Alabama schools looking to secure playoffs

By By Jimmy Boone / EMG Sportswriter
Oct. 17, 2003
Every team starts the season with hopes of reaching the playoffs. One team on the bubble is Patrician Academy. Patrician (3-4, 3-2) will meet Marengo Academy in a game that could go a long way in enhancing its playoff chances.
Patrician is tied with Southern Academy for fourth in the region. Only four teams will make the playoffs.
After facing Marengo, Patrician will only have one other region foe to play cross-county rival South Choctaw on Oct. 31. South Choctaw is tied for second with Marengo at 4-1.
Marengo is the two-time defending Class AA state champion, and as recent as a week ago, was the top ranked team in the AISA poll. After losing 13-7 to Southern Academy, Marengo (6-1) fell to No. 7.
Marengo is led by Patrick Cannon, who has over 1,100 yards rushing this year.
Choctaw County
at Andalusia
Another team in the hunt for a playoff position is Choctaw County, 3-4 overall, but 3-2 in Class 4-A Region 1.
Choctaw County and Hillcrest-Evergreen are currently tied for third with 3-2 records. Choctaw County trails UMS-Wright (5-0) and Thomasville (4-1).
Last week, Andalusia (2-5, 2-3) lost to Hillcrest- 34-14.
Choctaw County used a balanced attack to take a 27-6 win over Jackson last week. Maurice Holcombe passed for over 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Wilcox
at South Choctaw Aca.
Another team with playoff aspirations is South Choctaw Academy. SCA is 5-2, 4-1 on the year and tied for second place in Class AA Region II.
Wilcox (6-1) is currently the No. 10 team in the AISA poll.
Last week, Wilcox defeated Escambia Academy 43-8. South Choctaw claimed a 34-7 win over Lowndes Academy as Rob Dahlberg passed for two touchdowns and ran for another.
Wilcox is keyed by a strong rushing offense. Michael Riggs rushed 19 times for 191 yards and a touchdown, while Michael Montee had 21 carries for 165 yards and a touchdown.
Southern Choctaw
at Flomaton
Southern Choctaw has already assured itself a playoff position. The Indians are currently 5-1 overall with a 4-1 Class 2-Region 1.
Southern Choctaw and Washington County are tied for the lead in Class 2-A Area 1.
Flomaton (5-2, 3-2) is tied for third at 3-2. Last week Southern Choctaw defeated McIntosh 29-12. Leroy beat Flomaton 14-0.
Lowndes Academy
at Sumter Academy
Neither Sumter Academy nor Lowndes will be playing for a playoff position. Sumter County hopes it can collect its second win. Sumter is 1-6, 0-5 after losing to Patrician 48-14.
Lowndes Academy (0-7, 0-6) hopes it can win its first game of the year. Last week Lowndes Academy fell to South Choctaw 34-7. Chad Bryan rushed 20 times for 140 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Oak Grove
at Sumter County
Sumter County continues its search for its first win when it hosts Oak Grove. Sumter County (0-7, 0-5) fell to Tarrant 61-12 last week. Oak Grove defeated Francis Marion 21-6.
Livingston
at Bibb County
Livingston will travel to Centreville to face Bibb County. A week ago, Livingston (1-6, 0-5) lost to Demopolis 55-0. Holt defeated Bibb County 20-14 in overtime last week.