— Friday, Sept. 7

GAME OF THE WEEK

Cullman (1-0) at East Limestone (0-1)

7 p.m., Cavnar Field

Preview: East Limestone will try to bounce back from a disappointing week one home loss to Madison County. The Indians only points came from its defense in the 20-2 season-opening loss. Cullman cracked the ASWA top ten this week after beating rival Walker 42-14. The Bearcats are ranked No. 9 in Class 5A.

Players to watch: East Limestone running back Torren Haley – The bruising running back averaged more than five yards per carry in last week’s loss.

Cullman defensive end Chris Johnson – The senior forced two fumbles that were both returned for scores last week.

Last year’s result: Did not play

Series history: This will be the first meeting between the teams

News Courier prediction: Cullman 28, East Limestone 21

Athens (0-1) at West Point (1-0)

7 p.m., Warrior Field

Preview:  Athens can gain an upper hand in Class 5A Region 8 with a win over newcomers West Point this week. The Golden Eagles will try to get their offense going after being stalled in a 21-13 loss to Decatur last week.

West Point opened its season with a 43-22 win over Brewer. Athens will have to slow down a West Point rushing attack that amassed 352 yards on the ground and saw six players run for at least 40 yards.

Players to watch: Athens running back Derek Teague – Teague will look to gain more ground than his 33 yards on 22 carries last week.

West Point quarterback Bryant Farley – the dual-threat quarterback ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns in 21-point win over Brewer in week one.

Last year’s result: did not play

Series history: Athens leads 2-0

News Courier prediction: Athens 23, West Point 6

Preview: Red Bay (0-1) at Tanner (1-0)

7 p.m. Rip Swanner Field

Preview: Tanner begins region play against a Red Bay team that won 10 games last year and won Class 2A Region 8. The Rattlers want to prove they are the team to beat in region 8 now after winning region 7 last season. Tanner won its opening game against a top five team in Class 3A. Red Bay lost to Central, 27-3.

Players to watch: Tanner running back Hayden Stephens – The junior led the Rattlers in rushing last week and will look to build on his big night in week two.

Red Bay fullback Matt Belue – the reigning Player of the Year in Franklin County, Belue will do the dirty work inside.

Last year’s result: Did not play

Series history: Tanner leads 9-7, with one tie

News Courier prediction: Tanner 34, Red Bay 6

Preview: Brooks at West Limestone

7 p.m., James Kennemer Stadium

Preview: West Limestone will try and catch its breath after the Wildcats 4-OT 54-53 win over Clements in week one. Brooks opening game was less dramatic. The Lions cruised by a ranked Sheffield team 35-14 on their home field. West Limestone is going for its second win all-time against a Brooks team with 22 seniors.

Players to watch: West Limestone quarterback Caleb McConnell – McConnell threw for three touchdowns in the marathon win over Clements

Brooks quarterback Skyler Beck – The senior threw three touchdown passes in the first half against Sheffield.

Last year’s result: Brooks won 48-18

Series history: Brooks leads 11-1

News Courier prediction: Brooks 42, West Limestone 27

Butler at Ardmore

7 p.m., Cooper Field

Preview: Ardmore hopes to build on its 22-16 win over rival Elkmont last Friday. The Tigers scored 22 unanswered and outgained its rival 266 to 92 in total yardage. Ardmore will try to win its first game in Class 4A Region 7 against a Butler team that lost its 19th consecutive game in a 37-6 loss to Section on Saturday. 

Players to watch: Ardmore running back Tyler McCarley – The senior rushed for 124 yards on 25 carries against Elkmont.

Last year’s result: Did not play

Series history: Ardmore and Butler have never met in a game

News Courier prediction: Ardmore 33, Butler 6

Colbert County at Elkmont

7 p.m., Boss Hill Stadium

Preview: Elkmont will look to rebound from a 22-16 loss at Ardmore last week. The Red Devils will get that chance in their home opener Friday against Region 8 foe Colbert County. The Indians beat Colbert Heights 36-7 in their opening game.

Players to watch: Elkmont running back Chase Renew – The sophomore returned a kickoff 80 yards to set up Elkmont’s first score last week.

Colbert County defensive back Dee Hardin – Hardin returned an interception for a touchdown in the Indians big win last week.

Last year’s result: Elkmont won 17-0

Series history: Colbert County leads 14-7

News Courier prediction: Colbert County 16, Elkmont 7

West Morgan at Clements

7 p.m., M.T. Newman Stadium

Preview: Clements should have plenty of confidence in its offense after scoring 53 points in its opening season loss to West Limestone. The Colts will need to find that same rhythm against a West Morgan team that has won 11 straight games in the series. West Morgan opened the season with a 36-20 loss to Priceville.

Players to watch: Clements wide receiver/running back Damarcus Johnson – Johnson did it all for the Colts, catching four passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 73 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground.

Last year’s result: West Morgan won 13-7

Series history: West Morgan leads 15-5

News Courier prediction: Clements 28, West Morgan 20