MONTGOMERY –  Andalusia high school’s Cadariyus Love made the most of the passing game – from both teams – to lead the defending Class 4A state champion Bulldogs (10-1) of Hall-of-Fame Coach Trent Taylor to a 43-6 first-round playoff victory over Sipsey Valley High School – and into the AHSAA Playoff Spotlight for round one.
    He had four interceptions from his defensive back position and caught eight passes for 131 yards on offense as a wide receiver with one 65-yard reception to set up an Andalusia TD. His key picks foiled Sipsey Valley scoring opportunities and set up his own team in prime position to seal the win. Teammate Nellix Ferrah also had a fifth interception for the Bulldogs defense.   Andalusia quarterback Jake Lathrop was 12-of-23 passing for 185 yards and J’Marion  Burnette added 197 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 14 carries. Zerrick Jones had 107 rushing yards and two scored on 13 carries, and Jordan Skanes had 79 yards and one TD on 14 carries to pace the offense.
    Love’s four interceptions was one shy of the state record (5) accomplished by four players – the most recent being Devyn Murphree of J.B. Pennington in a 27-3 win over Falkville in 2006. Love became the 21^st player to swipe four interceptions in a single game. Mars Hill Bible’s Joseph Hanson was the most recent. He had four in a 41-27 win over South Lamar in the Class 1A state playoffs in 2008.
   Andalusia’s stalwart defensive effort was closely challenged by Covington County neighbor Straughn High School – where Taylor (277-147) coached for 25 years from 1990-2014 compiling a 175-107 record before moving to Andalusia in 2015 where has compiled a 94-25 record in nine seasons.  His first two years as a head coach in 1988 and 1989 were at Kinston.
   The Tigers (10-1), coached by Ashley Kilcrease, posted a 45-14 win over Southside-Selma in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs thanks in big part to its kicking game. Kickoff specialist Brenden Bartholomew kicked 6-of-6 extra points, nailed a 32-yard field goal – and kicked three successful onside kicks to help his team overcome an early 14-7 deficit to Southside. Teammates Eli Guilford, Parker Black and Cade Pittman recovered the kicks – all leading to Straughn touchdowns.
    Taking advantage of the kicking team’s success was quarterback Layne Grantham, who had 21 rushing plays for 270 yards and four touchdowns.
    Two young quarterbacks, 6-foot-2, 175-pound freshman Gunner Rivers of St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope and 6-foot, 210-pound Tuscaloosa Academy junior Preston Lancaster,  also shined in the first round of the state playoffs delivering career best effort
     Rivers, the son of long-time NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, was 32-of-48 in the final game of his freshman season for a career-high 516 yards and three touchdowns. He had one interception. His dad, who quarterbacked in the NFL for 16 seasons and passed for 63,440 yards and 421 TDs in the pros, is head coach at St. Michael Catholic, which made the state playoffs for the first time in school history losing to powerful Handley HS in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs last week 68-38. Dad was a high school All-State quarterback playing for his father  Steve Rivers at Athens. Philip Rivers attended North Carolina State in college where he earned ACC Player of the Year as a senior closing his college career with 13,484 passing yards and 95 TDs.
    Gunner finished his freshman year completing 229-of-362 passes for 3,077 yards and 29 TDs — with just four interceptions.
    Lancaster currently leads the AHSAA in passing this season after completing 28-of-37 passes for a career high 448 yards and four touchdowns as Tuscaloosa Academy downed (9-2) defeated Red Bay 35-16 to advance to round two of the state playoffs to host Southeastern this week. He has completed 204-of-291 passes thrown this season for 3,222 yards and 42 TDs with just nine picks.
    His coach is Josh Wright, also the son of one of Alabama’s most prominent AISA coaches Lynn Wright.
    Other top playoff performances this week reported this week are featured below in each classification roundup.
 

CLASS 7A
TRENT SEABORN, THOMPSON: The freshman quarterback completed 25-of-29 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns rushed for a fourth TD – all in the first half – as the defending state champion Warriors of Coach Mark Freeman downed Florence 42-0. The playoff win was the 17^th consecutive Class 7A playoff victory for Thompson.
SHONDELL HARRIS, MRY MONTGOMERY: Rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns  on 14 carries as the Vikings (11-0) beat Dothan 21-13 for the first playoff win in school history.

