Football is back. Phil Campbell and Russellville both opened their seasons with wins last week. Red Bay’s season opener was postponed a week because of strange circumstances in Hamilton. Tharptown had a rough opener, and Vina had an extra week to prepare for the best team the Red Devils will face all year.

Phil Campbell (1-0) travels to Lamar County (1-0) Friday. Both teams are coming off wins over rivals in their season openers. The Bobcats bested the Hackleburg Panthers 22-20, while the Bulldogs beat South Lamar 27-12.  These two teams have been in tight competition the past couple of years, with Phil Campbell winning last year 30-24.

The Red Bay at Hamilton game was supposed to happen last week but had to be canceled because of water problems in Hamilton. Fortunately, both teams had an open week scheduled for this week, so they will try again. Red Bay has high hopes this year. The Tigers return 14 players who have started since they were 10th-graders.  The Tigers beat the Aggies last year 22-20.

Russellville (1-0) hosts Deshler – As is often the case, when Russellville and Deshler get together, it is sure to be the game of the week. This rivalry goes way back, and the Golden Tigers are chomping at the bit to exact revenge for last year’s 14-7 loss to the Tigers. Russellville easily beat Grissom last week 35-12, while Deshler lost to Madison Academy 42-6.

Tharptown (0-1) hosts Phillips – The Tharptown Wildcats got off to a rough start last week, losing to Shoals Christian 56-7. The Wildcats beat the Flame the year before, 28-14. The Wildcats will get another chance to turn the tide before they run the Class 2A Region 8 gauntlet, hosting Phillips this week. The Bears didn’t play last week, but they beat Tharptown 37-22 last year.

Vina hosts Addison – Vina could have had a better opener, but nonetheless the Red Devils will face off with perennial power against Addison Friday night. The Bulldogs were shut out in their opener against rival Winston County 14-0. Vina lost this game last year 69-0.