Vinemont, Holly Pond, Meek and Cullman will all travel for region games this week and as we move into the latter portion of the regular season, each week becomes more and more significant for teams across the state. Regional standings are starting to take shape and the playoff contenders are creating separation from the rest of the pack.
(2-3) Vinemont (3A Region 5) at (4-1) Fultondale (3A Region 5)
The Eagles dropped a physical matchup at home against the Addison Bulldogs last week but the loss wont effect Vinemont’s current playoff standing as it prepares to travel to Fultondale this Friday. The Wildcats are currently on top of the region 5 standings with a 3-0 record and at 1-1, the Eagles could gain a lot of ground in the region with a win this week.
Since the season opening loss to Maplesville, Fultondale has won four straight and is holding its opponents to just 12 points per game. The Wildcats defense will certainly be a challenge for a Vinemont offense currently scoring just under 19 points per game and things appear to be headed for another physical matchup in which points will be at a premium.
(1-5) Holly Pond (3A Region 5) at (3-3) Locust Fork (3A Region 5)
The Broncos came out on the losing end of a shootout in Danville last week in which the Hawks outpaced Holly Pond 45-36 but with another road trip coming up Friday, the Broncos will have to bounce back and prepare for Locust Fork. The Hornets are currently 1-1 in region 5 and with Holly Pond sitting at 1-2, this week’s regional showdown could be a turning point for both teams this season. The Broncos need a win to try and stay alive in the playoff hunt and Locust Fork could climb up the standings with a win as well.
Holly Pond won last year’s meeting at home 36-10 but this year’s Hornets team is scoring just under 30 points per game offensively and is coming off a 35-13 win over Southeastern with the Broncos coming to town this week.
(0-6) Meek (1A Region 6) at (2-3) Brilliant (1A Region 6)
At 0-3 in region 6, the postseason seems far away for the Meek Tigers right now but this week’s trip to Brilliant will be critical if they want to change that. Brilliant is currently sitting in 0-3 in the region as well so both teams are starving for wins this week and Brilliant will be looking for revenge. The Tigers won last year’s matchup 36-14 but Brilliant has already matched its win total from a season ago.
Defensively, Brilliant has gone from allowing 40 points per game in 2018 to just 20 points per game now so Meek will have its hands full on the road this week.
(3-3) Cullman (6A Region 7) at (4-1) Athens (6A Region 7)
Cullman’s three game win streak was snapped by undefeated Hueytown last week, but the Bearcats still control their own destiny in the playoff hunt. With a 2-0 record in the region, Cullman is in good shape right now in region 7 with a road trip to Athens coming this Friday. The running back duo of Jayden Sullins and Jaylen Hughey has been effective all season but they along with the rest of the Bearcat offense will get another test this week from the Golden Eagles.
Athens also holds a 2-0 record in region 7 and a defense that is holding opponents to just 15 points per game this season. Cullman’s running game has been explosive the last several weeks and the defense is allowing just over 16 points per game, but something will have to give in Athens this week as both teams try to stay atop the region standings.
Look for previews on Hanceville, Addison, Fairview, West Point and Good Hope in Thursday’s edition of The Cullman Tribune.
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