Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

It’s time for one more set of AHSAA regional matchups before we hit a brief midseason break.

With non-region play or bye weeks on the horizon for many teams in Week 6, that makes Week 5 all the more important to move up in the region standings, make a statement and learn lessons that they can take into next week’s break.

Even without those stakes attached, we have a loaded slate of matchups, including four matchups that could decide region championships in Thompson vs. Vestavia Hills, Spain Park at Benjamin Russell, Vincent vs. Sulligent and Shelby County at Northside.

In addition, Helena starts non-region play early with a trip to Moody and Evangel starts conference play after a difficult start.

I narrowly secured the win in last week’s predictions, which saw a lot of consensus between our five staff writers, and that continues to be the case this week.

The part about a consensus, at least. I plan on ensuring my winning ways continue also.

 

Last Week’s Prediction Results:

Andrew Simonson: 9-1

Alec Etheredge: 8-2

Daniel Locke: 7-3

Dave Domescik: 8-2

Tyler Raley: 8-2

 

Prediction Standings after Week 4:

First: Daniel Locke: 34-9

Second: Alec Etheredge: 33-10

T-Third: Tyler Raley and Andrew Simonson: 32-11

Fifth: Dave Domescik: 29-14

 

Bye: Montevallo, Cornerstone

 

Thompson (3-1) vs. Vestavia Hills (3-1) (Game of the Week)

Thompson’s performances over the last two weeks only affirmed my belief that it is the best team in the state, despite what many of my sportswriting colleagues may say. No team in the state is as complete on offense and defense and effective at making plays against all competition. Now, the Warriors will face three of their biggest tests in a row over the next three weeks, starting with a Vestavia Hills team which manhandled Auburn High and South Carolina’s Westside while only losing to a dangerous Hewitt-Trussville side. Mark Freeman and the staff know that they’ll need to bring their A-game to this stretch, which is why they’ve stressed the marginal improvements across the last two blowouts. The Rebels may be battle-tested, but I don’t believe they’ve seen an offense as dangerous as Thompson’s. Vestavia has a considerable amount of firepower, but the Warriors have even more of it and have shown a willingness to strike early and fast. That will make the difference here. Thompson 28, Vestavia Hills 14.

 

Alec’s Pick: Thompson 35, Vestavia Hills 14.

Daniel’s Pick: Thompson 38, Vestavia Hills 20.

Dave’s Pick: Thompson 35, Vestavia Hills 30.

Tyler’s Pick: Thompson 38, Vestavia Hills 20.

 

Spain Park (2-1) at Benjamin Russell (3-1)

Two of the best teams in the state clash here in what could be for the region title. The Jags enter off a phenomenal performance against Helena where they set the tone early and used that to win. Tim Vakakes has talked often about the foundation of the team, which is a Brock Bradley-led offense and devastating front seven backed by a coaching staff that knows how to prepare players and motivate them to play. It’s as strong of a foundation as anyone, and one that will give them a chance in every game including this one. However, it’s going to take the full supporting cast to get past a Benjamin Russell team that is scoring 37.8 points per game thanks to Cederian Morgan, Kingston Preyear and a talented team around them. The Jags will need players in the backfield to step up for the injured starters while locking down the edges. Spain Park’s defense will keep this one a lower-scoring game than expected, but right now, I believe the Wildcats are just a hair better on the field. Benjamin Russell 21, Spain Park 14.

 

Alec’s Pick: Spain Park 38, Benjamin Russell 28.

Daniel’s Pick: Spain Park 30, Benjamin Russell 17.

Dave’s Pick: Spain Park 33, Benjamin Russell 28.

Tyler’s Pick: Benjamin Russell 41, Spain Park 34.

 

Calera (0-4) vs. Chelsea (2-1)

Both teams are looking for answers after disappointing performances against Pelham. Calera has plenty of fight in it, but the Eagles lack consistency across all four quarters. The team that showed up in the fourth quarter against the Panthers likely turns in a winning record in the first four weeks. As it stands, Calera just hasn’t done that for all four quarters in a game, and that’s cost it. Conversely, despite Chelsea’s struggles on the offensive end against Pelham, you generally know what you’ll get with the Hornets. Despite a tendency to give up big plays along the edges, Chelsea has a dynamic offense led by a strong run game and a front seven that can make the plays needed to survive in a shootout. Right now, I trust Chelsea’s floor more than Calera’s floor. Both teams have the potential to be great and will play a factor down the stretch, but the Hornets are the more consistent team through four weeks. Chelsea 28, Calera 21.

 

Alec’s Pick: Chelsea 28, Calera 13.

Daniel’s Pick: Chelsea 20, Calera 7.

Dave’s Pick: Chelsea 24, Calera 20.

Tyler’s Pick: Chelsea 28, Calera 25.

