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Ten Montgomery-area high school football matchups that will be a must watch in 2023

jerry humphrey iii, montgomery advertiser
·4 min read

Opening weekend in the 2023 high school football season for Montgomery-area high schools begins Aug. 25. For River Region teams, this will mark the start to the path to the AHSAA Super 7 state championships in December.

However, to get to that level, a team must outlast the grueling regular season in preparation for the playoff push. Here are 10 Montgomery-area matchups that will be must watch this season and serve as playoff implication games for some programs.

Auburn vs. Hoover

Date: Aug. 25

Location: Regions Park (Hoover)

Analysis: In the 2022 season opener, Auburn defeated Hoover 17-14 in the Cramton Bowl. The last time Hoover defeated Auburn was in the 2013 championship game to the tune of 20-3. With both programs ranked in the Class 7A preseason poll, this will be a great matchup to watch opening weekend.

Pike Road vs Hillcrest Tuscaloosa

Date: Sep. 1

Location: Pike Road Stadium

Analysis: Last season Hillcrest defeated Pike Road at home 28-21. And with Hillcrest being ranked in the Class 6A preseason poll over Pike Road, this game will be a battle between two powerhouse programs. In coach Granger Shook's first home game as Pike Road's coach, this will be a battle the Patriots will want to leave out on top.

Pike Road takes the field for warm ups before the St. Paul's game during AHSAA football playoff action on the Pike Road High School campus in Pike Road, Ala., on Friday November 12, 2021.
Pike Road takes the field for warm ups before the St. Paul's game during AHSAA football playoff action on the Pike Road High School campus in Pike Road, Ala., on Friday November 12, 2021.

Lowndes Academy vs Southern Academy

Date: Sep. 8

Location: Lawson Field (Southern Academy)

Analysis: With the current series against these two tied at 8-8, this matchup will be for bragging rights until next season. Lowndes has won the last five matchups against Southern Academy — its last loss coming back in 2014.

Prattville vs Dothan High

Date: Sep. 15

Location: Rip Hewes Stadium (Dothan)

Analysis: In the last three seasons, Prattville leads the series 2-1 over Dothan High. However, in 2022, Dothan High edged Prattville 14-10 as the away team. Prattville looks to redeem itself following last year’s home loss in this epic week three matchup.

Alabama Christian vs Montgomery Academy

Date: Sep. 29

Location: McLemore Field (Montgomery Academy)

Analysis: A rivalry that dates back to 1975 will be renewed as Alabama Christian looks to defeat Montgomery Academy for the third straight year at McLemore Field. Montgomery Academy leads the series 33-7, so this game will just add on to this historic saga.

Stanhope Elmore vs Wetumpka

Date: Oct. 6

Location: Hohenburg Field (Wetumpka)

Analysis: Since 1970, this game has always been a staple in both programs regular season schedules. Stanhope leads the series 32-22, But in the last two years, Wetumpka has come out on top. Who will be victorious in 2023?

Tempers flared between Wetumpka's Tyquan Rawls and Stanhope's Quentarius Edwards during the third quarter.
Tempers flared between Wetumpka's Tyquan Rawls and Stanhope's Quentarius Edwards during the third quarter.

Saint James vs Trinity

Date: Oct. 13

Location: Carlisle Field (Saint James)

Analysis: This Class 3A rivalry has been going on since 1977. And whenever the two squads matchup, it’s a sight to see. Though Trinity leads the series 34-13, Saint James has outlasted them by winning the last two matchups. With both programs having new head coaches, this matchup will also be the dawn of a new chapter in this rivalry.

Carver High vs Sidney Lanier

Date: Oct. 20

Location: Cramton Bowl (Montgomery)

Analysis: This matchup dates back to 1971. And when it comes to public school rivalries in Montgomery — this one is at the top of the list. Carver leads the series 26-25, winning the last three games. In last year’s contest, Lanier fell short to the tune of 23-20. This year’s game between these two programs is bound to be another classic.

Lanier's Jamarcus Hamilton (1) falls backwards after a catch, securing the Poets the first touchdown of the game against Carver on October 15, 2021.
Lanier's Jamarcus Hamilton (1) falls backwards after a catch, securing the Poets the first touchdown of the game against Carver on October 15, 2021.

Opp vs Houston Academy

Date: Oct. 20

Location: Westgate Park (Houston Academy)

Analysis: Opp leads the series 5-2. However, in 2022, Houston Academy crushed them 42-7 as the away team at Channell Lee Field. Opp looks to redeem itself and extend their lead in the series.

Montgomery Catholic vs Andalusia

Date: Oct. 27

Location: Catholic Field

Analysis: The two best programs in Class 4A will put it all on the line in the last regular game of the season. Catholic defeated Andalusia in the 2022 regular season before dropping a 29-26 decision in the second matchup — in the semifinals of the playoffs. With a redemption on the mind of Catholic from last year’s bitter playoff loss, this game will be a must watch to everyone in the Montgomery-area.

Montgomery Catholic coach Kirk Johnson hurdles with his team before the game at Montgomery Catholic High School in Montgomery on Nov. 4, 2022. Catholic leads Bayside 21-7 at halftime.
Montgomery Catholic coach Kirk Johnson hurdles with his team before the game at Montgomery Catholic High School in Montgomery on Nov. 4, 2022. Catholic leads Bayside 21-7 at halftime.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Ten Montgomery-area high school football matchups to watch in 2023