PREP CAPSULES (Week 5): AISA makes major move; Montgomery Academy makes first visit to Cramton Bowl
STAFF REPORT
The big news this week broke on Wednesday when the Alabama Independent School Association announced that it was disbanding its athletic program, something that has been around since the late 60s. The idea is for the programs in the AISA to move over to the new Gulf States Independent Athletic Association next fall.
“Everybody was on board today to do it,” stated Glynn Lott, who has spearheaded the new association. “That was another good thing about today. There were no votes against. Nobody was saying we ought to do this or not do this. Everybody has kind of figured this is our best option going forward.”
That choice is on each school but the expectation is all of the programs, about 50 in number, would move into the new association where the new league would possibly be joined by other private schools. That is to be decided in the near future.
What does this mean for the AHSAA? At the moment, nothing but a sign of solidarity cannot be ignored and one has to wonder what attempt will be made to keep their private schools in the fold.
This week’s schedule is limited due to several schools taking an off week. It is the mid-point of the season and already, a few teams are in “must-win” mode not only this week but in weeks to come.
It is also a week when history is made as Montgomery Academy faces JAG in a battle of a private school and public school in the city of Montgomery. This hasn’t happened since 2014 when Alabama Christian played a region contest against Sidney Lanier.
Now-defunct St. Jude also played Carver at Cramton Bowl back in 1976 as well as 1969.
Week 5
All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise
MONTGOMERY ACADEMY (PRIVATE A R1) at JAG(6A R2)
Friday at Cramton Bowl
2026 Records: MA (4-0, 2-0), JAG (1-3, 1- 2)
Series: First meeting
Last week: MA def. St. James, 58-0; Opelika def. JAG., 38-7
Key Notes: First-ever meeting between the two schools and just the fourth time a Capital City Conference member has faced a MPS member at the bowl (former member St. Jude played Carver twice and ACA faced Lanier).
The skinny: Certainly, enough has been made about the historic nature of this game. And, no doubt, there is excitement among the two programs to break a barrier that was, at the time, understandable. Long ago, a game like this would have been preposterous. The size, numbers and scope would be a massive discrepancy. Safety measures would have been questioned (if any doubts go back to when ACA played Lanier in 2016 and see the difference). But not any more. In a lot of ways and what was once a chasm isn’t as much at least in the talent pool. It’s no secret that city schools are not as dominant as in the past. Other than a moment or two the last few years, we haven’t seen the days of watching the Carvers and Lees of the world running roughshod over competition. Jeff Davis would have beaten the Eagles by a 100 around 10 years ago. There was no sense in these two programs facing off. But that was then. MA may not have the size of JAG up front but their skills are just as good (and maybe a bit better). The quarterback situation probably favors the Eagles as well. Coaching? That answer may come Friday night. This game will be closer than it should be due to MA’s talent and JAG’s inability to stay away from penalties. But that size up front may be too much for the Eagles to handle. That’s the only reason the Jaguars are the pick.
PREDICTION: JAG, 22-21
CATHOLIC (PRIVATE AA R1) at BRIARWOOD (PRIVATE AA R2)
Friday at Lion Pride Stadium, Birmingham
2026 Records: Catholic (4-1, 3-0), Briarwood (5-0, 3-0)
Series: First meeting
Last week: Catholic def. Glenwood, 38-15; Briarwood def. Madison Aca., 49-14
Key Notes: Briarwood last played a game against a team from Montgomery in the 2023 6A playoffs against Carver, pitching a shut out. The last time the Lions faced a team from the Capital City Conference was 1998, defeating Montgomery Academy in the third round of the Class 3A playoffs.
The skinny: While this isn’t a region game for these two teams, it is certainly a measuring stick for the Knights, who embark on what might be the toughest stretch of games in the AHSAA this season. Briarwood is probably considered the favorite to make the finals from the north side of the classification (currently tied with American Christian) while Catholic will have to fight through the likes of UMS-Wright, McGill-Toolen, St. Paul’s and St. Michael’s. They already owned a couple of impressive wins within the region but this one will be the biggest test so far. The high mark scoring against the Lions has been 14 points (twice) but they are scoring roughly 40 points per tilt. This is the first meeting between the schools and Briarwood hasn’t lost to a Capital City program since St. James beat them in 1988. Catholic should be a tough out but the Lions should prove too much for the Knights.
PREDICTION: Briarwood, 30-21
PARKER (5A) at G.W. CARVER (6A)
Thursday at Cramton Bowl
2026 Records: Parker (4-1, 3-0 R5); Carver (3-2, 2-1)
Series: First meeting
Last week: Parker def. Minor, 28-0; Carver def. Smiths Station, 55-14
Key Notes: Parker’s has made three trip to Montgomery, two for playoff games. They lost to top-ranked Jeff Davis in 1982 Class 4A playoffs after a 1980 Class 4A first-round win over R.E. Lee. They also faced JD in a regular season game in 1972, losing 51-6.
The skinny: Another first with Carver and Parker meeting on Thursday. The Thundering Herd football program has been on an upswing since the school moved into a new facility in 2011. Ironically, that’s about the same time Carver was redone complete with new athletic facilities. The Herd won the Class 6A championship in 2024 under current coach Frank Warren, the former All-SEC defensive lineman at Auburn. He is in his seventh year and has yet to suffer a losing season. This version will run the football as much as possible, averaging 243 yards per game. Carver enjoyed its best offensive output in the win over Smiths Station and there will be some pressure to protect the football with Parker having a solid run game and eating clock. Tough game to pick but we’ll stick with the home team in a close one.
PREDICTION: Carver, 26-21
KEY GAMES
Eufaula (4A) at Stanhope Elmore (5A) – Stanhope Elmore has not suffered an 0-4 start since 2015 when it lost six straight to start the season. Eufaula would not be considered a breather but is a smaller school that the Mustangs should handle. Let’s see if they show a little pride this week. SE, 24-18.
Wetumpka (5A) at Smiths Station (6A) – Smiths Station seems to be making a tour of River Region teams as this is the fourth one they’ve played this season. The Panthers are looking for their first win but they won’t get it this week.. WETUMPKA, 32-18.
B.T. Washington (3A) at Tallassee (4A) - Speaking of teams desperately needing a win, the Tigers fit that category after a last-second loss to Greenville. On paper, these teams look about even but the Tigers find a way to earn their first W. TALLASSEE, 16-8.
Alabama Christian (PRIVATE A R2) at Sweet Water (1A) - Sweet Water has a fine tradition that includes 11 state championships. But that hasn’t helped them much this season. ACA should be stronger, even on the road.. ACA, 30-24.
Hooper Academy at Autauga Academy (A A) – The renewal of a rivalry that dates back to 1970. Two teams split the last six games. Generals get a slight nod. AA, 24-21.
THE REST
Isabella over Billingsley, 30-23; Edgewood over Abbeville Christian, 25-24; Lowndes Aca over Sparta Aca, 42-18; Chambers Aca over Valiant Cross, 43-12; Macon East over Springwood, 45-23.
OPEN: P. Julian; Park Crossing; Pike Road; Prattville; Elmore County; Holtville; Marbury; Evangel Christian
RECORD: Last week 18-4; Season 76-24 (.760)