If there’s one thing we often ask ourselves as sports fans, it’s “What if?” What if the ball bounced a different way? What if the result of that game would’ve been different? What if that one player was available? There are also a few “what ifs” we can ask ourself about the recently concluded Alabama high school football season, including some hypothetical matchups that are fun to think about. What if these two teams played, or played again, this season, and who would win? Here are five hypothetical matchups; as for who would win, well, that’s for you to decide.
Thompson vs. Saraland
It’s only right that we begin here with a potential matchup of Thompson and Saraland, which would feature the 7A champion vs. the 6A champion, as well as the top two teams in our way-too-early 2023 power rankings. If this hypothetical Alabama high school matchup were played at a neutral site, which team would prevail? Would it be the four-time 7A champion Warriors, led by their elite defense, or Saraland and its electric offense, led by star wideout Ryan Williams?
Andalusia vs. Montgomery Catholic, Round 3
Class 4A state champion Andalusia and Montgomery Catholic played twice during the 2022 season, with the Knights claiming round one with a 45-23 road win, followed by a 29-26 victory for the Bulldogs in the state semifinals. Should Andalusia and Montgomery Catholic have met for a third time this season, who would’ve claimed the victory?
Saraland vs. Theodore, Round 3
This matchup featuring Class 6A state champion Saraland and Theodore is another intriguing hypothetical Alabama high school contest. The Spartans suffered their lone loss of the season to the Bobcats, 27-26, but avenged that loss with a 21-6 win in the state semifinals. Who would win if Saraland and Theodore faced off again?
Thompson vs. Clay-Chalkville, Round 2
One of the more anticipated regular season games this season was between Thompson and Clay-Chalkville, with the Warriors winning 17-14 at home. Should a potential rematch have happened, with Clay-Chalkville now hosting, would the Warriors or Cougars have won round two?
Charles Henderson vs. UMS-Wright, Round 2
The final hypothetical Alabama high school matchup on this list, UMS-Wright entered the quarterfinal round of the Class 5A playoffs with an undefeated record, but was beaten by Charles Henderson 19-14, with the Trojans eventually finishing the year as the state runner-up. Should Charles Henderson and UMS-Wright have played a second time this season, who would have won?