ANDREW ALFORD, CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY: Passed for 201 yards and five TDs on an 11-of-16 effort – all in the first half – as the unbeaten Red Devils (10-0) downed Davidson 63-21 in the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs. Receiver Daylun Upshaw had five catches for 108 yards and two scores, Dylan Gentry pulled down two catches for 37 yards and two TDs. Defensively, Jiquan Sanks returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown.
   Alford, a junior in his first season at Central, rolls into the second round of the state playoffs with season passing totals: 127-of-195 for 2,670 yards, 37 touchdowns and two interceptions. In several games his season he has not taken a snap in the second half for powerful Central, coached by Patrick Nix.
PEYTON FLOYD, HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE: Completed 9-of-10 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing TD as the Huskies (8-3) advances to the Class 7A quarterfinals beating Bob Jones 56-14.
JORDAN ROSS, VESTAVIA HILLS: Had 12 tackles, including four tackles-for-loss, and two sacks as the Rebels (9-2) of Coach Rob Evans beat Austin 38-17 to advance to a second-round showdown with four-time defending Class 7A state champion Thompson.
JONAH WINSTON, HOOVER: The sophomore quarterback and younger brother of former Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston sparked a dramatic come-from-behind 42-16 victory over James Clemens in round one of the 7A state playoffs with two TD passes covering 32 and 9 yards to ArMari Towns and Fred Dunson, respectively, and scored a third TD on a 16-yard keeper. He rushed for 97 yards and passed for 50 as the Bucs (5-6) advanced to face Region 3 rival Hewitt-Trussville Friday night in round two. Kamal Amerson also had 107 yards rushing on 10 carries in the win.
KEION DUNLAP, ENTERPRISE: Rushed for 257 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries and caught one pass for 15 yards in the Wildcats’ 63-28 Class 7A playoff win over Daphne. Dunlap scored on runs of 81, 73, 11 and 34 yards for Enterprise (9-2). Keondre Andrews added a 99-yard kickoff return for another Enterprise TD.
 

CLASS 6A
JORDAN WASHNGTON, HELENA: Rushed for 347 yards and six touchdowns on 34 carries, caught two passes for 60 yards and fired a 23-yard TD pass on his only attempt of the night to finish with 430 total yards as the Huskies (9-2) downed Wetumpka 58-28 in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs. Helena quarterback Carson Acker also completed 10-of-17 passes for 201 yards and one TD.
GABRIEL BRITO, GADSDEN CITY: Boomed a 55-yard field goal in the Titans’ Class 6A 44-16 playoff victory over Gardendale for the longest kick in school history. Brito kicked two 31-yard field goals in the triumph for Gadsden City (8-3). T.J. Worthy also ran for 102 yards on 12 carries with two TDs – including  50-yard scoring run that gave him the school single-season record for rushing touchdowns.
     Teammate Dre Kilpatrick Jr., returned an interception for 80 yards and a touchdown, and  Kerrell Yow streaked 92 yards for rushing TD finished with 123 rushing yards for the Titans.  Defensive end Jerrell Brasher added two sacks – raising his season total to 10 – for Gadsden City, coached by Ali Smith.
NAEEM OFFORD, PARKER: Highlighted the Thundering Herd’s 62-14 Class 6A playoff victory over Mae Jemison returning two punts for touchdowns (45 and 50 yards) against Mae Jemison.

KAMARI PATTON, HILLCREST-TUSCALOOSA: Led the undefeated Patriots (11-0) to a 20-6 Class 6A first-round triumph over St. Paul’s Episcopal blocking a punt and recovering it in the end zone for a touchdown. Teammate Barkley Crawford also had two interceptions, and C.J. Buckner had one pick for Hillcrest on defense.
LUKE REYNOLDS, BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN: Scored the first touchdown on a 13-yard run, blocked the ensuing punt which was returned for a score, and also intercepted two passes in the end zone in the Lions’ 25-0 shutout of Carver-Montgomery in a 6A playoff game played at Cramton Bowl.

