Week 1 of Alabama high school football is complete, and the Under the Lights schedule rolls into a busy Week 2. Local fans can look forward to several marquee games, beginning with the Hoover Bucs heading to Opelika for their second contest of the season.
Hoover (1-0) at Opelika (0-0)
Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m., Bulldog Stadium – Opelika High School
After a hard‑fought 14‑8 win over Muscle Shoals, the Bucs travel to face a strong Opelika program led by first‑year head coach Jonathan Chandler. Chandler arrived from Montgomery Catholic after a successful season there. Opelika earned a recent Class 7A state championship game appearance and will look to start its season with a win.
Hoover holds a 4‑0 edge in the series, including a 32‑29 victory in 2024.
Other Week 2 Matchups
Spain Park (1-0) vs. Bessemer City (1-0)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Jaguar Stadium
Spain Park, under fifth‑year coach Tim Vakakes, seeks to build on a 17‑13 road win, while Bessemer City continues its recent playoff streak with a 31‑14 victory over Pell City.
Homewood (1-0) at Briarwood (1-0)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Lions Pride Stadium
Both teams opened with double‑digit wins. Homewood defeated John Carroll 31‑14, and Briarwood routed defending state champion Moody 35‑7. This non‑region clash will help gauge each squad’s strengths before conference play begins.
Mountain Brook (1-0) at UMS‑Wright (0-1)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Ervin S. Cooper Stadium – UMS‑Wright Preparatory School
Mountain Brook posted a dominant 60‑18 win over Hueytown and now travels to Mobile for its first meeting with the nine‑time state champion UMS‑Wright, now competing in the Private‑AA division.
Chelsea (0-1) vs. Gardendale (0-1)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Chelsea High School
Chelsea, under new coach Tad Niblett, looks to rebound from a 30‑7 loss, while Gardendale hopes to reverse its recent struggles after a 34‑7 defeat.
Oak Mountain (0-1) vs. Buckhorn (1-0)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Heardmont Park
Oak Mountain fell 45‑38 to Pelham in coach Jason Kervin’s debut. Buckhorn, now a Class 6A team after reclassification, seeks to continue its winning ways.
John Carroll (0-1) at Talladega (0-1)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Mary Dumas Stadium – Talladega High School
Both programs aim for their first win after opening losses. Talladega defeated Lincoln 36‑29, while John Carroll was beaten by Homewood 31‑14.
Vestavia Hills (1-0) at Benjamin Russell (0-0)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Martin‑Savarese Stadium
Vestavia Hills travels to face a Benjamin Russell squad that posted a 12‑2 record last season under coach Kirk Johnson, who came from Montgomery Catholic after back‑to‑back state titles.
Hewitt‑Trussville (1-0) vs. Hillcrest‑Tuscaloosa (1-0)
Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Hewitt‑Trussville Stadium
Hewitt‑Trussville impressed with a 56‑42 win over No. 3 Auburn, highlighted by sophomore quarterback Jack Floyd’s seven touchdowns and 500+ yards. Hillcrest shut out Tuscaloosa County 64‑0 in its opening game.
Clay‑Chalkville (1-0) at Thompson (1-0)
Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m., Warrior Stadium – Thompson High School
The defending Class 6A champions travel to face defending Class 7A champions in what promises to be a marquee early‑season showdown.
Fans can follow all updates on the Under the Lights social channels and receive weekly coverage each Saturday morning.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
