The Tigers season has ended following the second round of post-season play. The Central Red Devils proved to be an unstoppable force Friday night when Auburn traveled to Garret-Harrison Stadium. We had several other great match-ups across the state. Region 2 and Region 3 continued to run the show with only one outlier remaining in 7A. Thompson and Vestavia Hills were tied at halftime, but the Warriors pulled out the win, advancing to the final 4. Enterprise and Mary-Montgomery were also even at the half, but the Vikings prevailed to earn their spot in the semi-finals. Hewitt-Trussville had no problem taking care of the Hoover Bucs as the Huskies took the victory 40-7. Round 3 approaches featuring a Region 3 match-up with Thompson and Hewitt-Trussville. Along with a battle between the east and the south with Central and Mary-Montgomery.
The Tigers came into Friday's game looking for revenge following the tough regular season loss to the Red Devils. In October, The Red Devils traveled to Duck Samford Stadium and pushed the Tigers to their second loss of the season. It was 5-star Reciever Cam Coleman led the Red Devil offense, recording nearly 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was a constant force that the Tigers in the end, succumbed to. Going into round 2 of playoffs, he was the athlete to watch. Central has not slowed down a bit this season. They remained undefeated and extremely consistent. They have beaten every opponent by at least 10 points, and it was obvious going into this rematch this game would be no different.
In post-season play, we saw a Cam Coleman who remained dominant, but it was Quarterback Andrew Alford who was the driving force. Alford threw for a staggering 429 yards and held an impressive 25 for 32 passing performance. Alford's performance also included 4 passing touchdowns. It was a season-best for the junior quarterback.
Coleman had a great game himself, putting up 207 yards against a Tigers defense that had all eyes on the Red Devil Reciever. Coleman's performance was highlighted by several astonishing plays. This included a miraculous 41-yard reception in the 4th quarter. Meanwhile, the Tigers tried to combat Central's defense with the rotation of quarterbacks Jackson Kilgore and Henry Allen. This change did not seem to phase the red-devil defense as they capitalized on several quarterback mistakes to score and turn over on downs. The defense consistently forced Auburn on three and outs, limiting their ability to make it to the endzone.
It may not have been the best game from the visiting stands, but I can attest, Central was a stunning team to watch. I was personally astonished by the speed of Cam Coleman but more so by his ability to make plays with heavy Tiger Coverage. The ease with which Andrew Alford was able to make plays against a top-ranked Auburn defense was very impressive. The Red Devil's defense was hot, and their ability to capitalize off the Tiger's offensive mistakes was incredible. Despite the tough deficit for the Tigers, I still enjoyed watching this incredible Central team. Auburn is a force to be reckoned with, and they made it look easy.
It has been quite a season for the Tigers. It may not have been the storybook ending they imagined, but they put up a great fight against the team I believe will take home the blue map trophy when it is said and done. This young team has overcome many obstacles this season, and we all know they will come back fighting again next year. It's what Auburn High Football does. High school Football continues across the state as round 3 marks the final 4. We have dominant teams fighting for a trip to Bryant-Denny Stadium and to take home the blue map. Who will take home the 7A state championship?
