The Aggies, Raiders and Warriors are all off this week but there is still one battle coming up between two local squads Friday night. The Vinemont Eagles will host the Addison Bulldogs Friday night in a non-region matchup that has been played every season since 2014 and Addison has won four of those five meetings. Holly Pond and Hanceville will also be taking on a pair of non-region opponents as they prepare to travel to Danville and Curry respectively. With half of the regular season in the books, each week becomes more and more important for everyone across the state.
(3-2) Addison (2A Region 7) at (2-2) Vinemont (3A Region 5)
The Bulldogs have been in control of this series in recent history, taking four of the last five matchups but the Eagles are going to try and change that Friday night. Vinemont is coming off a big region win at Hanceville in which running back Dallin Dinkle carried the ball nearly 50 times to help lead the Eagles to a win, but he’ll be going up against a solid front seven in Addison.
The Bulldogs are allowing just over 12 points per game this season and the strength of that defense is stopping the run. The Eagles defense has been a little more vulnerable through the first half of the season but tightened up in last week’s win at Hanceville and wants to create some momentum going into the latter portion of their schedule.
The running game has been the focus for Addison offensively as well. Christian Roberts, Caleb Crider, Grant Rice and Weston Smith have all been effective ball carriers for the Bulldogs this season and dealing with that many good runners is a challenge for any defense. All signs point to a physical game Friday night and the team that can maintain its intensity for all four quarters will have the best chance to leave the field with a win.
(1-4) Holly Pond (3A Region 5) at (2-3) Danville (4A Region 7)
After collecting their first win of the season over Hanceville two weeks ago, the Broncos fell to Fultondale last Friday to move to 1-4 but will have to shake off the region loss and prepare to travel to Danville this week. Holly Pond defeated the Hawks 26-8 a season ago so the Broncos will be headed into a hostile environment when they arrive at Smith-Owens Stadium.
Danville was winless in 2018 but has already picked up two wins in the first half of this season and scored more points in its first five games than it did all of last season combined. The Hawks allowed over 43 points per game last season but have that number down to 23 right now so Holly Pond will be going up against a much-improved team Friday night. The Broncos have struggled to move the ball consistently so far in 2019 and things won’t be getting easier as the season progresses. A win at Danville would be a big chance for the Broncos to grab some momentum and finish the season strong.
(2-3) Hanceville (3A Region 5) at (0-4) Curry (4A Region 5)
Hanceville has dropped back to back games to county rivals Holly Pond and Vinemont, but the Bulldogs will have a chance to get back to .500 and build some momentum for the second half of the season. The Yellow Jackets have had some struggles early this season and are currently winless as they prepare to host Hanceville.
Curry is allowing over 41 points per game right now and this week could be a great chance for a struggling Bulldogs offense to find its footing. Hanceville is scoring just under 20 points per game this season but will have a chance for some big plays this week against a struggling Yellow Jackets defense. Curry was able to win last years’ matchup 27-16 so the Bulldogs will revenge on their minds when they get Curry Friday night.
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