Week 3 of the 2022 Alabama high school football season has arrived, meaning that a majority of the state’s teams are now into region play. Here’s a look at some of the top matchups on tap and our picks for who will win each one.
Central-Phenix City vs Enterprise
The biggest game of Alabama high school Week 3 comes in a 7A-Region 2 showdown between Central-Phenix City and Enterprise, a matchup the Red Devils have dominated in recent years. Coming off a 31-21 loss to Auburn, the Wildcats are looking to beat the undefeated Red Devils for the first time since 2015. Last season’s meeting resulted in a 36-27 Central-Phenix City road win.
Prediction: Central-Phenix City 38, Enterprise 17
Hewitt-Trussville vs Oak Mountain
If Central-Phenix City taking on Enterprise is the top matchup in 7A-Region 2, then Hewitt-Trussville hosting Oak Mountain is likely the best in 7A-Region 3. The Huskies, who enter this game at 1-1 on the year, have won each meeting between the two since 2015 and will be facing an undefeated Oak Mountain team that has begun the season with two wins against a pair of 6A teams.
Prediction: Hewitt-Trussville 28, Oak Mountain 14
St. Paul’s Episcopal vs Saraland
The headline matchup in 6A this week is this Region 1 showdown between host St. Paul’s Episcopal and Saraland. After reclassifying from 5A during the offseason, the Saints picked up their first win of the year a week ago, topping McGill-Toolen 16-3, while Saraland comes into Week 3 undefeated at 2-0, while averaging 45.5 PPG offensively.
Prediction: Saraland 30, St. Paul’s Episcopal 17
Gordo vs Winfield
One of the state’s more underrated matchups of Alabama high school Week 3 could come in Class 3A as Gordo hosts Winfield for a Region 5 matchup. The Green Wave, coming off their first loss of the season, will be facing off against a Winfield team that is 2-0.
Prediction: Gordo 28, Winfield 24
Vestavia Hills vs Thompson
After beginning their season with a loss to Buford (GA), three-time defending 7A state champion Thompson suffered its second loss a week ago, falling to Lipscomb Academy (TN) 24-14. The Warriors now begin in-state play with a 7A-Region 3 trip to Vestavia Hills, where a 1-1 Rebels team awaits.
Prediction: Thompson 30, Vestavia Hills 10
Gulf Shores vs Faith Academy
This 5A-Region 1 showdown between Gulf Shores and Faith Academy might be the most intriguing in the classification on Friday night. The Dolphins enter the contest undefeated at 2-0, and will host a Faith Academy team that posted a dominant 42-6 win over Elberta a week ago.
Prediction: Gulf Shores 35, Faith Academy 28
Pike Road vs Wetumpka
Defending 5A state champion Pike Road is still searching for its first win as a member of Class 6A as we enter region play this week. The Patriots will host a Wetumpka team that sits undefeated at 2-0, with wins over Jeff Davis and Baker.
Prediction: Pike Road 30, Wetumpka 17
