Each week, First & 10 previews all of the big games and key storylines for Region 1 in each classification. Be sure to download our FOX10 GulfStream app and turn on push notifications to be notified when new high school football-related content is released.
What happened last week?
The Region 1 5A teams finished week one with a 3-4 record. Williamson beat Booker T. Washington (FL) 52-0 in one of the most impressive results of the week. The Lions scored on two pick 6s, a kick return and a punt return. The offense controlled the game. Junior quarterback Alvin Dinkins was 11-16 for 138 yards, a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. The Lions ran the ball 32 times for 120 yards.
Vigor defeated rival Blount in the Battle of Prichard thanks to four touchdowns from junior quarterback Sammy Dunn. The Bayside transfer threw for 122 yards and three scores. He also contributed 19 rushing yards and a rushing score. Returning all-state running back Carlos Benjamin added 13 carries for 70 yards. The defense forced two turnovers early, including an interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovered by former Mobile Christian 3A Lineman of the Year Kentonio Kelly. JaMarrion Osborne had a receiving touchdown and an 84-yard kick return touchdown.
Citronelle is coming off a close win over 1A Millry. Daylon Edmunds, a two-time all-state quarterback at Millry, transferred to Citronelle before the season. Freshman running back Kobi Weaver led the charge with 10 carries for 105 yards. Weaver also played quarterback and threw for 60 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats ran for 252 yards on 29 carries.
UMS-Wright lost in overtime to rival St. Paul’s, which you can read about here.
BC Rain opened the season with a loss to Hillcrest-Evergreen (16-14). The Red Raiders are coming off their best season since 2003, finishing 8-4 and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
Elberta lost its first game in the new stadium to Orange Beach 27-21 in overtime. Nathan McDaniel is playing his fifth season with the Knights.
Leflore traveled to Fairfield, where they lost to the Tigers by a narrow margin of 21-20. Leflore has a record of 3-48 over the last five seasons.
Biggest game this week:
How Williamson and Vigor build on their Week 1 performance will be the most important thing this week. No. 9 ranked Vigor welcomes 7A Tuscaloosa County to town and Williamson travels to Mississippi to play Wayne County.
While Sammy Dunn was the star of the first game, Vigor’s defense played well and is loaded with talent. Along with Kentonio Kelly, Alabama freshman Jabarrius Garror is in the mix at linebacker and all-state lineman Devan Whitsett. The Wolves have 26 seniors on the roster and look like a legit contender, but Williamson has the talent needed.
The Lions returned four All-State players from a 2023 team that finished 3-7 and averaged just 12 points per game.
Sophomore linebacker Ellis McGaskin was named to the all-state second team as a freshman, along with senior safety Tajih Overton and senior offensive lineman Carde Smith. Third-year cornerback Jermaine McCree received honorable mention.
It looked like the pieces came together in the first week.
McGaskin, who ranked 5th in all of 5A in tackles in 2023, began the season with 15 tackles against BT Washington. Senior linebacker Yusuf Clark had 12 tackles and an interception. Sophomore Jaylen Scott had five pass breakups and a kick return for a touchdown.
The offense must keep the game under control and must not lose the ball; the defense is championship-worthy.
Other storylines to watch:
Citronelle heads to Orange Beach this week. They have everything they need to make the playoffs and will face a rejuvenated Makos team whose new stadium will be packed for the home opener.
UMS-Wright hosts LeFlore to open regional play. UMS has a 12-2 record in home regional games since 2020.
Faith Academy had the first week off and will begin its season this week hosting Fairhope. The Pirates were embarrassed by Spanish Fort in the first week, so the Rams should get a motivated 7A opponent. This will be Faith’s first time playing a 7A team. The Rams have an 8-2 record in their last 10 home games outside of the region.
BC Rain and Elberta will face 7A teams after their close losses in Week 1. Elberta will play on the road against an energetic Robertsdale team and Rain will travel to Foley to face an offense that looks to be on a roll under quarterback Nelson Thompson.
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