Playoffs open this week for Alabama
The 2023 AHSAA state playoffs begin Thursday night and continue with games on Friday. Five teams from Morgan County will play in this year’s playoffs after eight played in last season’s playoffs.
Hartselle
Hartselle (8-2) will open the playoffs with a visit from Center Point (7-3) on Friday at JP Cain Stadium.
The game is a rematch of last year’s second-round game, won by the Tigers 36-26. Hartselle is playing in the sixth consecutive playoffs and 40th overall in school history. Center Point is also making their sixth straight appearance and their 24th overall.
West Morgan
West Morgan (10-0) plays Etowah (3-7) in the first round on Thursday at Rebels Stadium.
The Rebels are making their second consecutive playoff appearance and 19th in school history.
Etowah is making their 14th consecutive playoff appearance and 31st overall. The game is the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Austin
Austin (8-2) welcomes Vestavia Hills (8-2) to Austin Stadium to open the playoffs. The game is a rematch of last season’s first-round game, won 52-10 by Vestavia Hills.
The Black Bears are making their second consecutive appearance and 28th overall. The Rebels are making their second successive appearance and 33rd overall. This will be the fourth playoff matchup between the two teams, with Vestavia Hills leading the series 3-0.
Decatur Heritage
Decatur Heritage (9-1) opens the playoffs with a visit from Winterboro (5-5) Friday night at Rebels Stadium in Trinity.
The Eagles are back in the playoffs after missing last season. This is their eighth appearance in school history. The Bulldogs are also back in the playoffs after missing last season. This is their 18th appearance in school history. The game is the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Priceville
Priceville (4-6) heads to Dora (8-2) to open the 2023 playoffs. The game will be played at Horace Roberts Field in Dora.
The Bulldogs are making their third consecutive appearance and fourth overall under coach Chris Foster. It is their fifth in school history. Dora is making their fourth straight appearance and 26th overall.
