By MICHAEL FLOYD
The Point of View
The opening weekend of Alabama high school football delivered exactly what fans hoped for: statement victories, surprise performances, offensive fireworks and a few results that immediately reshaped the state's hierarchy.
Now comes Week 1 — and there is no shortage of games capable of defining the early season.
From a heavyweight clash between No. 1 Thompson and No. 2 Clay-Chalkville to regional battles involving some of the state's most tradition-rich programs, here are the 25 games Alabama football fans should have circled, followed by five honorable mentions.
1. Clay-Chalkville at Thompson
This is the game Alabama has been waiting for. Thompson opened the season with a 41-14 demolition of Central-Phenix City behind Alabama commit Trent Seaborn, who threw for 335 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Clay-Chalkville answered with a 29-20 road victory over Georgia's Creekside, with quarterback CJ Eldridge accounting for 324 total yards and four touchdowns. The Cougars also produced four sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Clay has won three straight against Thompson, while the last four meetings have been decided by four points or fewer. The question is whether Clay's defensive front can disrupt Seaborn before Thompson's explosive offense gets comfortable. This is the early Game of the Year candidate.
2. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa at Hewitt-Trussville
Two teams enter 1-0 with completely different kinds of statements. Hillcrest blasted Tuscaloosa County 64-0, while Hewitt-Trussville outlasted Auburn 56-42 in an offensive shootout. The Huskies produced more than 500 total yards, with sophomore quarterback Jack Floyd accounting for 519 total yards and seven touchdowns. Hillcrest's defense has yet to allow a point, creating a fascinating contrast of strength versus strength. Hewitt's offense wants tempo, while Hillcrest would love to make this a physical defensive battle. Whoever controls the first quarter could control the game.
3. Vestavia Hills at Benjamin Russell
Vestavia Hills enters 1-0 after defeating Parker 32-14, while Benjamin Russell is still waiting to officially get its season underway after its opener against Mae Jemison was suspended. The Rebels received a strong performance from quarterback Charlie Taaffe and a defense that limited Parker's offensive opportunities. Benjamin Russell returns one of the state's most talented young quarterbacks in Kingston Preyear. The Wildcats went 12-2 last season and have championship expectations. Vestavia, however, has already gotten the benefit of live-game experience. This could be one of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend because both teams have legitimate postseason aspirations.
4. Hoover at Opelika
Hoover survived Muscle Shoals 14-8 in Week 0, relying heavily on its defense. Now the Bucs travel to Opelika, which had an open date to begin the season. That means the Bulldogs enter fresh but without the benefit of having played a live game. Hoover's defense looked capable of carrying the team, but the offense must find more consistency. Opelika was 10-4 last season and begins 2026 with a major opportunity. For the Bulldogs, beating Hoover immediately would establish them as a legitimate 6A contender.
5. Auburn vs. Choctawhatchee(FL)
Auburn's 56-42 loss to Hewitt-Trussville exposed both the Tigers' offensive potential and defensive concerns. Quarterback Cason Myers moved the football effectively but will need greater consistency from the offense. Choctawhatchee now gets an Auburn team that desperately wants a bounce-back victory. The Tigers cannot afford another game in which explosive plays come without defensive stops. Auburn was ranked No. 3 in the preseason ASWA poll, making this an important early test. A convincing victory could quickly erase the disappointment of Week 0.
6. Central-Phenix City at Pell City
Central entered the season with championship expectations but immediately fell to Thompson 41-14. The Red Devils showed flashes offensively before Thompson took control. Now they must regroup on the road. Pell City gets an opportunity to catch Central at a vulnerable moment. Central's defensive performance will be closely watched after allowing 41 points. A strong response could prevent one loss from becoming an early-season storyline.
7. Spain Park vs. Bessemer City
Spain Park opened with a 17-13 victory over Sparkman, getting 276 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Barrett Price was a major contributor with 11 catches for 135 yards. Bessemer City enters with confidence of its own. The Jaguars will need to find more consistency offensively while continuing to protect the football. Bessemer City's physical style could test Spain Park's offensive line. This is one of those games that could become extremely important by November.