RYAN WILLIAMS, SARALAND: Named Mr. Football by the ASWA as a sophomore in 2022, Williams had 194 all-purpose yards with nine receptions for 99 yards, three rushes for 8 yards and one kick return for 87 yards and scored three total touchdowns as the Spartans (11-0) beat McAdory 54-14 to extend their current playoff winning streak to six games and their overall current winning streak to 16 wins in a row.

T.J. WILSON, BENJAMIN RUSSELL: Ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries to lead the Wildcats (9-2) to a 39-13 win over Sidney Lanier, which played its final football game in the school’s 114-year history. The Montgomery County school steeped in tradition will merge with Carver-Montgomery next school year. The Poets compiled a 613-440-39 record during that span with state titles in the first three years of the AHSAA state playoffs in 1966, 1967 and 1968. Sidney Lanier was also awarded mythical state titles in the pre-play era seven times (1920, 1922, 1928, 1939, 1957, 1961 and 1964). Its most recognized alumni was Bart Starr, now in the NFL Hall of Fame after earning MVP honors as the Green Bay Packers quarterback in Super Bowls I and II. Benjamin Russell will host Hueytown in round two this week.
D.J. BARBER, CLAY-CHALKVILLE: Contributed nine tackles, including three for-loss, all in the first half, as the Cougars (10-0) beat Cullman 49-6 in the 6A playoffs to set up a showdown with Mountain Brook in round two at Clay.
KADEN DUBOSE, FORT PAYNE: Rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-28 win over Mortimer Jordan in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. Quarterback Dax Varnadore was-23-of-33 passing for the Wildcats (7-4) for 182 yards and on TD.
23 for 33 passing for 182 yards and a touchdown.
MASON MIMS, OXFORD: Passed for 267 yards and four touchdowns on a 22-of-28 performance to lead the Yellow Jackets (9-2) to a 45-27 victory over Athens in the 6A playoffs. Receiver Nick Richardson finished with 12 catches for 123 yards and two TDs.
COLE GAMBLE, MOUNTAIN BROOK: Had 22 carries for 178 yards and three touchdowns and caught two passes for 93 yards and another score as the Spartans (8-3) advanced to the second round of the 6A playoffs with a 35-14 victory over Buckhorn.
JACE PREUITT, HARTSELLE: Returned an interception 58 yards for the go-ahead touchdown and Cole Miles sealed a 28-18 Class 6A playoff victory over Center Point with eight tackles on defense – including three for a loss. No tackle was bigger than his sack resulting in a 12-yard loss in the fourth quarter as the Tigers (9-2) held on for the win.
 

