After months of waiting, the Alabama high school football state champions will be decided this week at the AHSAA Super 7 in Birmingham.
Having already taken a look at the state’s higher classifications as well, let’s now shift our focus to the lower, which are set to produce some highly competitive games this upcoming week.
Following is a preview of every AHSAA Class 1A-3A state title matchup, as well as a pick for each game.
Class 3A: Mars Hill Bible Panthers vs. Bayside Academy Admirals
Mars Hill Bible Panthers
- Record: 14-0 overall (7-0 in Class 3A-Region 7)
- Head Coach: Darrell Higgins
- Notable Results:
- 48-16 win vs. Piedmont (3A semifinal)
- 51-23 win vs. Madison Academy
- 42-0 win vs. Geraldine (3A quarterfinal)
- Team Stats:
- Points Per Game: 51.2
- Points Per Game Allowed: 10.6
- Players to Know:
- Jaxon Penn, Cornerback, Senior
- Isaiah Owens, Wide Receiver, Senior
- Hudson Higgins, Running Back, Senior
- Jessie Parker, Linebacker, Junior
- Samuel Swinney, Defensive Line, Senior
Bayside Academy Admirals
- Record: 13-1 overall (6-0 in Class 3A-Region 1)
- Head Coach: Barrett Trotter
- Notable Results:
- 41-10 loss at St. Michael Catholic
- 51-20 win vs. Southside-Selma (3A semifinal)
- 30-13 win vs. Montgomery Academy (3A quarterfinal)
- Team Stats:
- Points Per Game: 40.1
- Points Per Game Allowed: 11.5
- Players to Know:
- Monroe Partin, Linebacker, Senior
- Davis Barnett, Quarterback, Sophomore
- Walker Collins, Wide Receiver, Junior
- Brennen Yamane, Running Back, Senior
- Billy Neill, Linebacker, Senior
Mars Hill Bible vs. Bayside Academy prediction
When previewing this matchup, do not be surprised if this showdown between the Panthers and Admirals for the 3A state title is one of the most entertaining of the week.
Both the Panthers and Admirals are elite 3A defensive teams, with each certainly capable of putting points on the scoreboard at will. However, if this game were to come down to the team who can put the most points on the board, I have to go with Mars Hill Bible to win their second-straight 3A state title.
Prediction: Mars Hill Bible 40, Bayside Academy 30
Class 2A: Coosa Christian Conquerors vs. Lanett Panthers
Coosa Christian Conquerors
- Record: 12-2 overall (6-0 in Class 2A-Region 6)
- Head Coach: Rush Propst
- Notable Results:
- 28-27 loss vs. Pell City
- 20-7 loss at Pierce County (GA)
- 44-36 win vs. Pisgah (2A semifinal)
- Team Stats:
- Points Per Game: 40.1
- Points Per Game Allowed: 14.4
- Players to Know:
- Kylen Johnson, Athlete, Sophomore
- Mac Long, Quarterback, Sophomore
- Joseph East, Running Back, Senior
- Cade Mickler, Linebacker, Senior
- Radley Mays, Defensive Line, Senior
Lanett Panthers
- Record: 12-2 overall (6-0 in Class 2A-Region 4)
- Head Coach: RJ McDonald
- Notable Results:
- 35-19 win vs. Reeltown (2A semifinal)
- 15-13 loss at Handley
- 35-16 win vs. Luverne (2A quarterfinal)
- Team Stats:
- Points Per Game: 37.9
- Points Per Game Allowed: 9.5
Coosa Christian vs. Lanett prediction
For the first time since 2005 at Hoover, Coosa Christian head coach Rush Propst will play for an Alabama high school football state title against a Lanett team that is making their return to the Super 7 for the first time since winning the 1A crown back in 2019.
When breaking down this matchup as well, Coosa Christian has arguably the best player on the field in star sophomore Kylen Johnson, while Lanett is talented on both sides of the ball. As for the pick though, I’ll go with Coosa Christian to claim the state title, likely pulling away late.
Prediction: Coosa Christian 33, Lanett 26
Class 1A: Maplesville Red Devils vs. Wadley Bulldogs
Maplesville Red Devils
- Record: 14-0 overall (6-0 in Class 1A-Region 4)
- Head Coach: Brad Abbott
- Notable Results:
- 59-18 win vs. Leroy (1A semifinal)
- 35-6 win vs. Fyffe
- 42-0 win vs. Southern Choctaw (1A quarterfinal)
- Team Stats:
- Points Per Game: 47.8
- Points Per Game Allowed: 3.2
- Players to Know:
- Nehemiah McCary, Athlete, Sophomore
- Jediah Works, Running Back, Junior
- Pearce Yeargan, Quarterback, Senior
- Ethan Rencher, Cornerback, Sophomore
- Von Woods, Linebacker, Junior
Wadley Bulldogs
- Record: 13-0 overall (5-0 in Class 1A-Region 6)
- Head Coach: Dake Rivers
- Notable Results:
- 35-21 win vs. Glenwood
- 42-7 win vs. Lee-Scott
- 22-14 win vs. Addison (1A semifinal)
- Team Stats:
- Points Per Game: 45.5
- Points Per Game Allowed: 11.8
- Players to Know:
- Jaquez Wilkes, Athlete, Senior
- Cortavion Lynch, Running Back, Senior
- Frisco Robertson, Wide Receiver, Senior
- Jaydon Buchanon, Defensive End, Junior
- Demon Spraddling, Athlete, Senior
Maplesville vs. Wadley prediction
It has felt like we were on a collision course for a Maplesville vs. Wadley showdown for the Class 1A state title this season, and well, here we are.
This matchup features two very talented offenses facing off, but this game could actually come down to defense where an argument can be made that the advantage goes to the Red Devils, who have one of the state’s top defenses. Because of this, expect a close, four-quarter battle between the two, but for Maplesville to win the matchup of unbeatens.
Prediction: Maplesville 27, Wadley 24