 

Briarwood (2-2) at Wenonah (2-1)

Numbers rarely lie, and these tell the story of Briarwood’s season so far. Through two games, the Lions scored three combined points. The last two weeks, they have scored 50 combined points. That offensive improvement has made all the difference in turning this team around, and it’s a unit that keeps adding wrinkles each week. Two weeks ago against Ramsay, it was Jamison Barnes and the quarterback run. Last week against Carver, Charles Dedmon joined the party and paired the rushing attack with an improved pass game. That offensive balance will be key to success in the next three weeks, which will pit the Lions against Wenonah, Leeds and Corner. The Dragons had a rock-solid defense through two weeks, pitching shutouts against outmatched teams like Escambia County and Midfield. However, once Corner rolled through two weeks ago, Wenonah had less answers on either side of the ball. If Briarwood sets the tone on defense, that should provide the offense with opportunities to continue its momentum. That said, that offensive momentum needs to continue in a positive direction with no regression if a region title is in the cards. Briarwood 24, Wenonah 14.

 

Alec’s Pick: Briarwood 27, Wenonah 20.

Daniel’s Pick: Briarwood 24, Wenonah 17.

Dave’s Pick: Briarwood 17, Wenonah 10.

Tyler’s Pick: Briarwood 27, Wenonah 20.

 

Vincent (2-1) vs. Sulligent (3-1)

Your sleeper contender for Game of the Week. The No. 7 and No. 8 teams in Class 2A collide in a big-time region matchup that went the Jackets’ way in a 29-6 game last year. However, there’s reason to believe the Blue Devils are even better than last year as their only loss is against 3A title contender Winfield and they just beat an Isabella team that took down Tuscaloosa Academy last week. Sulligent’s offense is scoring just 22.5 points per game against that schedule, and while it’s admittedly a tough slate, it bodes well for a Vincent defense that is coming off multiple strong outings. Cayden Carroll and Zack Morehead had big days against Lamar County last week, and they’ll be crucial to success this week. The Jackets have a strong offensive foundation to build off of with Jayden Roberts dominating on the ground, but the supporting cast played the bigger role last week. If guys like Lane Mims, Landon Archer and RJ Ivy can impact the game once again, it’ll pave the way for another region win. Vincent 27, Sulligent 13.

 

Alec’s Pick: Vincent 34, Sulligent 27.

Daniel’s Pick: Sulligent 35, Vincent 21.

Dave’s Pick: Vincent 56, Sulligent 14.

Tyler’s Pick: Vincent 41, Sulligent 17.

 

Shelby County (3-1) at Northside (4-0)

Shelby County is hitting its stride now that region play has started, continuing its stellar defensive form while adding an offensive edge. Now, that momentum will be put to the test against Northside, a top-10 team in Class 5A that’s arguably gotten better since last year’s 35-28 duel. Rams quarterback Jackson Rhodes already has 855 yards, 17 touchdowns, no interceptions, and crucially, four wins in four games. The defense has also allowed a total of 12 points through three games, admittedly against lesser competition, but it’s still a reason for the Wildcats offense to bring its best this week. Much of that production through the air will depend on Ryan Sipes’ health, but Shelby County finally has a diverse backfield stepping up to make plays when the improved pass game isn’t there. Expect Devan Alexander and Tyson Duncan to complement Ethan Hall and lead to some strong drives. However, it’s Northside’s big play potential that leads me to believe the Rams will find a couple of explosive plays to tip this one in its favor. Northside 31, Shelby County 21.

 

Alec’s Pick: Northside 28, Shelby County 14.

Daniel’s Pick: Northside 42, Shelby County 31.

Dave’s Pick: Northside 24, Shelby County 20.

Tyler’s Pick: Northside 42, Shelby County 28.

 

Oak Mountain (2-2) at Tuscaloosa County (0-4)

Let’s start with the seemingly obvious: there’s no shame in dropping a lopsided result to the best team in the state. But the fact of the matter is that the Eagles will need to raise their offensive game down the stretch and limit big plays on defense to have a shot at their goal of the playoffs. They’ll have a perfect opportunity here against a familiar face in former Oak Mountain head coach Cris Bell. While Bell has a track record of success with an option-based offense when Evan Smith is under center, this Wildcats team is completely different from the COVID-era Eagles. Tuscaloosa County’s averaging just 8.5 points per game on offense and is giving up 56 a game on defense. Oak Mountain is better on paper than the Wildcats, but it’s all about showing up and playing like it. A win here going into the bye week would do wonders for the Eagles’ confidence, and I expect that to be the case. Oak Mountain 35, Tuscaloosa County 14.

 

Alec’s Pick: Oak Mountain 35, Tuscaloosa County 13.