CLASS 5A
JYWON BOYD, CHARLES HENDERSON: Had a hand in five touchdowns to lead the Trojans (7-3) to a 64-20 Class 5A playoff victory over Marbury at Veterans Memorial Stadium on the Troy University campus. Boyd had two pass receptions for 104 yards and two TD, rushed for 48 yards and one TD, returned a kickoff 60 yards for a fourth score, and teamed with teammate Terrance Thomas on another kickoff return for a fifth TD. He took the ball most of the way but pitched the ball back to Thomas inside the 40-yard line and the sophomore took it the final distance for the touchdown. Quarterback Parker Adams was 7-of-9 passing for 182 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half.
CAM PHINIZEE, RUSSELLVILLE: The sophomore running back had 32 carries for 326 yards and four touchdowns as the Golden Tigers (9-2) beat Fairfield 38-21 in the 5A playoffs.
TYLER PIERCE, BOAZ: Passed for 100 yards and his team’s only touchdown as the No. 4 seed Pirates (6-5) posted a 10-7 upset win over No. 1 seed Southside (8-3) for their fourth win in a row.  The playoff battle was quite a contrast to the two schools’ earlier meeting in 2023. Boaz lost to the Panthers in the regular season 48-45 in overtime.
MASON TEAGUE, SOUTHSIDE-GADSDEN: Rushed for rushed for 141 yards on 21 carries in the Panthers’ 10-7 playoff loss to Boaz. Teague finished the season with 2,096 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns for Southside (8-3).
ASHTON ASHFORD, RAMSAY: Scored two touchdowns rushed for 129 yards on 11 carries as the defending Class 5A state champion Rams opened the 2023 state playoffs with  50-0 win over West Point. Ashford had rushing TDs in last year’s Super 7 state finals to earn MVP honors.
KEISHAWN ROWER, DEMOPOLIS: Collected 179 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 16 carries as the Aggies 9-2) nipped Carroll of Ozark 31-28 in a first-round battle at Demopolis.
COLLIN MOORE, PLEASANT GROVE: Had 17 carries for 169 rushing yards and a touchdown and caught a TD pass to pace the Spartans (9-1) to 49-17 Class 5A playoff victory over Lawrence County. Quarterback Eric Handley also finished the night with five TA passes for Pleasant Grove – with three to the team’s leading receiver Clarence Taylor covering 34, 80 and 27 yards.
TY GOODWILL, FAITH ACADEMY: Caught seven passes for 146 yards and 2 TDs as Faith Academy defeated Elmore County 31-7.
JAXON WILLIAMS, HEADLAND: Accounted for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the Rams’ 30-20 win over Holtville. Williams was 8-of-11 passing for 110 yards and two TDs and rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries and scored twice for the Rams (9-2) to set up round two with UMS-Wright (7-4). Linebacker Caleb Dozier led the defensive effort with 20 tackles and two quarterback sacks. He returned a fumble 80 yards for a touchdown on defense and added five receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown on offense.
KOLIN WLSON, GULF SHORES: Rushed for 146 yards and 4 TDs on 15 carries as the Dolphins (11-0) beat Beauregard 48-7.
JEREMIAH HALL, LEEDS: Intercepted two passes for  68 return yards and had six tackles as the Green Wave (9-2) toppled Arab 33-7 in Class 5A. He returned one pick for a touchdown.
BLAINE BURKE, MOODY: Ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries also caught a 33-yard TD pass in a 28-10 win by the Blue Devils (9-2) over Scottsboro (8-3) in the 5A playoffs.
ENELSON DELVA, GUNTERSVILLE: Had 175 yards rushing and one TD, and teammate Julyon Jordan ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns and caught two passes for 44 yards as the Wildcats (10-1) posted a 31-7 Class 5A, first-round victory over Springville.
C.J. WILKES, ELMORE COUNTY: Had 106 yards rushing on 16 carries as Elmore County (8-3) lost to Faith Academy (8-3) in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs. It was the most successful season for the Eclectic team, coached by Riley Caldwell,  since 2008.

