10 Must-See Games from Round 1 of the 2021 Alabama High School Football Playoffs
It’s now officially playoff time in Alabama high school football with the first round set to begin this week. Here is one must-see first round matchup from each classification that is arguably the best is each’s respective class this week.
7A – R1 #2 Theodore vs R2 #3 Prattville
Prattville has shown this season that they can play with any team in the state, but have come up just short against tough opponents such as Hoover, Central-Phenix City, and Auburn. The Lions are certainly capable of pulling the road upset, but it will not be easy against a Bobcats team that features a dominant defense, as well as an offense led by quarterback Tametrius Pogue and running back Kierstan Rogers.
6A – R8 #1 Hartselle vs R6 #4 Gardendale
Hartselle enters the playoffs undefeated at 9-0, and welcome Gardendale to town in a prime opportunity for a potential first round upset. The Rockets will be arguably the best team that Hartselle has played this season with a defense led by junior defensive lineman Kelby Collins facing off against an impressive Tigers offense.
5A – R7 #1 Guntersville vs R5 #4 Ramsay
The Class 5A-Region 7 champion Wildcats will host Ramsay in arguably the best first round contest from the Class 5A playoffs. Despite a 5-4 record on the season, Ramsay has played a few notable close games despite losses against teams such as Pinson Valley, Pleasant Grove, and Fairfield, and could potentially pull off the road upset here against a strong Guntersville offense.
4A – R2 #1 St. James vs R4 #4 Anniston
St. James hosts this contest after finishing with a 9-1 record in the regular season, as well as the 4A-Region 2 champions. The Trojans have been impressive on both sides of the ball this season, but welcome an Anniston team to town led by senior Antonio Kite, one of the top overall playmakers in the state.
3A – R3 #1 Montgomery Academy vs R1 #4 Flomaton
Flomaton went 4-2 across six road games during the 2021 season, and travel for a first round matchup against Montgomery Academy. While Flomaton has been good on the road this season, they also face an Eagles team that has been good at home making this one of the more must-see overall first round matchups in the state.
2A – R4 #2 Comer vs R2 #2 Long
Sporting an 8-2 record during the regular season, Comer has been impressive all season, in-particular with an offense led by quarterback Devonta Carmichael and running back Kamore Harris. Comer has been good at home, but welcome Long to town who holds a 4-1 record on the road this season.
1A – R2 #2 Millry vs R4 #3 Loachapoka
Millry has been dominant at home this season outscoring opponents a combined 213-78 through five games, but welcome a good Loachapoka team to town. The Indians are certainly capable of pulling off the road upset, but a strong Millry offense could be a difference maker here.
AISA 3A – Morgan vs Glenwood
The Senators host the Gators in what is arguably the hardest game to predict from the AISA 3A first round. While Morgan has home-field for this showdown, Glenwood’s offense featuring playmakers such as AJ Harris, Dallas Crow, and more could be a difference maker.
AISA 2A – Macon-East vs Patrician
The Knights went 4-1 at home during the regular season with the lone loss coming to Chambers. Macon-East welcomes an impressive Patrician team to town who hold a few impressive wins with their lone losses coming to Escambia and Autauga.
AISA 1A – Lowndes vs Pickens
One of the top teams this season in AISA 1A has been Lowndes who own an 8-3 record this season. The Rebels however host a Pickens team who have been better on the road than at home this season holding a 4-1 road record.
Written by: Matt Melton
