its first playoff appearance since 2012; Russellville has missed playoffs only once since 2000 (2013) … Russellville QB Payton Nichols had thrown for 1,374 yards with a 17-2 TD-INT ratio, RB Deyon Hill had 1,089 yards rushing, 30-561 receiving, 25 total TDs … Nichols threw for 1,974 yards and 22 TDs in 2014.
Alexandria’s bench erupts onto the field after the Valley Cubs beat Moody to clinch their first region title since 2012.
WEST POINT WARRIORS (6-4) at ALEXANDRIA VALLEY CUBS (8-1)
At Lou Scales Stadium, Thursday
COACHES: Don Farley, West Point (17-14, 3rd year); Frank Tucker, Alexandria (61-36, 9th year).
SERIES: First meeting.
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: West Point 3-15 in 15 appearances, Alexandria 49-27 in 30 appearances.
STATE TITLES: West Point, none; Alexandria 1985, 1995, 1997 (all 4A).
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): West Point, never ranked; Alexandria (No. 7 for three weeks/No. 10 on Oct. 27).
ENROLLMENT: West Point 380 (59 of 62 in 5A, 150 overall); Alexandria 425 (40 in 5A, 140 overall).
SEASON RECAP: West Point – Open, Hayden L (42-26), Columbia W (31-20), Ardmore W (42-7), St. John Paul II W (54-8), Hanceville W (49-0), J.O. Johnson W (forfeit); Russellville L (27-7), East Limestone L (28-25), Lawrence County (28-27), Priceville W (49-21); Alexandria – Jacksonville W (46-14), Open, Hayden W (36-14), Lincoln W (34-7), Springville W (27-0), Open, Mortimer Jordan W (39-36), St. Clair County W (50-21), Moody W (56-14), Anniston L (25-0), Cherokee County W (65-49).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): West Point 33.1 (12th), Alexandria 39.2 (3rd).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): West Point 22.3 (30th), Alexandria 20.0 (26th).
2014 POSTSEASON: West Point, lost in first round to Parker, 28-9; Alexandria, lost in first round to Madison County.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Madison County (6-4)-Pleasant Grove (7-3) winner.
NOTES: Alexandria is making its second straight playoff appearance and 12th in the last 13 years … Valley Cubs haven’t won a first-round game since 2011 (missed playoffs in 2013); West Point has lost its last 10 first-round games (last win 1994) … West Point hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since moving up to 5A in 2006 … Cubs are averaging 420 yards of offense a game, 400 of it on the ground. Keenan Woodruff has rushed for 1,459 yards and 23 TDs. Jamal Tucker has 870 yards and 12 TDs.
Jacksonville’s Colton Clark (4) goes high over Cleburne County’s Jeremiah Blake for an interception. (Photo by Jonathan Fordham)
JACKSONVILLE GOLDEN EAGLES (6-4) at BROOKS LIONS (9-1)
At E.D. Redding Stadium, Thursday
COACHES: Clint Smith, Jacksonville (66-53 at J’ville, 7th year, 94-69 overall); Brad Black (1st year).
SERIES: First meeting.
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: Jacksonville 5-6 in 6 appearances, Brooks 15-23 in 23 appearances.
STATE TITLES: Jacksonville, none; Brooks, noon.
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): Jacksonville, never ranked; Brooks (No. 5/No. 8).
ENROLLMENT: Jacksonville 335 (28 of 63 in 4A), Brooks 380 (8 in 4A).
SEASON RECAP: Alexandria L (46-14), Weaver W (35-28), Crossville W (41-7), Sardis W (41-20), Cherokee County L (35-20), Butler W (forfeit), Cleburne County L (29-14), White Plains W (48-14), Hokes Bluff W (47-20), Saks L (63-36), Open; Brooks – Open, Sheffield W (56-20), Elmont W (28-13), West Limestone W (28-7), Wilson W (24-0), Lauderdale County W (28-24), East Lawrence W (47-7), Rogers W (42-10), Deshler W (31-28), Central Florence W (44-21), Colbert County L (62-28).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): Jacksonville 29.7 (17th), Brooks 35.6 (9th).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): Jacksonville 26.2 (37th), Brooks 19.2 (12th).