CLASS 4A
BRANDON MUSCH, WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN: The Wildcats’ senior quarterback totaled 305 yards and all five touchdowns in Westminster Christian’s 35-13 Class 4A first-round playoff win over Oak Grove to move into second place behind AHSAA all-time total offense leader Jack Hayes of Piedmont (15,014 yards) in the AHSAA Record Book. Musch has 13,346 total yards and needs just 1,668 yards in the remaining games of the 4A state playoffs to overtake Hayes, who quarterbacked Piedmont from 2018-21022. Musch rushed for 180 yards and passed for 125.
    He passed two notable players with his performance in his last two game, current University of Alabama safety Kristian Story and current Oregon State quarterback Bo Nix, who is among the leaders for the 2023 Heisman Trophy. Story, who played quarterback at Lanett, finished his prep career (2016-2019) with 13,218 yards, and Nix had 12,497 total yards at Pinson Valley (2015-2018). Musch has accounted for 51 TDs this season and has 182 for her prep career, which ranks  second all-time behind Piedmont’s Hayes, who finished his prep career  accounting for 223 TDs – 158 passing and 65 rushing.
E.J. GOSS, HANDLEY: Rushed for 326 yards on 19 carries and scored five touchdowns in  the Tigers’ 68-38 win over St Michael Catholic in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs.  He had scoring runs of 41, 4, 72, 27 and 70 yards.  Goss also had two receptions for 28 yards and accounted for 354 of Handley’s 597 total yards of offense. Handley had 521 rushing yards.
JACOB CORNEJO, CHEROKEE COUNTY: Ran for 300 yards on 19 carries and scored five touchdowns to lead the Warriors (10-1) 56-28 victory Central-Florence in first round of the 4A state playoffs. His TDs came on runs of 37, 57, 3, 3 and 14 yards. Cornejo compiled 224 yards on 11 carries with three scores in the first half. The win was also No. 50 for Cherokee County head coach Jacob Kelley, currently 42-16 with the Warriors in five seasons.
JAYLEN FLETCHER, WEST MORGAN: Ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 11carries and caught six passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-0 Class 4A West Morgan win over Etowah. He had 378 total yards for the Rebels (11-0) with scoring plays covered 72, 62, 61, 38 and 4 yards. Quarterback Braxton Peters was 10-of-12 passing for 272 yards and three TDs – all to Fletcher.
SPENCER UNRUH, CORNER: Had 29 rushes for 179 yards and a touchdown to lead the Jackets (10-1) to a 42-21 victory over Randolph.
CALEB McCREARY, MONTGOMERY-CATHOLIC: Was 8-of-11 passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns as the Knights (11-0) downed West Blocton 48-7 in the Class 4A playoffs. Catholic, which has won seven games by shutouts, was led on defense by Mike Kharti with 11 tackles, including three for losses.
GARRET BURROUGH, BROOKS: Passed for  three touchdowns (30, 31 and 50 yards) and rushed for three more (40, 28 and 3 yards) as the Lions (7-4) defeated Oneonta 56-42 in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. Oneonta’s Fluff Bothwell accounted for six touchdowns in the loss.
JIM OGLE, JACKSONVILLE: Completed 13-of-18 passes for 166 yards and two TDs – moving his career passing TD total to 101 – as the Golden Eagles (9-2) downed Bayside Academy 35-7 in round one of the 4A state playoffs. Receiver Damonte Sinclair had  four catches for 116 yards and running back Zae Ellis had 77 yards rushing and returned one kickoff for a touchdown.
JORDAN LEVERETTE, BIBB COUNTY: Was 6-of-10 passing for 104 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 82 yards and a fourth score as the Choctaws (10-1) beat Montgomery Academy 56-6 in the 4A playoffs. Teammate Jay Harris accounted for 118 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns, and Xavier Rhine recovered a fumble returning it for a defensive touchdown.

