Coosa Valley began the year with very high hopes of reaching the playoffs.

One publication even had the Rebels predicted to lose by one point in the Class 1A state championship game.

Head coach Jim Stomps’ team after two games has yet to find the end zone, much like the highly-touted Auburn Tigers. While the season is very young and the Rebels have only lost one region game, Rebel fans must be disappointed so far.

Springwood, which handed CVA a 24-0 defeat in game No. 1, is a very good 2A team. But Coosa Valley was supposed to beat West Alabama Prep a week ago.

Hopefully, Stomps has his kids fired up for a talented Warrior team.

Oak Mountain has also been a little disappointing so far this season, fumbling away a win over a Bob Jones team which was tough enough, but should have been beaten by the Eagles. This team should be in the playoffs at the end of the season, but may not make it at this rate.

Last week I went 10-4 to up my record to 16-9 on the year. Let’s start this week with the most interesting game of the week.

Thompson travels to Briarwood to take on Fred Yancey’s Lions. Both teams recovered last week from season-opening losses to 6A clubs. THS defeated Jackson-Olin handily last Thursday night while Briarwood beat up on Jess Lanier.

If the Warriors can contain Joe Craddock and Simeon Castille, who caught 8 passes for 149 yards and scored 2 touchdowns a week ago, they will win. That’s a tough assignment. This will be a classic. Briarwood 35, THS 34, possibly in extra periods.

Calera (2-0) hits the road to play Marbury (2-0) this week after barely defeating Billingsley in a great game 21-20. Give the Eagles the nod (if everyone is healthy). CHS 21, MHS 20.

Pelham has the honor of playing a very good Hoover team Friday night at Hoover. The Bucs have barely gone 2-0 this season, winning by slim margins each week.

This one will be closer than people think. Hoover 35, PHS 27.

Calvary heads to 2-0 Shelby Academy Friday night. The Raiders are on a serious roll. SA 34, Calvary 16.

Shelby County pulled off a region win 12-7 over Moody last week.

This week the Wildcats head to Hayden, who lost to Chelsea by a lot last week. Hopefully SCHS will get the offense rolling. SCHS 27, Hayden 14.

Vincent heads to Cold Springs this week. Cold Springs handed it to Pleasant Valley 46-0 last Friday while the Yellow Jackets lost to Westbrook Christian 35-14.

Could be a long night for the VHS faithful. Cold Springs 38, VHS 0.

We have spoken already about Coosa Valley’s offensive woes.

This week they face a talented Warrior team. Thank goodness for CVA it’s a home game. Maybe if we pick them to lose, they’ll get the ball in the end zone. Warrior 20, CVA 14.

Cornerstone travels to Central in Selma Thursday night

after defeating Warrior 20-13, racking up nearly 350 rushing yards, and finding a new weapon in Jamal Prentice.

Central won the region last year and is equally talented this year despite a 32-0 loss to Abbeville. That one’s still a mystery. Anyway, there could be an upset a-brewin’ in Selma. CCS 20, Central 17.

Vestavia comes to Oak Mountain country fresh off a 27-7 thumping of Shades Valley. Toney Pugh and the Eagles of OMHS better stop putting the ball on the ground if they want to win this year.

We’re not sure if holding on to the ball will help them a whole lot this week anyway. VHHS 35, OMHS 17.

Moody proved to be pretty tough for the Shelby County Wildcats last week. This week, Chelsea gets tho honor of hosting the Blue Devils. Chelsea looks as good (if not better) than a year ago. Sticking with a good thing … CHS 28, Moody 21.

Jemison will be a very tough test for Montevallo this week. Home field advantage may give the Bulldogs a little momentum, but not enough. JHS 21, MHS 14.

Kingwood travels to Pike Liberal Arts in Troy Friday night. Pike Lib is coming off a 41-0 whipping of Tuscaloosa Academy.

It could be another long night for the Lions. Pike 63, Kingwood 0.

Spain Park travels to John Carroll, an 18-15 winner over Mountain Brook, Friday night. Spain Park is fresh off a 42-12 thumping of Austin and does not look like a team who has seniors for the first time in school history. The Jaguars will shine again. SPHS 35, JCHS 14