BY WIL CREWS
SPORTSCREWS@
OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
LEE COUNTY —
Area high school football teams in playoff action Friday, Nov. 4, went 3-0, each advancing to the next round of the AHSAA playoffs. This Friday, Nov. 11, five teams — Auburn, Beauregard, Loachapoka, Lee-Scott and Glenwood — continue their postseason journeys. It’s win or go home for everyone.
The following is a breakdown of how area teams fared in the first round of the 2022 high school football playoffs, and matchups going forward. All stats were compiled firsthand, by school sources or by www.Maxpreps.com.
AHSAA
AUBURN 35 | FAIRHOPE 17
The varsity Auburn High School football team defeated Fairhope, 35-17, in the first round of the AHSAA 7A playoffs on Friday, Nov. 4. The Tigers racked up 379 total yards — 166 passing, 213 rushing — while allowing Fairhope to gain just 280. Falling behind 3-0 after one quarter, and despite losing the turnover battle, 1-0, the Tigers outscored the Pirates 35-14 over the last three quarters. The win means Auburn advances to the quarterfinal playoff round for the eighth consecutive year. Auburn hosts Dothan at Duck-Samford Stadium Friday, Nov. 11. The game will be a rematch of the Tigers’ 42-14 win over the Wolves on Sept. 2.
BEAUREGARD 35 | MARBURY 10
The varsity Beauregard High School football team defeated Marbury, 35-10, in the first round of the AHSAA 5A playoffs on Friday, Nov. 4. The Hornets’ offense was electric on the night, totaling 434 yards — 146 passing and 288 rushing. The Beauregard defense also impressed, allowing just 144 total yards to the opposing Bulldogs and forcing three turnovers. The Hornets exploded for 28 points in the third quarter to blow the game open and secure a berth in the second round. Junior running back Jacori Tarver and senior quarterback A.J. Wallace combined for 396 yards and four touchdowns. The Hornets now travel to face undefeated UMS-Wright Prep on Friday, Nov. 11, in the second round. Beauregard is 0-2 all time versus the Bulldogs, with the last meeting resulting in a 28-7 loss. The Hornets last advanced past the second round of the playoffs in 2017.
LOACHAPOKA 28 | KEITH 24
The varsity Loachapoka High School football team (9-1) defeated Keith, 28-24, in the first round of the AHSAA 1A playoffs on Friday, Nov. 4. It was the first playoff win for Loachapoka since 2013. Trailing for much of the game, the home team Loachapoka scored the go-ahead touchdown with 48 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter via a three-yard run from senior running back Ga’Kuan Palmer. The Loachapoka defense, which held Keith to 43 passing yards on the night, made one final stop to secure victory. Palmer was responsible for two touchdowns on the night, while Auburn commit J.C. Hart found pay-dirt in the first quarter on a 91-yard touchdown catch, and senior running back Jamaroun Satterwhite found the end zone in the third quarter. Loachapoka was spurred to the win by an overall balanced offensive attack — passing for 103 yards, and rushing for 164 yards in total. Loachapoka also won the turnover battle, 3-1. Loachapoka now face Millry (10-1) on Thursday, Nov. 10, for a road, second round playoff game. On paper, Loachapoka is the slight underdog, averaging six fewer points per game than Millry, and allowing three more points to its opponents on the season. The two schools are 1-1 historically, with the most recent meeting in the first round of the 2021 playoffs resulting in a 28-18 loss for Loachapoka.
AISA
LEE-SCOTT
The varsity Lee-Scott Academy football team enjoyed a first-round AISA 3A playoff bye last weekend. The second round, semifinals begin Friday, Nov. 11, when the Warriors will host Valiant Cross Academy in a rematch of the two teams’ earlier meeting this season. Lee-Scott won the first matchup, 42-7, and are the favorites as the conference’s top regular season team. Valiant Cross defeated Monroe 30-20 in last weekend’s first round. The winner advances to the State Championship game, Nov. 17, at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.
GLENWOOD
The varsity Glenwood Gators football team enjoyed a first-round AISA 3A playoff bye last weekend. The second round, semifinals begin Friday, Nov. 11, when the Gators host Morgan Academy in a rematch of the two teams’ earlier meeting this season. Glenwood won the first matchup, 63-32, and are the favorites as the No. 2 regular season team in the conference. The winner advances to the State Championship game, Nov. 17, at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.
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