CLASS 3A
K.J. JACKSON, SAINT JAMES: The senior quarterback passed for five touchdowns, tying  his own school record set in last year’s Class 3A state finals for the third time, as the Trojans (9-2) downed Opp 41-7 in the first round of the 2023 Class 3A state playoffs. He finished 10-of-16 for 197 yards and the five TDs – three caught by receiver Clint Houser, who snagged six  receptions for 95 yards and rushed  for 67 yards on four carries with a 33-yard TD run. Tabor Offord had two TD catches covering 41 and 30 yards, giving him a school-record tying 15 TD receptions this season. Jackson now has 121 TD passes for his prep career, which ranks fifth all-time in the AHSAA Record Book. He has completed 107-of-190 passes for 2,189 yards and 3$ TDs this season with just two interceptions.
MO WINSTON, RANDOLPH COUNTY: Managed 17 carries for 137 yards and four touchdowns in the Tigers’ come-from-behind 48-36 win over W.S. Neal in the Class 3A state playoffs. The sophomore scored on runs of 59, 4, 2, and 42 yards and now has 35 total touchdowns this season for Randolph County (10-1), which takes on defending Class 3A state champion Saint James Friday night at Montgomery. Avion Mills also had 154 rushing yards and 54 passing.
MICAH CHRISTENSEN, LAUDERDALE COUNTY: Led the unbeaten Wildcats (11-0) to as 35-14 Class 3A first-round playoff victory over Fayette County with 149 yards and three touchdowns on 21 rush attempts. Chris Belue also had an interception return for 93 yards and a TD. The Tigers finished the night with five picks.
ISHMAEL BETHEL, PIEDMONT: Intercepted three passes, returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Wilson to lead the Bulldogs (6-5) to a 44-14 victory over J.B. Pennington in the 3A playoffs. Wilson was 8-of-13 passing for 204 yards and two TDs with Trevor Pike collecting three receptions for 94 yards and a 42-yard TD. Teammate Hayes Gunn also rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns (1, 4 and 35 yards) on 24 carries. Place-kicker Chase Cardelli also booted a 37-yard field goal just before halftime to give Piedmont a 30-0 lead at halftime.
ETHAN WILDER, GORDO: Scored four touchdowns in a 56-6 win over Phil Campbell in the Class 3A playoffs. He had  rushing TDs of 6 and 44 yards, returned a kickoff 84 yards for a third TD, and had a 38-yard interception return for his final score for the Greenwave (10-1). Teammate Ryder Robertson had eight tackles, a sack and fumble recovery on defense.
J.O. OWENS, MARS HILL BIBLE: Oakman’s Tyler Thomas shocked the Mars Hill crowd with a 95-yard return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff, but the Panthers (10-1) settled down to post s 63-7 victory in the Class 3A playoffs thanks in big part to a stingy defense and the running of Owens. He had seven carries for 152 yards with three touchdowns covering 68, 44 and 7 yards. Quarterback Griffin Hanson was 7-of-11 passing for 180 yards and three TDs.
JAKE  POLDIAK, MADISON ACADEMY: Completed All 14 passes he attempted for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the Mustangs’ 57-20 Class 3A playoff win over Hokes Bluff. His 100 percent passing rate tied the AHSAA state record for a single game.
CAM DRYER, HOUSTON ACADEMY: Led the Raiders’ defense with 14 tackles in Houston Academy’s 49-18 Class 3A playoff win over Alabama Christian. Rod Jackson returned a pick-six 75 yards for a touchdown, had four catches on offense for 84 yards and two TDs, and had two kickoff returns for 81 yards for the Raiders (10-1).
A.C. WALTERS, ALABAMA CHRISTIAN: Returned to the Eagles’ lineup after suffering an injury earlier in the season and scored on an 85-yard run in the final quarter in a 49-18 first-round 3A playoff loss to Houston Academy. He finished with 167 yards and the long  touchdown on 12 carries.
DECLYN MORGAN, WINFIELD: Returned an interception for a touchdown and teammate Brady May had 138 yards total offense and another score to lead the Pirates (10-1) past Colbert County 43-21 in the 3A playoffs. Teammate Keylan Hughes finished with 104 yards rushing and three TDs.
AIDEN PARHAM, SYLVANIA: Accounted for 187 rushing yards and three touchdowns as the Rams (9-2) beat Vinemont 41-0 to advance to round two of the 3A state playoffs. Zach Anderson added 63 rushing yards, two rushing TDs and one pass reception for a third score.
ANTONIO BROWN, MOBILE CHRISTIAN: Ran for 155 yards and two TDs as undefeated Mobile Christian (11-0) downed Beulah 52-7 in its first-round playoff game.

CARLOS MANN, GERALDINE: Sparked a 56-14 playoff win over Susan Moore with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, 63 yards rushing and three more TDs. Teammate Joe Garcia scored on defense for Geraldine (10-1) with an 88-yard  fumble return.
ROSS SANDERS, TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN: Gained 91 of his gam-leading 95 rushing yards in the first half and scored twice to lead the Wildcats (10-1) to a 31-14 victory over Providence Christian in a Class 3A first-round battle.
DYLAN SCHLOERB, FAYETTE COUNTY: Had 10 tackles on defense and returned a kickoff 82 yards for a TD in a 35-14 Class 3A first-round loss to unbeaten Lauderdale County (11-0).
BRYCE WHITAKER, HOKES BLUFF: Piled up 156 yards and two touchdowns in a 57-20 Class 3A playoff loss to unbeaten Madison Academy (11-0).

