CULLMAN, Ala. – Week three of the high school football season is bringing the start of region play, and some of the most exciting local matchups so far. Holly Pond and Fairview have a chance to make statements and build off strong starts, and Hanceville and West Point will work to find the win column for the first time this season.
(2-0) #2 Addison @ (0-1) Waterloo* : After two dominant shutout wins over Winston County and Lynn, the Bulldogs are the second-ranked Class 1A team in the state, and open their region schedule at Waterloo this Friday. The Cougars look like another potential blowout victim for quarterback Elijah Roberts’ offense, after falling 35-0 in their first and only game of the season in week one.
“After Friday we are working in practice trying to fix a lot of mistakes. Hopefully we can get everyone healthy for Waterloo. Getting that first region win is huge,” Bulldog head coach Mark Hastings said.
(1-1) Meek @ (1-0) Hackleburg* : Following their tough loss in the season opener, Meek bounced back last week in front of their home crowd with the win over Winston County. They’ll need to carry their momentum into this week as they travel to take on Hackleburg to take on their first region opponent of the year. The Panthers will have fresh legs as they come off their early bye week after defeating Marion County in their first matchup.
On their week three matchup, head coach Daniel Evans said, “Coach Hudson and Hackleburg have been one of the most consistent teams over the last four years in 1A. They run an efficient offense and defense and they are always a tough team to scheme against. As a team we ready for the opportunity to start region play 1-0. It should be an exciting game!”
(1-0) Cold Springs @ (1-1) Locust Fork : The Eagles got off to a strong start to 2026 in their first game last week, blanking a Vinemont team that put up 48 points in their first game. They’ll now travel southeast to take on a Hornet squad averaging 30 points per game over their first two, and is coming off a 42-14 win over Pennington.
“Locust Fork has a really good football team. Last week we faced a team that ran 2 tight ends and 3 running backs, this week Locust Fork will have receivers everywhere. We have a lot of things we need to improve on if we want to put our self in a position to compete in the game Friday night,” Eagles coach Brendan Voce said.
(0-2) Hanceville @ (1-1) Vinemont* : County and region foes will face off at Vinemont on Friday, presenting the Bulldogs an opportunity to get massive win to break their winless streak, but also for Vinemont to get their offense back on track after their 9-0 loss to Cold Springs. For a Hanceville win to happen, they’ll have to tighten up on the defensive side after giving up 59 and 35 points in their first two games.
“Vinemont has depth and size that will be a real challenge. However, growth only comes through adversity and it’s another opportunity for us to get better and measure our progress,” Hanceville coach Cody Sellers said.
(1-0) Holly Pond vs. (2-0) #7 Oneonta* : The Broncos got off to an impressive start to the season with their 20-0 win over Pennington in week one, and face a steep challenge after their bye week. They’ll host the seventh-ranked 3A team in the state in Oneonta, who’s led by junior Sam Garrison, one of the most highly regarded dual threat quarterbacks in Alabama. Oneonta’s offense has been hot with Garrison, putting up 38 points per game so far, but has shown weaknesses on the defense, where they’ve given up 69 points over their first two matchups.
“They’re very well coached with a future college QB operating their offense. It will be a tremendous challenge,” Broncos head coach Will McDaniel said.
(1-1) Good Hope vs. (1-1) Guntersville* : Coming off their dominant win at Brewer, the Raiders will open region play, hosting a Guntersville team that has played on both ends of the spectrum through their first two games. In week one vs. Arab, the Wildcats were shut out, losing 14-0, but bounced back last week with a 38-0 thrashing of Sardis.
“Guntersville is a really good football team. They have played a tough schedule so far and have competed very well. They are extremely well-coached and play sound football in every aspect of the game. Playing a disciplined game will be critical to our success,” Good Hope coach Alan Scott said.
(2-0) Fairview @ (2-0) Scottsboro : The Aggies received top-ten votes heading into the third week, and after two wins, it looks like Fairview is heading towards another strong season. This week will be particularly telling, however, as they hit the road to take on a 2-0 Wildcats squad that dropped a offensive bomb on Crossville last week in their 62-0 victory.
Fairview head coach Brian Simmons said, “Scottsboro is a terrific team. They are very physical and athletic. This is a huge region matchup for us, and playing at Scottsboro will be difficult. The guys are focused, and excited for this week.”
(0-2) West Point vs. (2-0) Priceville* : The Warriors have faced a tough start to ’26, but have a chance to put a check in the win column, and more importantly, a region win. Head coach Kevin McCravy’s defense will have to step up, however, vs. a Bulldog offense that has scored 85 points across their first two games.
“Priceville has a very physical football team. They’re very well coached, and Coach Burke has done a great job in his first year. Our message this week has been the more physical team will win the game,” McCravy said.
(1-1) Cullman vs. (1-0) Minor* : The Bearcats enter region play, looking to build on the momentum of their thrilling victory over rival Hartselle last week. Head coach Trent Walker’s defense has taken a step forward, only allowing 15 points per game so far, and poses an exciting matchup with the Tigers’ offense that scored 47 in their first game of the season.
“We’re looking forward to opening region play Friday night at home against a good Minor football team. Our guys competed hard and found a way to win last Friday against our rival Hartselle. It was a tremendous crowd and environment which led to emotions running high all night and all through the weekend. Now our guys have the tremendous task ahead of them of refocusing on their preparation process for a very talented Minor team who is off to a great start. This is a team Cullman has never played so a great opportunity for this senior class to make another mark in our programs history,“ Walker said.
