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Area teams are gearing up to face off this weekend. Here are my game picks for upcoming games.

McKenzie Tigers vs. Millry Wildcats

The No. 8 ranked McKenzie Tigers will roll into Millry to take on the 7-4 Wildcats in the second round of the AHSAA 1A state playoffs. This Friday. The Tigers at 10-1 are coming off a 50-6 rout of the Keith Bears in the opening round last Friday night. 

The Wildcats won 34-6 over University Charter Saints. Both teams have high-powered offensive units and a stingy defensive line. In this cat warfare, the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will determine the winner in this playoff game.

Gooch’s winner pick: McKenzie 26, Millry 22

Fort Dale Eagles vs.Bessemer Rebels

The Fort Dale Academy Eagles are just one win away from playing for the AISA 3A state championship. The Eagles are now 9-2 on the season after a close 21-8 victory over Valiant Cross from Montgomery. They will play the Bessemer Academy Rebels who won 40-20 over Morgan Academy last Friday night. 

The Eagles pulled off a one-point 28 to 27 win at the 2023 matchup in Bessemer. Bessemer holds an all-time 12-5 edge over the Eagles, but this game will be played in the Eagles Nest at Fort Dale. This should put the Eagles into next week’s 3A championship game.

Gooch’s winner pick: Eagles 21, Bessemer 18

Georgiana Panthers vs. Leroy Bears

The Georgiana Panthers pulled off a major upset in the first round of the one AHSAA playoffs beating the Generals, 40 to 32. This week they face long-time playoff nemesis, the Leroy Bears who are coming off a 43-20 victory over Pickens Academy. 

The Bears are 10-1 on the year and rank number two in 1A football having beaten the Panthers in 2022 and 2023. The Bears are defending 1A 2023 state champions. Look for them to still be on the road for a 2024 title run to continue.

Gooch’s winner pick: Leroy 28, Panthers 24

 

Gary “Gooch” Thomas is a long-time Crenshaw County resident, football fan and freelance writer.