2014 POSTSEASON: Jacksonville, lost in second round to Fayette County 29-26; Brooks didn’t make the playoffs.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Haleyville (6-4)-North Jackson (6-4) winner.
NOTES: Jacksonville is making its third straight playoff appearance and is 5-1 all-time in first-round playoff games. It has scored 49 points in the opening round each of the last two years … Last year was the first time since 2000 Brooks missed the playoffs … Jacksonville’s Tae Ackles is a 1,000-yard rusher … Brooks QB Tyce Thomas has thrown for 1,561 yards with a 20-3 TD-INT ratio; RB Deondre Hampton has rushed for 1,361 yards, 19 TDs; receiver Kolton Medley has 32 catches for 539 yards and eight TDs … Black, 36, took reins after 11 years as defensive/special teams coach.
Saks quarterback Quin Smith breaks off a big gain.
WEST LIMESTONE WILDCATS (7-3) at SAKS WILDCATS (8-2)
At Jack Stewart Field
COACHES: Jordan Cantrell, West Limestone (10-10, 2nd year); Jonathan Miller, Saks (39-8, 4th year).
SERIES: First meeting.
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: West Limestone 5-5 in 5 appearances; Saks 14-14 in 14 appearances.
STATE TITLES: West Limestone, none (lost 1988 3A title game to Thomasville); Saks, none (lost 1996 5A title game to Blount).
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): West Limestone (No. 9 Wk 2/NR); Saks (No. 4/No. 9).
ENROLLMENT: West Limestone 356 (12 of 63 in 4A); Saks 302 (52 in 4A).
SEASON RECAP: West Limestone – Tanner L (28-21), East Limestone W (26-6), Deshler L (40-19), Brooks L (28-7), Elmont W (43-23), Open, Rogers W (25-0), East Lawrence W (54-28), Central Florence W (37-7), Wilson W (21-14), Ardmore W (39-21); Saks – Open, Wellborn L (21-20), Sardis W (54-12), Cherokee County W (32-14), White Plains W (54-16), Weaver W (47-21), Crossville W (40-7), Hokes Bluff W (35-21), Cleburne County L (36-29), Jacksonville W (63-36), LaFayette W (63-34).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): West Limestone 29.2 (19th), Saks 43.7 (1st).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): West Limestone 19.5 (13th), Saks 21.8 (22nd).
2014 POSTSEASON: West Limestone missed playoffs; Saks, lost in second round to 4A runner-up Deshler 36-14.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Oneonta (5-5)-Cordova (10-0) winner.
NOTES: Saks’ RB Calvin Figueroa is a 2,000-yard rusher … Saks is making its eighth playoff appearance in the last nine years (missed in 2010); this is West Limestone’s fifth playoff appearance since 2010 (missed in 2012, 2014) … West Limestone’s three losses were to ranked teams … Cantrell, 30, was a long defensive coordinator, switched to OC in 2012 when team switched to its current Wing-T scheme.
Piedmont running back Darnell Jackson (2) rushed for 170 yards and three first-half touchdowns to help coach Steve Smith earn his 100th coaching victory with the Bulldogs.
LEXINGTON GOLDEN BEARS (6-4) at PIEDMONT BULLDOGS (9-1)
At Field of Champions, Thursday
COACHES: Jason Lard, Lexington (35-30, 6th year); Steve Smith, Piedmont (103-23 at Piedmont, 10th year, 188-68 overall)
SERIES: First meeting
All-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: Lexington 14-23 in 23 appearances, Piedmont 29-18 in 19 appearances.
STATE TITLES: Lexington, none; Piedmont 2009 (3A)
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): Lexington never ranked; Piedmont (No. 3 preseason/No. 5).
ENROLLMENT: Lexington 221 (49 of 61 in 3A), Piedmont 247 (32 in 3A).
