Montgomery-area high school football takeaways from the midway point of the 2023 season

Entering Week 5 of the 2023 Alabama high school football season, we are officially at the midseason point of the schedule. Through five weeks, Montgomery-area programs have been prominent in the high school scene around the state.

In Week 4, Saint James quarterback and four-star Arkansas commit KJ Jackson threw his 100th career touchdown pass. Making him the first player in school history to achieve this milestone.

Here are the top takeaways from the first half of the high school football season and it's impact heading into the second half beginning Week 5:

State championship favorites?

With a plethora of dominant teams statewide, it's three teams in the River Region that can make a serious run at the December Super 7 State Championships: Montgomery Catholic, Saint James and Auburn.

Both Saint James and Auburn participated in last year’s Super 7 games in their respective classes. Saint James is the current 3A state champion and has a great chance of repeating with a dominant roster on both sides of the ball.

Montgomery Catholic was one win away from reaching the title game last year. And during its 2023 redemption season, Montgomery Catholic has looked nothing but incredible. With arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the entire state, and a roster filled with dynamic talent across the board, the Knights have what it takes to go the distance.

Dark horse state title candidates

Trinity, Carver and Pike Road are teams that are not looked at as favorites to win it all. But through five weeks, the trio has displayed glimpses on why each should be considered in that conversation.

Trinity's offense has put up stellar numbers and no team at the moment has been able to outscore the potent attack. Entering the second half the season, the undefeated Wildcats will have to get past powerhouse Saint James to prove its indeed a championship contender.

After suffering a Week 0 out of conference loss to Gadsden City, the Carver Wolverines have turned around their season and has put together a nice four-game stretch of football. In the month of September, the Wolverines have not given up a touchdown and the offense has clicked on all cylinders. Clinching a region title would be the boost this program needs heading into postseason play.

Pike Road has the talent to be a successful unit with a plethora of college recruits on the roster. Falling into an early 0-2 hole did not stop this team at all as it won the last three matchups. With playmakers all over, if this group can put it together against region opponents they can be a true force this next half the journey.

Jerry Humphrey III is a sports writer for the Montgomery Advertiser who covers area high school sports, Auburn recruiting and Alabama State athletics. Follow him on Twitter @jerryhump3.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery-area high school football takeaways through five weeks