Friday night, Nov. 13, marks the start of the second round of the Alabama Class 6A football playoffs. Eight teams that survived the opening round will meet at neutral sites across the state, each looking to advance toward a coveted state‑championship berth.
Hoover Bucs vs. Thompson Tigers (Warrior Stadium, Alabaster)
Hoover (5‑6) earned a dominant 50‑3 victory over Bob Jones, highlighted by three interceptions and two long touchdown passes from quarterback Kaleb Freeman. The Bucs will travel to Alabaster to face Thompson (8‑1), a team that earned a first‑round bye and finished the regular season 6‑1 in Region 3. Thompson’s lone loss came against Prattville. The last meeting saw Thompson win 31‑14, though Hoover leads the overall series 26‑10. A win would send Hoover to a potential third‑round home game against either Fairhope or Opelika.
Spain Park Jaguars vs. Prattville Tigers (Stanley‑Jensen Stadium, Prattville)
Spain Park (7‑4) knocked off Buckhorn 38‑28, with quarterback Nash Davis throwing three touchdown passes and running backs CJ Davis and Hudson Hibbard each adding a rushing score. The Jaguars will travel to Prattville, a 10‑0 powerhouse that received a first‑round bye and currently holds the Class 6A Region 3 title at 7‑0. Prattville’s last meeting with Spain Park resulted in a 35‑28 win for the Tigers, leaving the series tied 2‑2. A victory would set up a third‑round matchup against either Daphne or Carver‑Montgomery.
John Carroll Cavaliers vs. Briarwood Lions (Lions Pride Stadium)
John Carroll (5‑6) rebounded from a 28‑7 win over Randolph, securing its second playoff win in 22 years. Briarwood (11‑0) advanced after St. John Paul II forfeited and has not played since a 28‑14 victory over American Christian on Oct. 23 to claim the Private Class AA Region 2 title. The Lions previously routed John Carroll 48‑0 earlier this season and lead the series 14‑3. The winner will move on to a semifinal clash with either Lee‑Scott or American Christian.
Homewood Patriots vs. Pike Road Patriots (Waldrop Stadium)
Homewood (10‑1) posted a 36‑14 win over Theodore, highlighted by Chappy Chapleau’s two rushing touchdowns and Beckham Newell’s 126 receiving yards and a score. Pike Road (8‑3) earned a 28‑17 victory over Bessemer City after narrow losses to Enterprise, Hewitt‑Trussville and Benjamin Russell. Their last meeting in 2023 saw Pike Road win 10‑9, leaving the series tied. A Homewood win would set up a third‑round game against Gulf Shores or McAdory.
Vestavia Hills Rebels vs. Sparkman Rebels (Sparkman Field, Harvest)
Vestavia Hills (8‑2) defeated Huntsville 50‑12, with quarterback Charlie Taaffe completing 12 of 13 passes for 233 yards and five touchdowns, plus a rushing score. Sparkman (8‑2) had a first‑round bye; its only losses this season were to Spain Park and James Clemens. The two teams last met in 2006, when Vestavia Hills won 40‑17. A victory would give Vestavia Hills a third‑round home game against Central‑Phenix City or Baker.
Hewitt‑Trussville Huskies vs. James Clemens Rebels (Madison City Schools Stadium)
Hewitt‑Trussville (7‑4) edged Gadsden City 38‑35, with Jack Floyd rushing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. James Clemens (8‑2) had a first‑round bye after a 55‑12 loss to Hewitt‑Trussville in 2020. The Huskies will look to reverse that result against a James Clemens squad coached by former Hewitt‑Trussville assistant Juan Johnson. A win would set up a third‑round showdown with Auburn or Foley.
Clay‑Chalkville Cougars vs. Douglas Cougars (Cougar Stadium)
Clay‑Chalkville (8‑2) crushed Austin 62‑7, with CJ Eldridge accounting for four touchdowns (three rushing, one passing). Douglas (10‑1) beat Mortimer Jordan 33‑27. The two programs have never faced each other, making this a fresh rivalry. The victor will travel to either Florence or Minor for a third‑round game.
All games kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. Fans are encouraged to support their local teams and enjoy the spirited competition that showcases the talent and dedication of Alabama’s high school athletes.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
