The games you need to see.
Welcome to our GameTracker on CoachesAid.com. This is a regular Thursday feature previewing the top 10 high school sporting events over the next week. All these games are Friday night at 7 CT unless noted:
Bob Jones (11-1) at Hoover (11-1): Bob Jones set a school record with its 11th victory and advanced farther than any team in the program’s history last week via a thrilling 17-14 victory against Decatur. Braden Hager drilled a 27-yard field goal as time expired to clinch the victory for the Patriots. In Bob Jones’ way is 6A juggernaut Hoover, which ground past Jess Lanier, 27-17, last week. Ryan Carter hit Josh Magee for a 61-yard, game-clinching score. (Rose, Patriots ready for Hoover test)
Cullman (12-0) at Russellville (10-2): Cullman kept its perfect season and hopes for a 5A state title alive last week, edging Fairfield, 22-19. Riley Stewart caught nine passes for 125 yards for the Bearcats. Russellville held off an upstart Muscle Shoals team, 14-0, to advance. Ryan Romans blocked a field-goal attempt and returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown.
Handley (12-0) at UMS-Wright (10-2): Handley kept its perfect season and quest for the 4A crown intact by thumping Saks, 43-14. Handley’s defense allowed just two second-half first downs. UMS-Wright upended former No. 1 Thomasville, 21-7, to move a step closer to its second straight 4A title. Bragg Foshee connected with Chase Williamson for two touchdown passes in the victory.
Bibb County (12-0) at Jackson (11-1): Bibb County stayed perfect in its run to a 4A title by defeating Anniston, 22-6. Cameron Cutts rushed for 140 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. (Cutts among 10 on Week 12 Hot List) Jackson had little trouble advancing to the state quarterfinals, pounding Opp 45-13. Damion Bracy rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries after missing a game with a bruised leg.
Madison Academy (12-0) at Leeds (10-2): Madison Academy both kept its perfect season alive and set up a showdown with the defending 3A champs last week, nipping Winfield, 17-13. Leeds moved a step closer to a 3A state repeat, easing past Glencoe, 34-14. Leeds spotted Glencoe a 7-0 lead before reeling off 34 straight points.
Ider (11-1) at Lamar County (12-0): Ider knocked off Lineville, 20-13, for its first-ever 2A state quarterfinal bid. Quarterback Derrick Blevins threw two touchdown passes and the Hornets didn’t give up a single first down in the second half. Lamar County narrowly remained perfect, defeating Tanner, 28-27 in overtime. Lamar County got 131 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries from Michael Bradford.
Loachapoka (10-1) at Sweet Water (11-1): Loachapoka punched its ticket to the 1A state quarterfinals via an 18-12 victory against Maplesville. Loachapoka QB Patrick Moore piled up 300 yards and three touchdowns. Three-time defending 1A champ Sweet Water continued its domination over in-class opposition, smacking McKenzie, 42-6. Johnny Lockett and Jeremy Landrum combined for 216 yards and two touchdowns in the rout.
Bessemer Academy (10-3) vs. Pike Liberal Arts (10-1), 1 p.m.: The AISA Class AAA championship game will be played at Troy’s Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium. Bessemer Academy advanced via a 37-21 victory against Fort Dale Academy, while Pike Liberal Arts needed overtime to edge Morgan Academy, 6-3. Bessemer Academy got 105 rushing yards and a touchdown from Marcus McAfee on 11 carries. Pike Liberal Arts’ only score was a 6-yard touchdown run by Nick McLaughlin in overtime.
Crenshaw Christian (11-1) vs. Patrician Academy (11-0), 4 p.m.: The AISA Class A championship game will be played at Troy’s Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium. Crenshaw Christian clinched its second straight AISA title game berth with a 14-12 victory against Coosa Valley Academy, while Patrician Academy downed Cornerstone Christian, 40-28.
Edgewood Academy (10-1) vs. Monroe Academy (10-2): The AISA Class AA championship game will be played at Troy’s Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium. Edgewood Academy earned its shot with a 28-13 victory against Southern Academy, while Monroe Academy blanked Escambia Academy, 20-0. Quarterback Dustin Ellison accounted for two touchdowns for the Volunteers.
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