8. Carver-Montgomery at Daphne
Carver could not have opened much better, shutting out Percy Julian 44-0. The Wolverines' defense immediately established itself as one of the state's more intriguing units. Daphne presents a much tougher challenge and will test Carver's ability to defend against a more balanced offense. Carver also has Auburn waiting on the schedule in Week 3. A road win at Daphne would provide considerable momentum heading into that showdown. Expect physical football from both sides.
9. Enterprise vs. Crestview, Fla.
Enterprise survived one of the weekend's best games, defeating Pike Road 40-38. Running back Darrian Beauford rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats' offense showed plenty of firepower but also surrendered 38 points. Crestview arrives from Florida with a victory and will test Enterprise's defense again. If Enterprise cannot slow the opposition, another shootout could be coming. The Wildcats have already shown they can win one — now they need to prove they can control one.
10. Prattville at Stanhope Elmore
Prattville announced itself with a 49-7 demolition of Niceville, Florida. The Lions dominated offensively, defensively and on special teams. That performance vaulted Prattville from No. 20 to No. 13 in the latest statewide rankings. Stanhope Elmore now faces a team playing with tremendous confidence. The key will be whether Prattville can maintain its physicality on the road. Another convincing win would make the Lions one of the state's fastest-rising teams.
11. Vigor vs. Mary G. Montgomery
Vigor jumped eight spots after defeating Blount 28-7. The Wolves' defense immediately looked playoff-ready. Mary G. Montgomery, meanwhile, fell to Saraland 33-14. Running back Kamron Smith still produced more than 60 rushing yards despite the loss. Now the Vikings must deal with another physical defense. Vigor has a chance to make another major statement with a second straight impressive victory.
12. Williamson vs. B.C. Rain
Williamson opened with a 33-0 shutout of Baker. Quarterback Thaddeus Wilder threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns. The Lions' defense was equally impressive, keeping Baker off the scoreboard. Rain now gets the task of slowing one of the state's hottest teams. Williamson has quickly established an identity built around defensive pressure and efficient quarterback play. A second straight dominant performance would further elevate the Lions nationally.
13. Mountain Brook at UMS-Wright
Mountain Brook was one of Week 0's biggest winners, blasting Hueytown 60-18. The Spartans climbed eight spots in the latest rankings. Now comes a road trip to UMS-Wright. Mountain Brook's offense demonstrated explosive potential, but UMS-Wright presents a much different challenge. The Spartans will need to handle the physicality of the road. Another victory would make Mountain Brook one of the state's hottest teams.
14. Pike Road vs. Hueytown
Pike Road lost a heartbreaker to Enterprise, 40-38. Despite the defeat, the Patriots produced more than 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards. Hueytown, however, enters after giving up 60 points to Mountain Brook. That makes this a major bounce-back opportunity for Pike Road. The Patriots cannot afford another defensive performance like Week 0. If they clean up defensively, their offense gives them a chance against anyone.
15. Muscle Shoals vs. Florence
Muscle Shoals came within one possession of knocking off Hoover, falling 14-8. The Trojans' defense kept them in the game throughout. Florence, meanwhile, opened with a 45-0 shutout of Pinson Valley. This is a fascinating matchup between a defensive-minded Muscle Shoals team and a Florence squad coming off an offensive explosion. The winner could gain significant early momentum. Expect the trenches to decide this one.
16. Dothan at Rickards, Fla.
Dothan enters the rankings after defeating Bay, Florida, 35-28. The Wolves now travel back to Florida looking to make it 2-0. Dothan's offense showed enough explosiveness to create problems for Rickards. But road games against Florida competition can be dangerous. The Wolves need to avoid a letdown after their impressive opener. A win would strengthen Dothan's position among Alabama's rising programs.
17. Oxford vs. Jacksonville
Oxford rushed for 360 yards and five touchdowns in its 56-28 victory over Gadsden City. Josh Dupree was among the Yellow Jackets' offensive standouts. Jacksonville answered with a 34-8 win over Piedmont, getting three touchdown passes from Cross Land. MarQuaVious McNeal caught all three scoring passes. This is a classic contrast between Oxford's ground attack and Jacksonville's passing game. Whichever offense establishes its identity first could take control.