CLASS 2A
KARL PARHAM, TANNER: Completed 18 of 28 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 170 yards and a TD on 14 carries in a 64-55 win over Lamar County – accounting for 443 total yards and four scores. The dual threat QB has completed 99-of-193 pass attempts for 1,822 yards and 21 TDs this season. He also has 758 yards rushing and five scores on 61 rushes – 12.4 yards per carry.
JORDAN GODSEY, LAMAR COUNTY: The workhorse running back had 39 carries for 309 yards and six touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ first-round 64-55 loss to Tanner.
COLE WILLIAMS, SOUTHEASTERN: Ran for 371 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries as Southeastern (7-3) beat Collinsville 28-21 to advance  to the second round of the 2A state playoffs. The senior also had a stellar night on defense with 16 tackles, an interception and two passes broken up.
A.J. EZELL, CLARKE COUNTY: Picked up 192 rushing yards on 36 carries as Clarke County (6-5) defeated Vincent in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs. Ezell scored three rushing touchdowns, two coming in the second half, to help the Bulldogs overcome a 9-7 Vincent lead.
WYATT PRADO, LEXINGTON: Ran 21 times for 163 yards and one TD as the Bears beat Aliceville 54-28 in the 2A playoffs. Quarterback Brady Killen accounted for four TDs with two rushing (1 and 23 yards) and two passing (34 and 63 yards).
JAVIAN McGRAW, ALICEVILLE: Passed for two touchdowns, completing 5-of-13 passes for 183 yards in a 54-28 first-round 2A loss to Lexington. Linebacker Demario Lawson also had 11 tackles on defense.
MASON McATEER, COLLINSVILLE: Completed 14-of-27 pass attempts for 135 yards and a 52-yard touchdown to Gavin Lang as the Panthers fell to Southeastern 28-21. He also ran 11 times for 79 yards, and Quintavious Rogers had 14 rush attempts for 80 yards and two touchdowns (3 and 1 yards). He also had three kick returns for 77 yards. Tytan Morgan also highlighted a strong kicking game with three punts for a 44.7-yard average. His long was 57 yards.
BROOKS BOZEMAN, SULLIGENT: Recorded 14 tackles, including three for losses, had an interception he returned for a TD and had three pass breakups to spark the Blue Devils (9-2) to a 43-12 victory over Hatton in the 2A playoffs. Teammate Haigen Gann returned a pick-six 85 yards for a Sulligent TD and running back A.J. Lowe clawed out 132 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries to lead the offensive effort. Nate Stiles also had four receptions for 89 yards and a TD.
JAMAURI McCLURE, GOSHEN: Rushed for 164 yards on 11 carries and scored two touchdowns on offense and swiped two interceptions on defense as the Eagles (9-2) escaped with a 61-40 victory over GW. Long (7-4) in the Class 2A state playoffs. Teammate Jayden McNabb led all rushers with 183 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries on offense and made two interceptions on defense. McNabb’s rushing totals put him over 1,000 yards rushing on the season.

PRESTON WILLIAMS, G.W. LONG: The freshman, moved into the starting position due to an injury, completed 21-of-33 passes attempted for 375 yards and four touchdowns in the Rebels’ 61-40 loss to Goshen in the 2A playoffs. G.W. Long’s Brayden Whitehead had nine catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns (33 and 44 yards), and Blaine Wood caught seven passes for 121 yards and one TD in the Rebels’ 61-40 loss to Goshen. Kickoff specialist Romah Daniel delivered kickoffs on three onside kick recoveries, sprinted down the field to combine with teammate Swade Kirkley for a tackle for a safety on another kickoff, booted a 40-yard field goal and was 5-of-5 on extra-point kicks for the Rebels.
LOGAN ANDERSON, FYFFE: Picked up 109 yards rushing and scored one TD as the Red Devils (10-1) downed West End 48-0 in the opening round of the Class 2A state playoffs. Fyffe QB Blake Dobbins was also 4-for-4 passing for 114 yards and four touchdowns.
MASON HOLCOMB, PISGAH: Accounted for four touchdowns, two passing and two rushing, to pace the Eagles (10-1) to a 44-20 Class 2A playoff victory over Pleasant Valley. He passed for 158 yards with his TDs covering 74 yards to Jakob Kirby and 25 yards to Landon Watkins.
CADEN CUMMINGS, THORSBY:  Scored three touchdowns on runs of 17, 11 and 15 yards as Thorsby downed Chickasaw 50-16 to set a new school playoff scoring record. Grayson McManus also scored three touchdowns, and Braylon Carroll returned a punt for a TD.
ELI KENDRICK, ISABELLA: Seven different players combined for 368 rushing yards and seven touchdowns as Isabella beat St. Luke’s Episcopal at Mobile 44-17 in the opening round of the 2A state playoffs. Kendrick led the way with 139 yards and three touchdowns coming on runs of 61, 18 and six yards. Dre’Von Lee also had five carries for 127 yards with a 41-yard TD run.
TRISTAN McGUIRE, ARITON: Had 13 tackles and scooped up a punt blocked by Trevor Johnston and  Bowen Jones on the final play of the  game and ran into the end zone for a touchdown in  45-6 Ariton Class 2A playoff loss to Highland Home.
JACKSON DAUGHTRY, WICKSBURG: Totaled 14 tackles in the Panthers’ 34-14 loss to Reeltown in the 2A playoffs. He also caused two fumbles

