STAFF REPORT

Nine teams from the River Region moved to the next round this week with the AHSAA playoffs reaching the second round while AISA is in the semifinals this week.

Five teams drew a home game this week while one game pits two local teams in the AISA semifinals.

A couple of other numbers from the second round of the AHSAA playoffs (courtesy AHSFHS.com)

Entering this week’s games, 22 undefeated teams remain, including Macon East.
There were six overtime games last week, five in the Class 5A
In Class 7A, Thompson was the lone team from the northern part of the state to survive the first round.
Bullock County won its first playoff game in school history
Catholic has won 11 straight playoff games.
Trinity has won six straight first round games.

AISA games this week will be played on Thursday, a week prior to next week’s AISA championships at Cramton Bowl.

AHSAA Second Round/AISA Semifinals

All games are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise

BESSEMER CITY at PIKE ROAD (6A)

Patriot Stadium

2025 Records: Pike Road (9-2), Bessemer (9-1)
Last week: Pike Road def. McGill-Toolen, 28-10; Bessemer City def. Helena, 24-7
Series: Pike Road leads, 1-0
Last meeting: 2024 - Pike Road, 37-7 (First round)
Next week: Winner faces either Hueytown or Russell County

Key Numbers: Bessemer City has lost five of its last six second-round games but hasn’t been in the second round since 2018… Pike Road has won three of its last four second-round games.

The skinny: The story of this one may come down to the health of the Patriots who had a couple of injuries in last week’s win over McGill. Bessemer City typically has talent but hasn’t made it past the first round in quite a while. Pike Road seems to be in a groove but don’t be surprised if this game is closer than expected. The personnel on the field may have something to say about that.

PREDICTION: Pike Road, 28-10

LEE-SCOTT at MONTGOMERY ACADEMY (3A)

McLemore Field

2025 Records: L-S (9-2), MA (10-1)

Last week: Lee-Scott def. Hale Co, 42-14; MA def. Flomaton, 42-0

Series: First meeting
Next week: Winners face either Bayside or Randolph County
Key Stats: MA is averaging 48 points on offense while giving up only 10 points per game.

The skinny: Chances are pretty good a few of the players on the Lee-Scott football team were part of last year’s debacle in the regional basketball tournament when the Eagles, on the way to a 3A state title a week later. The Warriors lost by 33 points in that game. No, that outcome has nothing to do with this game but one has to wonder if that is in the back of the Warriors’ minds as they prepare for Friday. Still, there is a reason why the Eagles were able to dominate that game (and one before as well) and it has to do with talent, much of the same talent that has the Eagles at 10-1 on the season. Right now, they are clicking on all cylinders and it’s doubtful anything will change that. MA should roll.

PREDICTION: MA, 42-16

AUTAUGA ACADEMY at McKENZIE (1A)

Williams-Vickery Field

2025 Records: AA (7-3), McKenzie (11-0)

Series: First meeting

Next Week: Winner faces either Leroy or Linden

Key Stat: The Generals got its first-ever AHSAA playoff win last week.

The skinny: This game will come down to whether or not the Generals can keep up with McKenzie’s offense. The Tigers average more than 53 points per game while Autauga is averaging just over 25 points per game. The Tigers have won 21 games the last two seasons but were unable to break out of the second round last year, losing to Millry. Autauga is still getting broken in to AHSAA play and continues to show growth. But this one might be too much to handle. McKenzie advances.

PREDICTION: McKenzie, 44-23

TRINITY at GLENWOOD (3A)

The Swamp, Smiths Station

2025 Records: Trinity (9-2), Glenwood (9-2)

Last week: Glenwood def. Thomasville, 43-0; Trinity def. T.R. Miller, 24-8

Series: First meeting as AHSAA programs
Next Week: Winner faces either Southside-Selma or Cottage Hill Christian

Key Stat: Two teams met as members of the AISA in the 1970s. Trinity joined the AHSAA in 1977.

The skinny: Judging who wins this one might come down to which region was better. Last year all four teams from Region 4 were eliminated in the first round while Region 3 produced the state champion finalist in Houston Academy. That may not be the best way to pick a winner but Trinity has been on a roll since the mid-season loss to Montgomery Academy. Last week was a test against a traditional power for Trinity. Glenwood also beat a tradition-rich program last week. This one has the makings of a game that goes down the final minutes. Trinity has been resilient all season. No reason to think that changes on Friday.

PREDICTION: Trinity, 26-20

KEY GAMES

(5A) Williamson at Elmore County - Of all the opponents the River Region teams will face this weekend, this one seems to be the most daunting. Williamson. The Lions have allowed a total of 52 points in 11 games on the way to a perfect 11-0 record. Elmore County will need to be perfect for any shot and that’s asking too much WILLIAMSON, 35-7.

(5A) Catholic at Shelby County – Shelby County may have been a surprise winner last week but the chances of making it two straight are slim. Catholic advances… CATHOLIC, 37-13.

(4A) Mobile Christian at Bullock County - Bulllock won its first-ever playoff game in program history last week (they made their first playoff appearance in 2019) That spans 124 years of football (of course the playoffs began in 1966 so it hasn’t been that long). Do they keep it going this week? Why. not…. BULLOCK CO, 21-17.

(1A) Maplesville at McIntosh - A battle of Demons and Red Devils. Too bad this one wasn’t played on Halloween. Maplesville cruises. MAPLESVILLE, 45-7.

(AAA) Banks at Lowndes Academy (Thur) - The Rebels are one step away from a fifth-straight championship berth. No problem… LOWNDES, 33-16.

(A) Evangel Christian at Macon East (Thur)- Local teams battle for the right to go to the 8-man finals. Macon East has been the preeminent team in the class. They beat the Lions a second time this season. ME, 46-13.

THE REST

AISA: Chambers Aca over Southern Aca, 35-12; Abbeville Christian over Wilcox Aca, 29-21; South Choctaw over Patrician, 34-21; Escambia over Cornerstone, 45-44; 7A: Thompson over Mary Montgomery, 29-15; Central-Phenix City over Fairhope, 38-13; Auburn over Daphne, 35-25; Opelika over Baker, 24-21; 6A: Theodore over Benjamin Russell, 28-27; Hueytown over Russell County, 35-30; 5A: Central-Clay Co over Andalusia, 23-10; Vigor over Northside, 45-32; 4A: St. Michael over Pleasant Grove, 40-24; Jackson over Handley, 21-20; 3A; Bayside over Randolph Co, 26-23; Southside-Selma over Cottage Hill, 26-21 2A: Reeltown over Cottonwood. 29-7; Luverne over G.W. Long, 47-12; Providence Christian over Loachapoka, 35-13; 1A: Leroy over Linden, 24-22; Southern Choctaw over University Charter, 39-38.

SEASON COMPLETED: St. James; Prattville Christian; JAG; Percy Julian; Park Crossing; Prattville; Holtville; Marbury; Alabama Christian; Hooper Academy; Stanhope Elmore; G.W. Carver; Billingsley; Tallassee; Wetumpka;

RECORD: Last week 30-4; Season 196-49 (.800)

PREP CAPSULES (2nd Round/AISA Semis): Nine teams survive for the next round