Daniel’s Pick: Oak Mountain 28, Tuscaloosa County 17.

Dave’s Pick: Oak Mountain 42, Tuscaloosa County 0.

Tyler’s Pick: Oak Mountain 31, Tuscaloosa County 21.

 

Pelham (2-2) vs. Chilton County (1-3)

When the Panthers are at their best, they’re a top-10 team in Class 6A, full stop. The improvements on both offense and defense have been drastic over the past year and powered the Panthers to wins over Chelsea and Calera and a close call with Oak Mountain. However, the consistency hasn’t been there. Inconsistency allowed Oak Mountain to take an early lead that it ultimately used to win the game. It also allowed Calera to claw its way back in the fourth quarter despite Pelham having multiple opportunities to put away the game. The Panthers will need to turn in a complete performance at some point with Spain Park and Benjamin Russell looming. That doesn’t necessarily need to come this week against a Chilton County team that’s looked quite toothless to date and figures to be an easy homecoming win. However, it’s games like these that can set the tone for the weeks to come if the Panthers take them as an opportunity to grow from what they’ve learned. I believe this is the week where it starts to truly come together ahead of the bye week and a difficult closing stretch. Pelham 42, Chilton County 7.

 

Alec’s Pick: Pelham 35, Chilton County 21.

Daniel’s Pick: Pelham 30, Chilton County 10.

Dave’s Pick: Pelham 28, Chilton County 14.

Tyler’s Pick: Pelham 42, Chilton County 14.

 

Helena (1-2) at Moody (3-1)

This was a tight one last year in Helena with Moody winning it 26-21 as part of an 11-game winning streak. However, it appears the gap between these two sides has widened since last year. The Huskies looked very vulnerable against Spain Park last week with how the Jags front seven made plays and how Helena’s secondary gave up big pass plays to a team that by and large didn’t have a run game to fall back on. There were plenty of positives, especially late, but they can’t afford a slow start to a Blue Devils team that’s undefeated against in-state competition and scoring 42.7 points per game in the process. Moody has a diverse attack led by quarterback Jake Lowery and running back Le’Kamren Meadows along with a loaded front seven led by SEC recruit and All-State lineman Ba’Roc Willis. The Huskies have players to compete with a good 5A team like this, but the Blue Devils may have them outgunned this year. Until Helena starts playing more consistently and with an edge on both sides, it’s hard for me to see a path to victory. Moody 45, Helena 14.

 

Alec’s Pick: Moody 24, Helena 13.

Daniel’s Pick: Moody 41, Helena 25.

Dave’s Pick: Moody 35, Helena 24.

Tyler’s Pick: Moody 49, Helena 7.

 

Evangel (1-3) at Ezekiel (2-2)

It’s unfortunately now starting to snowball for the Lightning with a lopsided loss to Freedom coming after a similar defeat to Louisiana’s River Oaks. While some of last week can be explained away by a lack of Eli Black under center, the bottom line is that Evangel isn’t playing to its high standard on either side of the ball. Luckily, two things are going in their favor. ACSC play starts now, and none of those four games prior matter for the state title race. In addition, Ezekiel is also searching for a spark after blowout losses to Freedom and Southern Christian. This is easily the most intriguing meeting between these two teams since the 2021 ACSC championship, which happened to be the Lightning’s last 8-man loss before the 2025 opener. I’m backing the Lightning to turn it around with a better outing on defense, but the response needs to happen now. Evangel 29, Ezekiel 22.

 

Alec’s Pick: Evangel 28, Ezekiel 22.

Daniel’s Pick: Evangel 40, Ezekiel 18.

Dave’s Pick: Evangel 40, Ezekiel 28.

Tyler’s Pick: Evangel 28, Ezekiel 24.

 

Coosa Valley (2-1) vs. Escambia (4-0)

Coosa Valley held its own against Trinity Christian in an absolute shootout, but 30 fourth-quarter points from the Eagles doomed the Rebels from a 3-0 start. There’s no question that Coosa Valley’s offense is a force to be reckoned with. However, through two games, the defense hasn’t quite been at the same level, and this week will certainly put that to the test. Escambia Academy has yet to lose and is scoring 55 points a game in the process. What’s more, it’s giving up just six points a game in return. I fully expect the Cougars to challenge Cornerstone and Macon-East for the Class A state title, so there’s little shame in losing here. The big objective is making little improvements ahead of a big rivalry battle with Cornerstone next week, and I expect Reece Donahoo to get his players to bounce back. Escambia 55, Coosa Valley 16.

 

Alec’s Pick: Escambia 45, Coosa Valley 12.

Daniel’s Pick: Escambia 60, Coosa Valley 30.

Dave’s Pick: Escambia 42, Coosa Valley 35.

Tyler’s Pick: Escambia 54, Coosa Valley 20.