Reviewed by: Pat Byington
The Bama Buzz Game of the Week: Pair of top-ranked teams meet in Saraland
Get up, everybody. It’s time for some high school football.
Each week, we will be highlighting two teams playing in The Bama Buzz Game of the Week and this week’s matchup features a pair of teams ranked at the top of their classifications in the preseason Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) poll. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who: Jackson Aggies at Saraland Spartans
- Where: Spartan Stadium, 1115 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL 36571
- When: 7PM, Friday, Aug. 23
- Tickets: $10 | Buy here
Keep reading to learn all about Friday night’s showdown between the Spartans and the Aggies.
Did you miss any of our preview series for the 2024 high school football season? Don’t worry, catch up on everything you need to know below:
- Who can stand out in South Alabama
- Central-Phenix City’s hype + previewing East Alabama
- How reclassification will play a role in West Alabama
- Fyffe’s dynasty + other contenders in North Alabama
Jackson Aggies
Jackson won their first 11 games of the season in 2023 before falling to Booker T. Washington in the 4A quarterfinals. The program has not had consecutive 10-win seasons since 2015 but a lot of the team’s talent is back and expectations for this year are through the roof.
The Aggies are ranked #1 in Class 4A, its highest ever preseason ranking according to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society (AHSFHS). Jackson received 11 of the 19 first-place votes from the ASWA.
The offense has plenty of Division 1 level skill including:
- Quarterback Landon Duckworth
- Running back EJ Crowell
- Wide receiver Keeyun Chapman
Meanwhile, the defense is led by future Crimson Tide player Jamarrion Gordon.
The Aggies are certainly the underdogs entering the Week 0 matchup with Saraland but Jackson is actually 4-0 in the all-time series with the Spartans. The last meeting ended with a 42-17 win for the Aggies in 2013.
Win or lose, this is a great challenge to prepare the Aggies for the rest of the season.
Saraland Spartans
There’s not many programs who could lose a two-time Mr. Football award winner and still be considered the overwhelming favorite to win another state title. But that’s just how high expectations are for this Spartans team.
After falling just shy of the 6A title last season, Saraland is hoping for redemption. And many people believe the Spartans will get it this season.
Saraland is ranked first in the state, receiving 16 first-place votes to sit ahead of Parker and defending state champion Clay-Chalkville.
Despite the loss of current Alabama receiver Ryan Williams, Saraland’s offense should still be putting up plenty of points this season. Texas commit KJ Lacey is back at quarterback alongside running back Santae McWilliams.
Other Week 0 Games to Watch
This week’s slate of games is loaded with some great matchups which made picking the Game of the Week a little more difficult than expected. Here’s a quick glance at some of the other games to watch, including a handful happening Thursday night:
- Grayson (Ga.) at 7A #2 Thompson, Thursday on ESPN2
- 5A #1 Ramsay at 6A #2 Parker at Legion Field, Thursday
- 3A #3 TR Miller vs. 2A #9 Reeltown, Thursday, AHSAA Kickoff Classic in Montgomery
- 6A #8 Muscle Shoals at 6A #9 Gadsden City, Thursday
- 7A Carver Montgomery vs. 7A #9 Vestavia Hills, Friday, AHSAA Kickoff Classic in Montgomery
- 5A #5 Clay Central at 4A #7 Handley, Friday
- 5A #4 Montgomery Catholic at 4A #10 Saint James, Friday
All games are scheduled to kick off at 7PM.
What are you most looking forward to in Week 0? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
