The Bulldogs' defense allowed minus-5 yards and picked off three Wildcats passes in the first half of Addison’s 44-0 win at Tharptown Thursday night. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN – There are only a few games left in the regular season, so wins are at a premium now more than ever. For most teams across the county, a playoff appearance doesn’t look very likely, but there a still a handful of squads that are either trying to carry some momentum into the postseason or play their way in.
(7-2) Addison at (1-6) Tharptown (Played Thursday night)
It was a very one-sided game on the field in Tharptown Thursday night. The Addison Bulldogs (7-2) could’ve named their own score in this one but settled for the 44-0 blowout on the road over the Wildcats.
Friday night games
(6-1) Good Hope at (5-2) Curry
The Raiders are having a big year, but they’ll close out the regular season with two of their toughest region opponents on the road in their final three games. Curry and Good Hope are both currently sitting at 3-1 in Region 5, so this matchup has major playoff implications. A win for the Raiders would not only help build momentum, but it could also have a big impact on who they see in round one. The Raiders are undefeated at home this fall, and regional victories can only help their chances of playing at James W. Shabel Stadium in November. The Yellow Jackets have won a lot of close games this season so they’ll battle-tested and ready for Good Hope this Friday.
(2-5) Vinemont vs. (4-3) J.B. Pennington
After coming up just short on the road last week against Locust Fork, the Eagles’ postseason chances got a little bit slimmer, but considering how this team has played all season, I don’t expect that to affect the way Vinemont finishes this year. The Tigers won last year’s matchup 49-6 so expect the Eagles to play hard this week as they try to get a little payback on their home field. Vinemont is currently fifth in the region standings, just a half-game behind Holly Pond with a showdown against the Broncos coming up on Oct. 26.
(3-4) Fairview vs. (5-2) Randolph
After picking up their first road win of the season last week at West Morgan, the Aggies are coming back home this Friday to host the Randolph Raiders. Fairview is still alive for a playoff spot at 2-3 in the region, but that all depends on how they finish the regular season. An upset over Randolph at home would be the first step of that path so the Aggies will be extra focused this week needing to play well. The Raiders have gone for 40-plus points four times this season; the Fairview defense will have a big challenge this week trying to keep them out of the end zone.
(3-5) Cullman at (7-0) Hartselle
After fighting their way through a brutal schedule to get to this point, the Bearcats will be on the road this week to face arguably the best team they’ve seen all year, the hated Hartselle Tigers. After falling at home to Muscle Shoals last week, Cullman’s playoff hopes have been put off to next season, but in a rivalry game, there’s still plenty to play for. The ‘Cats will have to put together their best game to knock off the Tigers, but Cullman has found a way to play up their rival in recent years. Regardless of the records, when the Bearcats play Hartselle, it’s usually a tight, physical game that the Black and Gold may be able to find a way to win. The Tigers haven’t allowed more than 17 points in any game this year, so this short road trip will be a real test for the Bearcats.
(2-5) West Point at (3-4) Corner
After getting off to a 2-0 start with wins over Fairview and Arab, the Warriors have dropped their last five and find themselves out of the playoff race with three games remaining. The first two will be on the road, starting this week with the Corner Yellow Jackets. This will be the first season since 2013 that West Point will miss the postseason, but the Warriors will have to regroup and play well this week to get back in the win column with a victory at Corner. West Point won last year’s matchup 49-42 so expect some more fireworks between these two teams this time around.
(4-3) Cold Springs at (3-3) Tarrant
The Eagles are currently sitting at fourth in Region 5, but after losing three straight and falling at home to Winston County last week, their playoff position is still up for grabs. A win on the road against Tarrant would go a long way toward locking down that spot, but the Eagles will have to come to play if they want to beat the Wildcats. Tarrant is coming off back-to-back wins and looking to help its own playoff position so it’s sure to be a close one this Friday.
(3-5) Meek vs. (5-3) Marion County
With a 1-3 record in Region 6 and only two games remaining, the playoffs appear to be out of reach for the Tigers this season. Meek can still shake up the regional standings with a win against Marion County this week so expect the Tigers to come out and play with a purpose for their last home game of the season. The Red Raiders have been winning with offense for most of the year, so the Meek defense will have their hands full this week as they try to lead the Tigers back into the win column.
(1-6) Hanceville vs. (6-1) Fultondale
The Bulldogs will have their hands full this week as they gear up to host the top team in Region 5, Fultondale. There have been some tough nights for Hanceville so far this season, but the Bulldogs still have three games to play and a chance to carry some momentum into the offseason. A good performance against Fultondale would certainly help do that. The Wildcats are outscoring their opponents 214-105 this fall so the Bulldogs will have to play their best game of the year to give themselves a chance in Ray Talley Stadium Friday night.
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