Photo: 2016 Holly Pond Broncos varsity football team, coaches and cheerleaders
Cullman Bearcats @ Hartselle Tigers
J.P. Cain Stadium – Hartselle 7 p.m.
SERIES: Tied 45-45-4
LAST MEETING: Hartselle won 14-13 @ Cullman in 2015
First time since the 1966 season the Bearcats and Tigers clash on opening night. The 95th meeting between the two rivals. Bearcats have never won at Hartselle (0-8) under Mark Britton. Britton enters his 16th season at CHS, 124 victories, the most in school history. Bearcats are 13-2 in season openers with Britton in command.
Hamilton Aggies @ West Point Warriors
West Point Stadium 7 p.m.
SERIES: first meeting
This is the first time the Warriors are playing a school out of Marion County. Hamilton is 17-5-1 all-time vs. Cullman County schools. Don Farley in his fourth season at West Point, Warriors going for third consecutive winning season under Farley.
Hanceville Bulldogs @ Cold Springs Eagles
Cranford Stricklin Stadium – Cold Springs 7 p.m.
SERIES: Hanceville leads 4-2
LAST MEETING: Hanceville won 32-0 in 2009
Craig Flanigan makes his debut for Hanceville on the sidelines. This is the ninth year for Rod Elliott at Cold Springs. Eagles have compiled 20 wins against 10 losses the last three seasons, the best mark among schools in Cullman County. Cold Springs has never had four straight seasons of six wins or better, a goal the Eagles are looking for in 2016. Eagles have a 7-1 record on opening night under Elliott.
Flanigan got hired by Principal Jimmy Collins July 19. Had to work in a short period of time to compile a coaching staff. Has been able to work with the team for two and a half weeks. This is the first time the Bulldogs and Eagles have played in a season opener.
Fairview Aggies @ North Sand Mountain Bison
Lloyd Dobbins Field – Higdon 7 p.m.
SERIES: first meeting
Fairview's 10th season for coach George Redding with his Aggies invading the town of Higdon for the first time. Third straight season the Aggies are in Class 5A. Redding has 58 wins, second most in school history to Dafford Smith's 65 victories.
Keith Kirby is new coach for North Sand Mountain. This is the third school the Bison have played from Cullman County. NSM is 1-0 against Hanceville, 0-2 vs. Vinemont.
Redding's Aggies have gone 7-2 in season openers.
Holly Pond Broncos @ Coosa Christian Conquerors
Coosa Christian Stadium – Gadsden 7 p.m.
SERIES: first meeting
Holly Pond ended a 29-game losing streak when the Broncos defeated Cold Springs Oct. 29, 2015. Coosa Christian comes into 2016 fresh off an 0-10 season and has four wins in the last three years (4-26).
Mike Bates is back for his fourth season at Holly Pond. Navendra Woods in his first season at Coosa Christian.
Broncos are looking for a victory in the season opener for the first time since a 17-14 win against Hanceville Aug. 28, 2009.
Elkmont Red Devils @ Addison Bulldogs
A.G. Hicks Stadium – Addison 7 p.m.
SERIES: Addison 1-0
LAST MEETING: 1949, Addison won 24-0
David Smothers is back for his fifth season with the Bulldogs. Addison gets this opponent on the schedule for the first time in over half a century.
Bulldogs dropped back to Class 1A after playing in the 2A classification for the past two seasons.
Bulldogs are 15-7 at home under Smothers.
Meek Tigers @ Phillips Bears
James E. Glass Stadium – Bear Creek 7 p.m.
SERIES: Meek 10-8
LAST MEETING: Meek won 28-0 in 2015
Tigers trying to maintain success for coach Lance Archer after they were 7-4 in 2015. Meek will be in Region 7 of Class 1A. Phillips posted a 6-5 record last season and was 10-2 the year before.
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