Alabama high school football’s highest classification, Class 7A, saw its first-ever three-peat last season when the Thompson Warriors claimed their third consecutive state championship. Will the Warriors make it four-straight in 2022, or will the rest of the state have something to say? In anticipation of the upcoming season, here is our 2022 Alabama high school football preview for Class 7A, including teams and players to watch for, predictions, and more.
The Favorite: Thompson
Despite losing key names such as Ryan Peppins, Jeremiah Alexander, and Conner Harrell, the three-time defending state champion Warriors deserve to be considered the favorite once again. The Warriors will, however, have two tests to begin the year before entering in-state play: defending Georgia 6A champion Buford in week one and Tennessee’s Lipscomb Academy a week later.
Biggest Threat to the Favorite: Central-Phenix City
The opponent Thompson defeated to win the 7A state title a year ago, the Red Devils lost a few key names, including quarterback Caleb Nix and safety JQ Hardaway, but return multiple starters as well. With three players ranked among the Top 10 2023 recruits in the state, this team potentially could be the most talented Central-Phenix City has had under head coach Patrick Nix.
Teams to Watch: Auburn, Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville
Both Auburn and Hoover reached the 7A semifinals last season before falling to Central-Phenix City and Thompson, respectively, while Hewitt-Trussville fell to Hoover by a slim margin in the quarterfinal round. All three return a few impact players from a year ago, but also have to replace some key faces, most notably long-time head coach Josh Niblett; Wade Waldrop takes over in that position.
Top Returning Offensive Names
- WR Karmello English – Central-Phenix City
- OL Stanton Ramil – Thompson
- OL Bradyn Joiner – Auburn
- QB Hayden Garrison – Chelsea
- QB Josh Flowers – Baker
- RB Mykel Johnson – Enterprise
- RB Ahamari Williams – Hoover
- OL Maddox Sunderman – Bob Jones
- QB Rayshawn Hardy – Bob Jones
- QB Gio Lopez – James Clemens
Karmello English is arguably the state’s top returning offensive player in our Alabama high school football preview. He racked up 1,059 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, while Stanton Ramil and Bradyn Joyner are both among the state’s top offensive line prospects. A few prominent quarterbacks from a year ago will also return, headlined by Baker’s fast-rising junior Josh Flowers.
Top Returning Defensive Names
- CB AJ Harris – Central-Phenix City
- CB Tony Mitchell – Thompson
- CB Jahlil Hurley – Florence
- DL Peter Woods – Thompson
- DL Tomarrion Parker – Central-Phenix City
- DL Hunter Osborne – Hewitt-Trussville
- DL Emmanuel Walker – Chelsea
- DL Brian Alston – Spain Park
- CB Jayden Coleman – Central-Phenix City
- LB Rowan Jones – Bob Jones
The Class of 2023 in Alabama is known for its defensive line and cornerback talent, and it certainly shows here. The talent on the Central-Phenix City defense is arguably the biggest takeaway as the Red Devils return one of the state’s top pass rushers in Tomarrion Parker, as well as a cornerback duo that includes five-star senior AJ Harris, who joins Central-Phenix City from Glenwood, and junior Jayden Coleman.
New Teams: Chelsea, Lee-Montgomery, Opelika
Opelika is the most notable Class 7A addition, as the Bulldogs are coming off a 6A quarterfinal appearance last season. Both Opelika and Lee-Montgomery add to a loaded 7A-Region 2, while Chelsea will join Region 3, arguably the toughest region in Alabama high school football.
Final 4 Prediction: Auburn, Central-Phenix City, Hoover, Thompson
The same four teams have met in the 7A semifinal round in each of the last three years, and it’s possible we could see Auburn vs Central-Phenix City and Hoover vs Thompson yet again. Hewitt-Trussville and Opelika also could make strong runs at the final four.
2022 Class 7A State Champion Prediction: Central-Phenix City
Based on the last three seasons, it’s hard to pick against Thompson in our Alabama high school football preview, and it feels likely that the Warriors and Central-Phenix City will meet once again this season. While a fourth straight state title is certainly possible for the Warriors, I’m predicting that the Red Devils will avenge last season’s loss and win the 2022 Alabama Class 7A state championship.
