By Cole Frederick
The AHSAA State Football Playoffs begin this week, with five Etowah County schools starting their chase for a blue map in Mobile this December. Last season, Coosa Christian became the first Etowah County school to win a state football championship since Hokes Bluff in 2001.
The Conquerors will begin their title defense on the road against Tuscaloosa Academy. Coosa Christian defeated the Knights 17-0 in the third round of the Class 2A playoffs last season. The teams will meet again Friday in the newly formed Class A playoffs, which feature only private schools. After opening the season 0-6, first-year head coach Alaric Williams has guided the Conquerors to three consecutive victories to secure a playoff berth.
When Hokes Bluff won the Class 3A state championship in 2001, head coach Mike Robertson was in his sixth season leading his alma mater. Twenty-five years later, Robertson has guided the Eagles to the playoffs for the 17th time in his career.
Hokes Bluff’s season has followed a similar path to Coosa Christian’s. The Eagles started the year 1-4 but have since won five straight games. That stretch included a thrilling 14-7 victory over rival Glencoe on a fake field goal in the region finale, securing a playoff berth. The Eagles earned the No. 3 seed from Class 3A, Region 6, and will travel to Lauderdale County on Friday for their first-round matchup.
The No. 2 seed from Class 3A, Region 6, is the Etowah Blue Devils. Head coach Davin Hawkins has overseen one of the state’s biggest turnarounds, leading Etowah to six wins and a first-round home game after the team finished 1-9 last season.
The Blue Devils will host Wilson on Friday. Hawkins said the opportunity to represent Etowah High School and the Attalla community in the postseason is something the team takes seriously.
“It is something we take tremendous pride in,” Hawkins said. “Having the opportunity to represent Etowah High School and the Attalla community in the postseason is a privilege that we do not take lightly. We are proud of the growth and commitment this team has demonstrated, and we understand the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than ourselves.”
Hawkins said earning the opportunity to host a first-round game after last season’s 1-9 finish reflects the team’s growth and commitment.
“Earning the opportunity to host a first-round playoff game after finishing 1-9 a year ago is a tremendous reflection of the growth, resilience and commitment of this football team,” Hawkins said.
While there is plenty of excitement surrounding the Blue Devils’ return to the playoffs, Hawkins said the team cannot be satisfied with simply making it to the postseason.
“Our biggest challenge will be maintaining the mindset that the opportunity in front of us is not the destination,” Hawkins said. “We cannot become satisfied with simply earning a playoff berth or hosting a first-round game.”
Hawkins said the key to success against Wilson will be sticking to the team’s identity, playing with relentless effort and establishing its style of play from the opening kickoff.
The Westbrook Christian Warriors will also host a first-round playoff game. Head coach Steve Smith’s squad finished the regular season with a 10-6 victory over perennial power Fyffe. The Warriors will host Victory Christian on Friday, and Smith emphasized the importance of each player doing his job on every play.
“We want to be playing our best football this time of year,” Smith said. “So, we need to avoid the outside noise and distractions and just focus on doing our job.”
Smith said the team’s buy-in has been its biggest strength throughout the season.
“Everyone has committed to the notion that no one cares who gets the credit as long as the team succeeds,” Smith said. “This is not common in today’s age of sports, but it is very refreshing to watch it at our place. Our guys have worked extremely hard over their careers to put themselves in this position. Now, it’s all about the daily effort to be the best you can be and the enjoyment and memories that come along with being in this position.”
Gadsden City moved back up to the AHSAA’s highest classification after spending four years in Class 5A, but the Titans still qualified for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season under head coach Ali Smith.
The Titans will travel to Hewitt-Trussville on Friday to face a familiar opponent from their former region. Smith said he has been impressed with the team’s development throughout the season.
“We feel that our young players have grown each week in terms of their preparation with the leadership of our more experienced players,” Smith said.
The matchup carries plenty of history. Friday’s game will mark the 21st meeting between the Titans and Huskies, making Hewitt-Trussville Gadsden City’s most frequent opponent in school history. The Huskies have won the last eight meetings, but head coach Josh Floyd said the Titans present several challenges, particularly on offense.
“Their quarterback, Sollie, is really good,” Floyd said. “He has a big-time arm and can make every throw. They’re huge on the offensive line, and they always have great speed. They’ve also had some long kickoff returns, so special teams are a concern because of their speed.”
Both coaches pointed to limiting explosive plays as a key to the matchup. Smith also emphasized the importance of handling Hewitt-Trussville’s offensive tempo.
“We have had a pretty normal week,” Smith said. “We just need to execute our game plan in all phases of the game and handle the highs and lows of the game. We must eliminate the big plays from their offense and be able to handle their tempo as well.”
All five playoff games are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. Friday.
