Predictions for the First Round of the 2021 Alabama Class 7A Playoffs
With the Alabama high school football playoffs now only two weeks away, the Class 7A playoff bracket has now officially been set. Beginning on Friday, November 5, here are predictions for each Class 7A first round matchup, as well as what each Round 2 matchup will look-like.
R2 #1 Central-Phenix City vs R1 #4 Daphne
The Class 7A-Region 2 champion Red Devils will hold home-field throughout the state playoffs, a place where Central-Phenix City has outscored opponents 221-34 through five games so far this season. While Daphne has looked impressive at times this season, a road-matchup against the Red Devils high-powered offense will be too-much for the Trojans to keep up with. Prediction: Central-Phenix City 45, Daphne 10
R1 #2 Theodore vs R2 #3 Prattville
After an impressive regular season, Theodore will host Prattville in what could be one of the closest and most-unpredictable 7A first round playoff games. Despite a 6-3 record on the season, the Lions lone losses came to Auburn, Hoover, and Central-Phenix City, and have shown they are certainly capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the top teams in the state. Prediction: Theodore 24, Prattville 17
R1 #1 Fairhope vs R2 #4 Enterprise
Another close matchup could come from Fairhope hosting Enterprise in what will be a matchup between two impressive offenses. The Pirates you could certainly make an excellent argument are the favorite to win, but don’t necessarily rule-out of Wildcats offense averaging 43 PPG in a potential high-scoring contest. Prediction: Fairhope 35, Enterprise 28
R2 #2 Auburn vs R1 #3 Baker
The 2020 7A Runner-Up Tigers will be looking to get back to the state title game once again, and that will start with a home contest against Baker. The Hornets have looked impressive so far this season, but a road matchup in Auburn against a motivated Tigers team may be too-much. Prediction: Auburn 35, Baker 17
R4 #1 James Clemens vs R3 #4 Oak Mountain
The Class 7A-Region 4 champs, James Clemens has had a phenomenal season carrying a perfect 10-0 record into the playoffs. While they will host this contest, Oak Mountain will likely be the best team they have played all season up to this point, making the Jets potentially upset candidate in the first round, especially quarterback Evan Smith is available for the Eagles. Prediction: James Clemens 28, Oak Mountain 35
R3 #2 Thompson vs R4 #3 Florence
The defending Class 7A state champions, Thompson will be looking for the first-ever three-peat in Alabama 7A football history. This state title chase will begin with a home matchup against Florence, a matchup the Warriors will likely dominate from start to finish. Prediction: Thompson 56, Florence 7
R3 #1 Hoover vs R4 #4 Sparkman
Another potential dominant showing the in 7A first round could come from Hoover hosting Sparkman. The Bucs finished the regular season at 10-0, and will likely see success very-early against the Senators defense that has struggled at times this season. Prediction: Hoover 49, Sparkman 10
R4 #2 Bob Jones vs R3 #3 Hewitt-Trussville
While Bob Jones hosts this first round matchup against the Huskies, Hewitt-Trussville will likely control this contest from start to finish. While the Patriots offense could see success at times playing on their home field, the Huskies are more-talented and deeper, and in-turn will likely be too-much for Bob Jones on both sides of the ball likely pulling away early. Prediction: Bob Jones 14, Hewitt-Trussville 45
Prediction for Round 2 Matchups
R2 #1 Central-Phenix City vs R1 #2 Theodore
R1 #1 Fairhope vs R2 #2 Auburn
R3 #4 Oak Mountain vs R3 #2 Thompson
R3 #1 Hoover vs R3 #3 Hewitt-Trussville
Written by: Matt Melton
