1. Hewitt-Trussville at Hoover, October 23, 2015 - The Huskies will travel to the Hoover Met to face the Bucs in a big Region 3 contest. This game could come down to the region title. Last year, the Huskies offense put up 24 points on the best defense in the state and Hoover went on to defeated Hewitt-Trussville 38-24. While both offenses were good last season and the Bucs defense was the difference last year. This season, Hewitt-Trussville has the better offense while the Bucs hold the edge on the defensive side. QB Zac Thomas threw for 1,738 yards with nine touchdowns while rushing for 1,137 yards and 18 touchdowns. Look for bigger numbers this season from Thomas after being in the Josh Floyd offense for a year. Running back Jarrion Street rushed for 1,168 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Ole Miss commitment runs behind FB Bailey McElwain who doubles at linebacker on defense. The Stanford commitment had 118 tackles, with 18 for a loss. For Hoover, the Bucs have to reload on offense. QB Chris Vacarella will look to run and throw, but when he does throw look for the senior quarterback to look to slot receiver Jimmy Johnson. Look for Johnson to make some big plays for the Bucs offense.
2. Prattville at Central-Phenix City, September 18, 2015 - Last season in the second round of the 7A playoffs, Prattville bounced Central out 26-7 while shocking the state as the Lions went on the road to get the big victory. This season, Central has more weapons returning and could make a trip to the state finals. Zion Webb returns for his third season. The junior QB has a lot of weapons around him. Wide receiver Jamal Couch is a big time talent and is verbally committed to Florida State. Running back Jaxton Carson looks to be an impact his junior season. Carson has a few division I offers already. Look for the Central defense to dominate this season. For Prattville, running back Kingston Davis (Michigan commitment) had to sit out the title game against Hoover last season and really wants to get back to the title game. Prattville lost key players at quarterback along at wide receiver and will start the season with a lot of inexperience at those two positions. The Lions return one of the top kickers in the state with A.J. Reed.
3. Gadsden City at Bob Jones, September 18, 2015 - Last season, Gadsden City defeated the Bob Jones 44-23 in Gadsden. In that game, the Titans ground game was to much for the Patriots defense, but this is a new year. Ahmad DeRamus is back from a solid year last season. The lefty QB can throw the deep ball with the best of them. Running back Damon Williams can score anytime he touches the ball. Jalen Swain is a steady wide receiver for the Titans. For Bob Jones, Brady Polson will have a full year at quarterback. Last season, Polson threw for 1,569 yards & 19 TD's. Jonathan Moss will replace a trio of players that graduated last year at wide receiver. Running back Miles Strickland will run behind offensive lineman Kedrian Koger and Kendall Randolph who has SEC offers from Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
4. Baker at McGill-Toolen, September 11, 2015 - In a region 1 game from last season, Baker defeated McGill-Toolen 41-31 in a big area game. The Baker offense was to much for the Yellow Jackets defense. Baker returns a lot of weapons on offense. QB Holden Verdin leads the Baker offense this season. Tre McMillian and Rickey Brown combined for over 1,500 rushing yards last season. Look for that number to rise this season. For McGill-Toolen, the Yellow Jackets look to improve off of a 4-6 record last season. Paris Chambers will run the offense this season. Chambers played wide receiver last season. Running backs Cole Sharp and Trey Robinson will lead the Yellow Jackets rushing game.
5. Hoover at Oak Mountain, September 11, 2015 - A big Region 3 contest for both teams. Last season, the Bucs shutout the Eagles 35-0 closing down the option game of Oak Mountain. Look for this game to be a lot closer this season. With Warren Shader returning at quarterback, the Eagles are hoping to throw the ball a little more this season to balance out the Eagles run game. For Hoover, the defense is still going to be solid this season due to some returning players. Jeremiah Moon (Florida commitment) will be rushing the quarterback off the end this season. Corner P.J. Hall is the #1 corner in the state.
6. James Clemens vs Bob Jones, September 4, 2015 - These two played a close game last season as Bob Jones defeated James Clemens 28-21. It looks like the talent between the two schools. Safety A.J. Harris leads the Patriots secondary. Montrell Toney is another solid defensive back for Bob Jones. For James Clemens, the offense is loaded with some great backs. Heath Burchfield will return at quarterback for the Jets. Maceo Booker is being moved to the slot position and Devon Atkinson will join the backfield at running back.
7. Central-Phenix City at Auburn, September 4, 2015 - Central poured on a 30-point win when these two teams last season. CB John Broussard (Auburn commitment) leads the Central secondary. Linebacker Jamal Couch is a Florida State commitment. Linebacker Markail Benton is will be making a name for himself this season. Head coach Jamey DuBose could have the top defense in 7A this season. For Auburn, Bradley Northcutt will lead of Tigers offense. The Tigers lost one of the best running backs in Tyus Flakes. He will be missed in the Tigers backfield. Lineman Tyler Pritchett will open holes for whoever takes Flakes spot at running back. Kicker Sage Ledbetter is one of the top kickers in 7A.
8. Spain Park at Hoover, October 1, 2015 - Can this be the year that Spain Park beats Hoover on the football field? I know that Hoover had to forfeit a game back in 2007, but Hoover beat them on the field. Spain Park. The ground game is in good shape with Wade Streeter returns from rushing over 1,000 yards last season. Larry Wooden gives the Jaguars a good one-two punch at running back. The Jaguars have to replace a quarterback this season and that is going to be tough in this region of doom. The Bucs will look to TE Quincy Cox to make some big plays for the offense this season. The Bucs still have a big offensive line with Nick Eldridge leading the way.
9. Foley at Baker, October 2, 2015 - Head coach Tab Niblett comes over from Hoover transitions from an assistant coach to head coach. It should not be a problem for him watching his brother (Josh Niblett) all these years at Hoover. Jackson Newman will lead the Lions offense at quarterback. Running back Kalayah Holmes and Jaret Powell lead the way. Randy Stallworth will be a good target for the Foley offense. Baker will need to step it up to finish in the top 5 this season. Ta'vion Jefferson at linebacker helps the Hornets defense. Gavin Burnett (linebacker) and Maryon Williams will be key for the Hornets defense.
10. Hoover at Mountain Brook, September 4, 2015 - The Bucs defense only gave up 15.0 points a game and only 10.1 points in Region 3. The Bucs have some new faces but the defense will get tested a couple of out of state games to start the season before coming back to a region contest with Mountain Brook. Connor Adair has lots of potential at quarterback. Rix Curtis and Porter Williamson will anchor the Spartans like this season. Harrison Ritchie is a weapon at kicker. Look for Charie Fell and Zachary Carroll to touch the ball a lot on the Spartans offense.
