Column: Week 9 high school football preview

Thanks to an open week, Muscle Shoals (5-2, 4-1) has had extra time to prepare for its annual showdown with Hartselle (7-1, 5-0).

The game will likely once again determine the winner for Class 6A, Region 7 as well as postseason seedings.

Last year, the Trojans topped the Tigers 55-49, though Hartselle won the year before 29-26.

Muscle Shoals is the host, but Hartselle has a slightly better record.

Nothing is certain until the final whistle blows and the game clock reads zeroes.

Muscle Shoals versus Hartselle has produced some of the best games of the season the past few years, and another instant classic may be on the horizon.

Colbert County / Sheffield

The Indians routed Elkmont 61-16 last week to improve to 4-5, 3-3 on the year.

The Bulldogs moved to 4-4, 3-3 with a big 45-16 win over Clements.

The victories mean Colbert County and Sheffield remain tied at 3-3 in Class 3A, Region 7.

Undefeated Mars Hill will likely take the top spot in the region followed by 5-1 Lauderdale County and 4-2 Rogers.

That leaves one spot left open to earn a place in the postseason.

Unless something unforeseen has an impact, the winner of the Indians and Bulldogs will take the No. 4 seed, while the winner will be shut out of the playoffs.

Last year, Colbert County topped Sheffield 49-28, with CCHS having a 47-23-3 all-time advantage in the county rivalry.

That said, this season the teams have very similar records. It will all come down to who wants it more on the gridiron.

Colbert Heights

The Wildcats fell to the head of the region, Mars Hill, 47-0 last week.

This week, Colbert Heights (4-5, 2-4) has another difficult opponent at Lauderdale County, the likely No. 2 seed from Class 3A, Region 7.

This is the last regular-season game for CHHS this year, as the Wildcats have an open date next week.

Cherokee

The Indians fell to Meek 68-28 last week, which diminishes their 2024 playoff hopes. However, things are not done yet.

Cherokee (5-4, 3-3) has one last regular-season game against undefeated Hackleburg, the top of Class 1A, Region 7, on the road.

An upset would likely secure a playoff spot, but even a loss may not end things.

Cherokee and Vina are tied for the No. 4 spot at 3-3, but the Indians have a head-to-head win.

If the Red Devils fall to Meek this week, Cherokee should advance on tiebreakers. Unless there is something I’m unaware of standing in the way.