SEASON RECAP: Lexington – Shoals Christian W (42-6), Mars Hill W (56-13), Colbert Heights W (50-7), Clements W (61-8), Lauderdale County L (42-6), Rogers L (7-6), West Morgan W (46-7). Colbert County L (39-21), Sheffield W (56-27), Madison Academy L (54-14); Piedmont – Open, Cherokee County W (35-20), Ashville W (62-21), Ohatchee W (40-13), Glencoe W (44-26), Leeds L (29-12), Pleasant Valley W (49-0), Walter Wellborn W (35-0), Westbrook Christian W (39-7), Weaver W (35-14), Oneonta W (30-0).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): Lexington 35.8 (8th), Piedmont 38.1 (6th).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): Lexington 21.0 (22nd), Piedmont 13.0 (6th).
2014 POSTSEASON: Lexington lost in first round to Oakman 35-28; Piedmont lost in second round to state champion Madison Academy 42-20.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Plainview (6-4)-Oakman (7-3) winner.
NOTES: Piedmont has never missed the playoffs under Smith (18-8) and has won at least one game every year except the first; Lexington is making its eight straight trip (one win, 2009)… Smith is 28-18 in the playoffs, Lard 0-5 … Lexington QB Tyler Pettus has thrown for 486 yards and six TDs; RB Dakota Saint 768 yards rushing, 13 TDs; RB Everett Williams 636 yards, 7 TDs; RB Devin Durham 547 yards, 5 TDs; DB Izak Fulton has 5 interceptions … Piedmont’s Darnell Jackson and Taylor Hayes are both closing in on 1,000 yards … Lard was a five-year starter and 1993 all-state LB who set an unofficial state record for tackles (513).
D.J. Rhoden is a big part of Wellborn’s offense. (Photo by Kristen Stringer/Krisp Pics Photography)
WELLBORN PANTHERS (6-3) at LAUDERDALE COUNTY (7-3)
At Robert Earl Grisham Stadium, Thursday
COACHES: Jeff Smith, Wellborn (50-29, 7th year, 126-84 overall); Bob Grisham, Lauderdale County (117-75 overall, 17th year).
SERIES: First meeting.
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: Wellborn 19-22 in 22 appearances, Lauderdale County 27-22 in 23 appearances.
STATE TITLES: Wellborn, none; Lauderdale County 1974 (2A)
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): Wellborn (No. 7/NR); Lauderdale County (No. 8/No. 10)
ENROLLMENT: Wellborn 253 (27 of 61 in 3A); Lauderdale County 280 (4th in 3A).
SEASON RECAP: Wellborn – Open, Saks W (21-20), Glencoe L (28-27), Pleasant Valley W (69-20), Weaver W (54-35), Moody L (42-38), Westbrook Christian W (20-7), Piedmont L (35-0), Ashville W (41-40), Ohatchee W (42-14), Open; Lauderdale County – Open, Wilson W (7-0), Colbert County W (16-6), Colbert Heights W (47-10), Lexington W (42-6), Brooks L (28-24), Sheffield W (52-14), Madison Academy L (14-3), West Morgan W (42-14), Clements W (61-0), Adamsville, Tenn. L (28-21).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): Wellborn 34.7 (11th), Lauderdale County 31.5 (16th).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): Wellborn 26.8 (34th), Lauderdale County 12.0 (T-3)
2014 POSTSEASON: Wellborn lost in third round to state champion Madison Academy 56-8, Lauderdale County lost in second round to Glencoe 17-14.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Winston County (7-3)-New Hope (6-4) winner.
NOTES: Wellborn has made seven straight playoff appearances under Smith and won at least one game each of the last four years; Lauderdale County is making its sixth straight playoff appearance and 12th since 2000 (missing 2006-09). … Smith has taken a team to the playoffs each of the last 10 years and 11 of the last 12. … Lauderdale County QB Ethan Belue has throw for 713 yards and 5 TDs; RB Jalyn Jones has 1,015 yards rushing, 15 TDs.
Weaver back Delo Forbes runs for yardage in a two-day victory over Ashville.
WEAVER BEARCATS (5-5) at MADISON ACADEMY (9-1)
At Bill Washington Stadium, Thursday
COACHES: Daryl Hamby, Weaver (29-35, 6th year); Eric Cohu, Madison Academy (85-11, 7th year).
SERIES: Madison Academy leads, 1-0, winning 27-26 in 2011.
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD:
STATE TITLES: Weaver, non; Madison Academy has won the last three.
