Tons of talent will be on display in AHSAA 7A football state title showdown between Thompson and Central-Phenix City
BIRMINGHAM - When Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson plays Phenix City (Ala.) Central in Wednesday night's AHSAA 7A state title game there will be at least 18 future college football players on the field. Those prospects are a major reason why Thompson sits at 12-1 and Central resides at 13-0 before tonight’s title game.
Thompson, by itself, possesses four recruits within the senior class that are currently committed to Power Five schools. Central already has one top commitment in the senior class.
Here’s a look at a few of the top players for both teams, followed by commentary about the game.
THOMPSON RECRUITS AND COLLEGE COMMITS
Seven Thompson seniors have already committed:
Trequon Fegans, Cornerback/Safety, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds - Alabama
Jeremiah Alexander, Edge Rusher, 6-foot-2, 235 pounds - Alabama
Ryan Peppins, Wide Receiver, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds - Utah
Conner Harrell, Quarterback, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds - North Carolina
Jaylen Ward, Wide Receiver, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds - Middle Tennessee State
Trevor Hardy, Safety, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds - Memphis
Jax Van Zandt, Linebacker, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds - North Texas
Two seniors have offers, but are currently uncommitted:
Ahmari Bolden, Running Back, 6-feet, 190-pounds - Uncommitted
David Moultry, Wide Receiver, 6-foot-2, 190-pounds - Uncommitted
In the junior class, Thompson is also loaded, with two players of note receiving national attention. Both of these players hold offers from numerous programs like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, UCF, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Texas A&M, among others.
Tony Mitchell, Cornerback, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds - Uncommitted
Peter Woods, Defensive Line, 6-foot-3, 260 pounds - Uncommitted
Thompson even has a sophomore receiving offers from programs like Michigan, Auburn, Ole Miss and Florida State.
A’Mon Lane, Cornerback, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
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CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY RECRUITS AND COLLEGE COMMITS
Here's a look at Central-Phenix City's top senior prospects:
JQ Hardaway, Cornerback, 6-foot-2, 18 pounds - Cincinnati
Caleb Nix, Quarterback, 6-feet, 195 pounds - Uncommitted
Richazaire Francisque, Offensive Line, 6-foot-1, 300 pounds - Uncommitted
James Smyre, Linebacker, 6-foot-3, 220 pounds - Uncommitted
There are also very talented junior prospects to watch, both of whom have offers from programs like Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama.
Karmello English, Wide Receiver, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Tomarrion Parker, Defensive End, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds
Central is not as deep as Thompson, but they are a team first and foremost. And being undefeated in Alabama’s largest classification means this is a group that’s very capable.
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GAME PREVIEW
Thompson’s ability to throw the football has been miraculous. At quarterback, Conner Harrell has 39 touchdowns and just three interceptions. That’s fantastic quarterback play. He’s also passed for 2,532 yards this season.
How well Central holds up to Thompson’s passing attack will be interesting. Thompson can also run the football with a balanced group of runners like Ahmari Bolden and Justin Pegues, so playing a dime defense is not a guaranteed method of success for Central.
On the other side of the football, it’s also an interesting matchup.
Can Central run the football against Thompson’s talented defensive line, and can they do it consistently? Even with Nix at quarterback, undoubtedly one of the best players in the state of Alabama, Central needs to be balanced to help offset the overall talent of the Thompson front seven and keep it from pinning its ears back and rushing Nix.
To help Central stay ahead of the chains and run the football, watch for running back Jaimel Johnson to be the player with the football in his hands. He’s rushed for 886 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns this fall.
As for possible individual matchups, the secondary for Thompson is very talented, but Nix will take his shots. Seeing Karmello English individually compete against Trequon Fegans during any given play, or A’Mon Lane, will be must-watch football.
Lastly, something that’s sure to happen at least once or twice this evening needs to be addressed.
Which squad utilizes a special play like a reverse or double pass in an attempt to get a quick score? Further, will the opposing defenses be ready for such plays?
This should be a fantastic 7A Alabama State Championship Game and one that features a plethora of great prospects.
