The 2023 high school football season kicks off Friday for the Danville Hawks and the Falkville Blue Devils. Danville will host Lawrence County while Falkville will host Vinemont.

Lawrence County at Danville

The Danville Hawks open the 2023 season with a visit from the 5A Lawrence County Red Devils. The Red Devils defeated the Hawks 24-6 last season.

The Hawks will be a young team this season, but several players have game experience. Sophomore quarterback Jace Glenn and all-purpose athlete Ben Ellenburg will lead the offense. The defense will be led by Landon Hanserd and Mitchell Owens, who are returning starters from last season. Danville averaged 15.8 points per game while allowing 34.6 points last season.

Lawrence County finished 3-7 last season in 5A Region 8. Two of their three wins last season were by three points or less. The Red Devils averaged 13.2 points per game while allowing 32.2 points last season.

Vinemont at Falkville

The Blue Devils are seeking a little revenge following last season’s 46-40 loss at Vinemont when the Eagles visit Falkville to open the 2023 season. The Eagles scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns, which significantly impacted the outcome, while the Blue Devils lost two starters on offense.

Falkville, who finished 7-5 last season and advanced to the second round of the 2A state playoffs, enters the 2023 season needing to replace all-state players Caden Burnett, Isaiah Warnick and Austin Melson. Replacing Burnett at quarterback will be junior Landon Powers, who might be the most athletic player on the team. He will lead an offensive unit deep at running back and has multiple options at wide receiver. The defense will be led by linebackers Jackson Edmonson and Malachi Collett. The Blue Devils averaged 30.2 points per game last season while allowing 20.5 points.

Vinemont, who finished third in 3A Region 7 with a 5-6 record, looks to extend their playoff streak to four years in a row. The Eagles averaged 27.8 points per game while allowing 29.6 points last season.