Gameday…Week 1, with predictions.
Jay (0-0) @ WS Neal (0-1)—Gametime 7pm
The Royals and the Eagles are set to take to the gridiron tonight for the first time in 20 years. An old rivalry renewed to say the least. The schools that are less than 14 miles away are set to play at least this year and next. Last week, the Royals lost in a half of preseason play versus 4A Walton, 31-14. Neal lost to Georgiana, 18-14. Jay is still banged up and several key players are questionable for tonight’s game. Look for the Royals to try and control the clock by sticking with the run game. Coach Brian Watson, long time assistant football and head softball and basketball coach at Jay, will take the field in his very first game as the head coach of his alma mater.
Jay is coming off a 1-9 season while Neal is coming off a winless 0-10 campaign.
Andalusia (0-1) @ Milton (0-0)—Gametime 7:30pm
Haywood Hanna Stadium will be rocking tonight as the Panthers host Andalusia in the season opener. It is also the debut of head coach Kelly Gillis, who has served as Milton’s offensive coordinator. Andalusia defeated Opp High School last week 35-7. This will not be an easy start to the year as Andalusia will come riding high from a successful 2021 season.
Milton went 5-6 in 2021 and Andalusia went 9-5 last season.
Pace (1-0) defeated Choctaw (0-1) last night at Choctaw in a nail-bitter, 31-30.
***Predictions***
Jay @ Neal-Jay is coming off a 1-9 campaign. But, Brian Watson has breathed life into this once proud program and spirits are up. The Royals’ numbers are up too. Jay has the potential to have depth in key positions, but are a little banged up in week 1 in the backfield. However, controlling the ball and playing smart might be enough tonight to get the first season opening win since the 2013 season (Jay 18 Cottage Hill 12).
Jay wins control-the-clock type of game that will likely last less than 2 hours…Jay 17 Neal13
Andalusia @ Milton-Andalusia will come into Milton unimpressed with the Panthers opening night and will try and wreck the debut of Kelly Gillis. But, there will be enough magic for the Black and Gold to squeak out a season opening win, 28-26.
