Football look ahead
Russellville (7-2) hosts Athens (7-2) – Both teams look very similar on paper with the same records and same points scored and allowed. Russellville has scored 358 points and given up 158 points. Athens has scored 340 points and given up 158 points. The difference is going to come down to the quality of the schedule. Athens has played a much tougher schedule in Class 6A. Russellville beat Priceville last week 28-12 while Athens beat Decatur 49-20. Athens beat Russellville last year 41-14. The Golden Tigers will host Wenonah next week in the first round of the playoffs.
Red Bay (2-6) hosts Phil Campbell (3-6) These two rivals will meet under different circumstances than usual. Both teams have struggled this year. The injury bug hit Phil Campbell early in the year resulting in the loss of several starters. The Bobcats have played a tough schedule this year in Class 3A. Their non-region games so far have playoff- bound Hamilton and undefeated Hackleburg. Red Bay’s two wins came against Tharptown, 52-0, and Tanner, 46-6. Phil Campbell’s wins have come against Vinemont in four overtimes – 44-42; Carbon Hill, 34-12 and Hanceville, 57-22. Red Bay is averaging 24.5 points per game and allowing 29.13 ppg. Phil Campbell is averaging 26 ppg and giving up 37.3 ppg. Red Bay won this game last year, 52-20. Red Bay will travel to Coosa Christian in the first round of the playoffs next week. Phil Campbell’s season will come to an end.
Belgreen (2-4) hosts Vina (5-4) – Both teams will enter the game struggling.Vina has lost two straight, losing to Addison, 41-14, and Meek, 54-14. Belgreen has lost three straight, losing to Victory Christian, 57-0, after three weeks off; Cherokee, 44-0; and Tanner, 47-13. Belgreen is averaging 13.5 ppg and giving up 35.2 ppg. Vina is allowing 23.8 ppg and giving up 29.7 ppg. Both teams’ seasons are over after this week.
Tharptown (0-9) at Phillips (2-7) – It has been a struggle for the Wildcats this year. Tharptown has yet to win a game. The Wildcats are scoring 5 ppg and allowing 53.4 ppg. They close out the year with the Phillips team that has had its own struggles. In their last two games, they have lost to Addison, 57-0, and beat Waterloo, 14-6. The Bears are scoring 8.4 ppg and allowing 35.7 ppg. Tharptown won this game last year, 25-15.