18. Parker at James Clemens
Parker dropped its opener to Vestavia Hills 32-14 but still rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns. The Thundering Herd now faces James Clemens, which enters Week 1 with a victory. Parker cannot afford to start 0-2 with a demanding schedule ahead. James Clemens will look to exploit Parker's defensive weaknesses. The biggest question is whether Parker can turn its rushing production into points. This is a critical early-season measuring stick.
19. Gulf Shores vs. St. Paul's Episcopal
Gulf Shores entered the rankings after defeating Parklane Academy 30-21. Quarterback Major Hudspeth threw for 313 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins now face St. Paul's Episcopal in another early test. Gulf Shores' passing attack gives it the ability to create explosive plays. St. Paul's will attempt to slow that attack and force longer drives. A second straight victory would give Gulf Shores legitimate early-season momentum.
20. T.R. Miller at Straughn
T.R. Miller enters Week 1 looking to rebound after its season-opening loss to Orange Beach. The Tigers went 6-5 last season and reached the playoffs, giving this year's team valuable experience. T.R. Miller also defeated Straughn 20-13 in last year's meeting. Head coach Ronnie Cottrell enters his second season at the helm with a career record of 182-104. Straughn gets the benefit of playing at home and will be looking to flip last year's result. For T.R. Miller, this is an opportunity to get the season back on track immediately.
21. Lee-Scott Academy at Loachapoka
Lee-Scott opened its season with a 7-0 loss to Glenwood, while Loachapoka exploded past Lanett 40-20. The Indians showed impressive offensive balance in the victory. Cruz Hall threw for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Jaiden Harvey caught a touchdown pass and totaled 56 receiving yards. Lee-Scott defeated Loachapoka 31-21 last season. But Loachapoka's opening-week performance suggests this could be a much different matchup. The home team will have confidence, while Lee-Scott desperately needs an offensive breakthrough.
22. Valley at Lanett
Lanett has no time to dwell on its Week 0 loss. The Panthers fell 40-20 to Loachapoka and now face another challenging opponent in Valley. The biggest concern is defense after surrendering 40 points in the opener. Lanett has the tradition and athleticism to respond quickly. Valley will look to take advantage of any lingering mistakes. This game could tell us whether Lanett's opener was an aberration or a warning sign.
23. Jackson at Bayside Academy
Jackson enters the season as the defending Class 4A state champion after going 13-2 in 2025. The Aggies finished their championship run with a dominant 52-0 victory over Anniston. Bayside Academy faces the difficult task of slowing one of Alabama's most successful programs. Jackson's physicality and championship experience make it the favorite. But Bayside has the advantage of playing at home. If the Admirals can keep the game close into the second half, this could become one of Week 1's biggest surprises.
24. Russell County at Headland
Russell County enters Week 1 with momentum after opening the season with a victory. Headland will have the opportunity to protect home field and establish itself against a familiar regional opponent. Russell County has championship aspirations and cannot afford to overlook anyone. Headland's best chance will be controlling tempo and avoiding costly turnovers. Expect a physical game from the opening snap. The winner will leave Week 1 with valuable confidence.
25. Mars Hill Bible at Russellville
Mars Hill Bible is the reigning Class 3A state champion and enters the year with championship expectations again. Russellville presents one of North Alabama's most difficult environments. Mars Hill's championship experience gives it an obvious advantage in pressure situations. Russellville, however, has enough size and athleticism to make this uncomfortable. The battle in the trenches will be critical. This is one of those games that could serve as an early measuring stick for two programs with postseason ambitions.
FIVE HONORABLE MENTIONS
Gordo at Bibb County
Gordo enters with momentum while Bibb County looks to establish itself early. This is the kind of game that can have major regional implications later.
Reeltown at Trinity Presbyterian
Two programs with legitimate small-school aspirations meet in a matchup that should feature physical football and disciplined execution.
Dadeville at St. Anne-Pacelli
Dadeville gets an early opportunity to build momentum against a St. Anne-Pacelli squad with game experience already under its belt.
The Bottom Line: The season is still just getting started in Alabama, but the fireworks have already started.