2015 RANKINGS (High/Low): Weaver hasn’t been ranked since 2006; Madison Academy has been No. 1 all season.
ENROLLMENT: Weaver 256 (25 of 61 in 3A); Madison Academy 284 (1 in 3A).
SEASON RECAP: Weaver — Open, Jacksonville L (35-28), Pleasant Valley W (46-13), Ashville W (42-20), Wellborn L (54-35), Saks L (47-21), Ohatchee W (21-7), Westbrook Christian W (40-14), Glencoe L (15-14), Piedmont L (35-14), White Plains W (45-14); Madison Academy — Leeds W (19-14), Ensworth, Tenn. L (28-7), West Morgan W (55-7), Sheffield W (50-7), Colbert County W (20-13), Open, Colbert Heights W (60-7), Lauderdale County W (14-3), Clements W (55-8), Lexington W (54-14), Briarwood W (27-22).
SCORING OFFENSE (Rank): Weaver 30.6 (18th), Madison Academy 36.1 (7th).
SCORING DEFENSE (Rank): Weaver 25.4 (32nd), Madison Academy 12.3 (5th).
2014 POSTSEASON: Weaver lost in first round to Plainview 34-6, Madison Academy won the state championship.
NEXT ROUND: Winner vs. Susan Moore (4-6)-North Sand Mountain (6-4) winner.
NOTES: Weaver has made playoffs five of Hamby’s six seasons and go into the game with a “shock the world’ mindset … Madison Academy has won the last three 3A titles, been to playoffs 12 of last 13 years. … With Paul Hubbard (shoulder) cleared to play Monday, the Bearcats are as healthy as they have been since opening day. The return of Hubbard allows the Bearcats to get him the ball in space with Dalton Hamby at quarterback. The moves of Tyrik Hall (ILB) and Chris Lemon (DE) has bolstered the defense.
COMPLETE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
(x-Thursday)
CLASS 1A
Billingsley (5-5) at Millry (7-3)
Keith (4-6) at Georgiana (9-1)
Marengo (6-4) at Loachapoka (4-6)
x-Kinston (5-5) at Maplesville (8-1)
McKenzie (6-3) at Linden (7-2)
Chickasaw (4-6) at Notasulga (8-2)
A.L. Johnson (3-6) at Brantley (8-2)
Verbena (7-3) at J.U. Blacksher (7-3), Uriah
Woodville (4-6) at Victory Christian (7-2), Pell City
Vina (5-5) at Berry (8-2)
Talladega County Central (6-3) at Spring Garden (7-3)
x-Meek (7-3) at Decatur Heritage (9-1), Priceville Stadium
Hubbertville (6-3) at Hackleburg (9-1)
Ragland (3-7) at Cedar Bluff (9-1)
Phillips (6-4) at South Lamar (6-4), Millport
Valley Head (3-6) at Wadley (8-1)
CLASS 2A
Luverne (6-4) at Mobile Christian (9-1)
Francis Marion (4-6) at G.W. Long (9-0), Skipperville
Flomaton (8-2) at New Brockton (9-1)
Ariton (5-5) at Fayetteville (8-2)
Samson (7-3) at Pickens County (7-3), Reform
Sweet Water (5-5) at Elba (9-1)
Thorsby 6-4) at Providence Christian (7-2), Dothan
Goshen (4-6) at Washington County (8-2), Chatom
Gaston (7-3) at Ranburne (8-1)
x-Phil Campbell (4-6) at Tanner (10-0)
LaFayette (6-4) at Fyffe (9-1)
Addison (5-5) at Red Bay (10-0)
Cold Springs (6-4) at Sulligent (7-3)
x-Reeltown (6-4) at Cleveland (10-0)
Hatton (5-5) at Falkville (8-2)
Collinsville (6-4) at Randolph County (10-0), Wedowee
CLASS 3A
Fultondale (5-5) at Bayside Academy (7-3), Daphne
Greensboro (5-5) at Daleville (9-1)
Opp (7-3) at Midfield (6-3)
x-Wicksburg (7-3) at Gordo (10-0)
