Gordo Greenwave

With less than three weeks left of high school football left in the 2020 season, Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area have been left with only four schools still in the playoff race. While the legendary “blue map” is still possible for any of these four teams- Gordo, ACA, Northside, and Pickens County- the three 4A schools are on a collision course that could happen in the semifinals or even the championship game.

As Round 2 of the playoffs looms, only one of the teams, ACA, will be playing from home. Every other team will be traveling to every corner of the state. From Madison County and Decatur in north Alabama to Opelika in east Alabama, teams around the Druid City are fighting hard to keep their hopes alive for a state title game appearance in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Six weeks after having a plate and 13 screws inserted to help heal a broken collarbone, Tanner Bailey returned and led Gordo to a playoff win on Thursday night.

Now that the regular season has concluded, excitement is buzzing in the Druid City in preparation for the Super 7 State Championships that will take place at the beginning of December in Bryant-Denny Stadium. In a season that has seen unlikely upsets, high-scoring shootouts, and many forfeits due to COVID-19, six teams remain in contention for the state title.

The Gordo Greenwave closed its regular season on Thursday night with a 40-8 win over county rival Pickens County.

Now that region play is over, many teams across west Alabama are preparing for the first round of the playoffs. With that being said, the final week of the regular season stands in the way. From games that can determine a 10-0 perfect season to an intense cross-county rivalry, these games might not be regional, but they are still just as important.

As the end of the high school football season in Alabama approaches, schools are starting to get a better picture of what the playoffs will look like. With only two weeks of the regular season left, it’s anyone’s game in west Alabama.

Bailey broke his collarbone on the Greenwave's final offensive play. Bailey had led his offense down to the 15-yard line and was attempting to orchestrate a go-ahead touchdown with 30-seconds left in the contest. The four-star quarterback rolled to his left, extending a play, but was sacked and fumbled. The Jaguars recovered the fumble and subsequently ended the game.

Friday night, the Northridge Jaguars (6-0, 3-0) took down the undefeated Gordo Green Wave (5-1, 3-0) 17-13. While these teams have deep football roots in Tuscaloosa county, this is the first time that both teams have played. Junior Northridge running back LiEric Street led the Jaguar offense by rushing for 131 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.

One of the most anticipated West Alabama high school football matchups of the week has been moved. The Gordo Greenwave (5-0, 3-0) was scheduled to host the Northridge Jaguars (5-0, 3-0) on Thursday at Pickens County High School. The kickoff has been moved to Friday Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at Pickens County High School.