CLASS 1A
BRADLEE PADGET, MAPLESVILLE: Was 5-of-7 passing for 120 yards and one TD as the Red Devils (7-4) posted a 41-14 win over Choctaw County. The first-round playoff victory was the 15^th straight first-round playoff win for Maplesville since 2009. The Red Devils are 90-34 in 38 playoff appearances. The Rebels’ 90 playoff wins  rank fifth overall in the AHSAA since the playoffs began in 1966. Class 7A Hoover (107-25-1) is the playoff wins leader, followed by Class 4A T.R. Miller (95-36), Class 5A UMS-Wright (92-26), and Class 1A Sweet Water (92-32).  All five posted first-round wins last week. Colbert County (90-41-1), which has the most playoff appearances (47) in AHSAA history, ties Maplesville with 90 playoff wins. The Indians lost their first-round 3A playoff game to Winfield 43-21.

ALVIN HENDERSON, ELBA: Accounted for seven touchdowns in four different ways to help unbeaten Elba (11-0) roll past University Charter School 70-8 in the 1A playoffs. UCS, a second-year football program from Livingston playing its first state playoff game, became the first charter school to reach the state playoffs in AHSAA history. Henderson rushed for 171 yards and four touchdowns on six carries, caught a 39-yard touchdown pass, returned a punt 59 yards for a touchdown and returned a kickoff 76 yards for a score. His TD runs covered 26, 11, 38 and 34 yards.

JAYDEN PARKS, BRANTLEY: The Bulldogs’ quarterback completed 13-of-20 passes for 250 yards and one touchdowns and rushed for 85 yards and four TDs as Brantley (7-4) advanced to the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs with a 42-17 victory over Linden. Receiver Daylan Davis had three catches for 95 yards and the lone TD reception. Jon Harper Kilcrease also had seven tackles on defense in the win.
DAYLON EDMUNDS, MILLRY: Accounted for seven touchdowns as Millry (9-2) downed Notasulga 55-0 to advance to second round of the Class 1A playoffs. He completed 14-of-18 passes for 188 yards and five touchdowns and rushed 18 times for 121 yards and two scores.

CHARLES NEAL, SOUTH LAMAR: Picked up 156 yards rushing on 15 carries and scored  three touchdowns on runs of 80, 17 and 12 yards as South Lamar (8-3) advanced in the 1A state playoffs with a 32-14 triumph over Meek. Teammates Landon McCarra, Mason Weathers and Rowan Wilcox each had interceptions on defense. Wilcox also raced 38 yards for a TD on his only pass reception of the night.
DESHARD BLANKS, SWEET WATER: Scored four touchdowns — including a 36-yard interception return — as Sweet Water (9-1) won its 1A playoff opener 48-33 over Florala. He rushed for 143 yards on 12 carries. His scoring runs were 17, 6, 40 and 5 yards.
DAVIN DULANEY, HACKLEBURG: Had 22 carries for 191 yards and two touchdowns coming on runs of 7 and 83 yards as the Panthers (10-1) downed Marion County 47-8 in a Class 1A first-round playoff battle at Hackleburg.
JOHN DAVID JUSTUS, COOSA CHRISTIAN: Totaled 231 combined yards in the Conquerors’ 28-0 win over Spring Garden in the Class 1A playoffs. He had 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries and completed 12-of-23 pass attempts for 95 yards. 
BRANDON HUNTER, WINTERBORO: Scored three touchdowns on runs of 89, 1 and 75 yards, the final scoring coming with 1:37 remaining as No. 4 seed Winterboro (6-5) shocked No. 1 seed Decatur Heritage (9-2) with a 42-37 first-round playoff upset win. Deonte Smoot also delivered three long-distance TDs for the winners with scoring runs of 73, 69 and 54 yards.
CHAPEL POPE, SPRING GARDEN: Had 10 tackles in  the Panthers’ 28-0 first-round loss to Coosa Christian.