Top High School Football Teams in Alabama: Reader Picks and Memorable Moments

This week, we explore Alabama’s best high school football teams as suggested by our readers, alongside some unforgettable stories from the field.

Last week, I shared my top 10 championship football teams that I have covered throughout my career. At the top of my list was the 1999 state championship team from Etowah High, led by Raymond Farmer and featuring Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. This team averaged 40 points per game and allowed just 13, finishing with a 42-26 win over Jamarcus Russell's Williamson in the 5A title game.

I asked readers to share their own picks for the greatest teams they’ve seen, and I received some fantastic suggestions. Here are a few of the top picks from our readers:

• UMS-Wright, 2017-2019: A reader praised the Bulldogs for their dominant three-year run under coach Terry Curtis. During this period, the team achieved a remarkable 41-2 record, winning three consecutive 4A titles. UMS-Wright had a 34-game winning streak until a 2020 overtime loss to Mobile Christian.

• Central-Phenix City, 2018: Nominated by Kevin Spivey, this Red Devil team went undefeated with a 14-0 record. They averaged 41.3 points per game while allowing only 7.7, and six of their wins were shutouts, including a decisive 52-7 victory over Thompson in the 7A title game.

• Demopolis, 2004: This Tigers team, led by coach Doug Goodwin, won the 4A state title with a perfect 15-0 season. They averaged an impressive 50.7 points per game while allowing just 6.1. Demopolis defeated Deshler 35-21 in the championship and featured eight players who earned All-State honors.

• Reeltown, 1987: The Rebels, coached by Duane Webster, finished their season 15-0 and allowed an average of just 2.9 points per game. They recorded nine shutouts and secured a 9-7 win over Winston County in the championship game.

Thank you to all who sent in suggestions and continue to follow our sports coverage.

Climbing the Rankings:

Central-Phenix City, the reigning Class 7A champion, is now ranked 18th in the SCNext Top 25 high school football rankings. They started the season with a 61-12 win over Pinson Valley and will face Lutheran North, Missouri, tonight. Bishop Gorman from Nevada holds the top spot.

Gainesville, Georgia, under former Hoover coach Josh Niblett, is ranked 23rd. Last week, they defeated Moody in Alabama.

Starting Up:

Belgreen celebrated its first varsity football win by defeating Shoals Christian 20-6. Originally classified in 2A, Region 8, they opted to play as a non-championship team, making them ineligible for postseason play. Bayshore Christian will play its first varsity game tonight against McIntosh.

A New Record:

Saraland sophomore Danny Doerr set a new state record in cross country, running the mile in 5:03.12 at Langan Park. Due to his transfer status, he can only compete in junior varsity events.

Another Difficult Week:

It has been a tough week for many in Alabama. Morgan Academy junior Caden Tellier, 16, passed away after sustaining a brain injury during a game in Selma. His teammate shared a touching tribute on social media.

Additionally, Baldwin County teacher and coach Madeleine Petite, 28, lost her battle with cancer shortly after giving birth to a healthy baby boy. Their stories are a testament to their faith and the impact they made on those around them.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this challenging time.