Slocomb (7-3) at American Christian (9-1), Tuscaloosa
Hillcrest-Evergreen (5-5) at Montgomery Academy (9-1)
Aliceville (6-4) at Pike County (8-1), Brundidge
Central-Coosa (5-5) at T.R. Miller (8-2), Brewton
x-Plainview (6-4) at Oakman (7-3)
Lexington (6-4) at Piedmont (9-1)
Susan Moore (4-6) at North Sand Mountain (6-4), Higdon
x-Weaver (5-5) at Madison Academy (9-1)
Walter Wellborn (6-3) at Lauderdale County (7-3), Rogersville
Winston County (7-3) at New Hope (6-4)
Colbert County (7-4) at Glencoe (9-1)
Geraldine (6-4) at Winfield (9-1)
CLASS 4A
x-Dadeville (5-5) at Thomasville (6-4)
West Blocton (5-5) at Andalusia (9-1)
W.S. Neal (8-2) at Munford (7-3)
Straughn (4-5) at Bibb County (7-3), Centreville
Saint James (6-4) at Montevallo (8-2)
x-Clarke County (4-6) at Leeds (8-2)
Northside (7-2) at Trinity Presbyterian (7-3), Montgomery
Handley (8-2) at UMS-Wright (10-0), Mobile
DAR (8-2) at Fayette County (6-4), Fayette
Wilson (6-4) at Cleburne County (8-2), Heflin
Haleyville (6-4) at North Jackson (6-4), Stevenson
Jacksonville (6-4) at Brooks (9-1), Killen
Cherokee County (6-4) at Deshler (5-5), Tuscumbia
Hamilton (4-6) at Priceville (8-2)
West Limestone (7-3) at Saks (8-2)
Oneonta (5-5) at Cordova (10-0)
CLASS 5A
Sylacauga (7-3) at St. Paul’s Episcopal (8-2), Mobile
Dallas County (6-4) at Greenville (10-0)
Vigor (6-4) at Central-Clay County (6-4)
Charles Henderson (5-5) at Demopolis (8-2)
Sidney Lanier (4-6) at Helena (8-2)
Williamson (5-5) at Beauregard (9-0)
Calera (7-3) at Eufaula (8-2)
Tallassee (5-5) at Jackson (10-0)
Madison County (6-4) at Pleasant Grove (7-3)
West Point (6-4) at Alexandria (8-1)
Parker (6-4) at Etowah (7-3), Attalla
x-Anniston (4-5) at Russellville (9-1)
Hayden (7-3) at East Limestone (8-2), Capshaw
Ramsay (7-3) at Guntersville (10-0)
x-Lawrence County (6-4) at Mortimer Jordan (9-1), Kimberly
Randolph (7-3) at Wenonah (9-0), Birmingham
CLASS 6A
Chelsea (7-3) at Blount (8-2), Prichard
Bessemer City (6-4) at Park Crossing (8-2), Cramton Bowl
Saraland (8-2) at Benjamin Russell (9-1), Alexander City
Wetumpka (4-6) at McAdory (9-1), McCalla
Northview (4-6) at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (7-3)
Daphne (6-4) at Opelika (10-0)
Northridge (8-2) at Dothan (6-4)
Pell City (4-6) at Spanish Fort (10-0)
Lee-Huntsville (6-4) at Homewood (8-2)
x-Cullman (6-4) at Clay-Chalkville (10-0)
Minor (6-4) at Albertville (7-3)
Huffman (4-6) at Muscle Shoals (10-0)
Pinson Valley (7-3) at Austin (7-3), Decatur
Briarwood Christian (4-6) at Fort Payne (8-2)
Hartselle (7-3) at Gardendale (8-2)
Scottsboro (5-5) at Walker (8-2), Jasper
CLASS 7A
Theodore (7-3) at Auburn (6-4)
Enterprise (5-5) at McGill-Toolen (9-1), Mobile
Lee-Montgomery (7-3) at Murphy (7-3), Mobile
Foley (6-4) at Central-Phenix City (7-3)
x-Hewitt-Trussville (6-4) at James Clemens (9-1), Madison
Hazel Green (5-5) at Spain Park (9-1), Hoover
Buckhorn (6-4) at Hoover (8-2), Hoover Met
Vestavia Hills (8-2) at Bob Jones (9-1), Madison
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