Last season, for the second time in three years, the Piedmont Bulldogs were crowned the champions of Alabama Class 3A. Following is our season preview, including a look at the Bulldogs’ prospects for repeating as state champs, which teams will stand in their way, and much more.
The Favorite: Piedmont
The defending Alabama Class 3A state champion lost only two games a year ago, both of which came to teams outside the classification, and they simply dominated teams offensively by averaging 40+ points a game. With the Bulldogs returning a number of key names, including starting quarterback Jack Hayes, there is simply no reason they shouldn’t be considered the state title favorite entering the season.
Biggest Threat to Favorite: Madison Academy
The Mustangs return to Class 3A for the first time since the 2015 season. They have a storied history in the classification, having won three straight state titles from 2012-14. This team certainly should be considered one of the top teams in Alabama Class 3A after a 2021 season in which the Mustangs reached the Class 4A semifinals.
Teams to Watch For: Gordo, Mars Hill Bible, Saks
Of this group, Saks is arguably the most notable team to watch for after having reached the 3A semifinals a year ago, with both of the Wildcats’ losses coming to Piedmont. Gordo has reclassified from 4A, while Mars Hill Bible moves up from 2A after having reached the state semifinals a year ago.
Top Offensive Names Returning
- OT Koby Keenum (Mars Hill Bible)
- QB KJ Jackson (St. James)
- RB Cosner Harrison (St. James)
- QB Jack Hayes (Piedmont)
- WR Derick Smith (Southside-Selma)
- WR Jaxon Timmerman (Pennington)
- WR Will Wells (Houston Academy)
- RB Jaylon Byrd (Lauderdale County)
- RB Devon Daniel (Carbon Hill)
- QB Carson Creehan (Madison Academy)
With Mars Hill Bible moving up from 2A, offensive tackle Koby Keenum becomes likely the biggest name to return in 2022, with quarterback Jack Hayes for defending state champion Piedmont right beside him. Alongside those two are the St. James quarterback/running back duo of KJ Jackson and Cosner Harrison, likely one of the top overall backfield duos in the state returning this season.
Top Defensive Names Returning
- S Avery Stuart (Alabama Christian)
- S Damian Thompson (Mars Hill Bible)
- EDGE Sterling Dixon (Mobile Christian)
- LB Brady Moore (Clements)
- DB Deontay Averitt (Flomaton)
- DB Nelson Hall (Opp)
- LB Sawyer Ingle (Carbon Hill)
- LB Brody Epps (Piedmont)
- OLB Roosevelt Towns (Southside-Selma)
- LB Keandre Williams (Southside-Selma)
Arguably the top name on the defensive side of the ball in Class 3A this season is Mars Hill Bible junior Damian Thompson, a four-star prospect in the Class of 2024 who plays on both sides of the ball. In addition to Thompson, Alabama Christian’s Avery Stuart is the top Class of 2023 prospect, while Mobile Christian edge rusher Sterling Dixon is another top name in the 2024 class.
Notable New Teams: Gordo, Madison Academy, Mars Hill Bible
The prior success Madison Academy has had in Alabama Class 3A is well known, with the Mustangs one of multiple teams to reclassify in the offseason, coming from 4A alongside Gordo. Mars Hill Bible reclassifies from 2A, led by a roster with two of Class 3A’s top returning names this season.
2022 Class 3A Final Four Prediction: Piedmont, Madison Academy, Saks, St. James
Defending state champion Piedmont will likely be in a position to make another run at a state title, as should Saks, which fell to the Bulldogs 52-44 in the 3A semifinals a year ago. Madison Academy is likely set for a deep run this season as well, while St. James, which reclassified from 4A, could be a surprise team to watch for.
2022 Class 3A State Champion Prediction: Piedmont
The Bulldogs simply have everything needed to repeat as state champions, including one of Alabama high school football’s top quarterbacks in Jack Hayes, plus a few other notable returnees, such as Parker Thornton, Brody Epps and Chance Murphy. Don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs establish themselves early in the year as 3A’s top team.
