Walker freshman quarterback Bryant Atkins has started the last six games for the Vikings, leading the team to a 5-1 record. Walker hosts Cullman in a second-round playoff game Friday. Photo by Jeff Johnsey
Each of the three teams — Walker, Dora and Oakman — have already tasted championship success this year by winning their region title. Each posted impressive wins in the opening round of postseason play. Tougher challenges await all three this week as they take the next step on the road to Auburn.
Class 5A
Cullman (9-2 at Walker (8-3)
The first meeting between the Bearcats and the Vikings in the season opener wasn’t one of the most memorable games for Walker in the storied rivalry as they fell 42-14 at Woodard Stadium in Cullman. Since the first-week clash among the rivals, the Vikings have significantly improved their play on both sides of the ball — averaging 26.5 points per game on offense, while surrendering just 13 points a game on defense.
Walker lost to only Russellville and Class 6A Hueytown en route to its first region/area championship since 1999. The Bearcats have also executed well this year, averaging 33.3 points per game on offense, while holding opponents to 16.4 per game on defense. Cullman’s two loses came to Hartselle and No. 1 Muscle Shoals.
The Vikings topped Central Tuscaloosa last week, 30-7, while the Bearcats routed Arab, 49-14.
Friday night’s game from Ki-Ro Gambrell Stadium will be broadcast on WJLX 101.5 FM at 7 p.m.
Class 4A
Tallassee (9-2) at No. 7 Dora (10-1)
Outside of a lone loss to Class 5A No. 1 Muscle Shoals, there’s been very little for Dora supporters to frown about this season. Heading into Friday night’s second-round clash with the Tallassee Panthers at Horace Roberts Field in Dora, the Bulldogs mauled Childersburg 56-27 and rolled up another big night on the ground with over 400 yards rushing.
Tallassee narrowly edged Clarke County, 17-14 in its playoff opener to arrive at the matchup. The Panthers’ two losses this year have come to No. 2 Beauregard and No. 6 Dadeville. It will be the first meeting between the two programs.
Class 2A
No. 8 Oakman (10-1) at Mobile Christian (8-3)
The Wildcats took down Goshen, 25-6, to open up the first round of the Class 2A playoffs and move on to the next round. The payoff — a 240-mile trip to take on the Mobile Christian Leopards at Harrison Field in Mobile on Friday. The Leopards’ three loses this year have come to No. 4 Washington County, No. 5 Sweet Water and Class 5A No. 4 Spanish Fort. It will be the first meeting between the teams.