There’s been a lot of changes in the AISA over the summer, and Edgewood Academy’s football season will be directly affected by those changes. The Wildcats, who reached the first round of the Class AA playoffs last year, will see a brand new region with some of the biggest schools in AISA.
The Wildcats will also face a plethora of good teams in the upcoming season. Of the 10 teams on Edgewood’s schedule, nine made the playoffs last year. Two of the 10 are defending state champions while another lost in the state championship.
Five teams had winning records; four of those won at least nine games and reached the semifinals.
On the other hand, five teams also had losing records while two — Bessemer Academy and Abbeville Christian Academy — were a combined 1-18.
Overall, Edgewood’s opponents had a record of 61-53 last season.
TRENDS
Edgewood Academy will open its season with three of its first four games at home. Those games come against Hooper (4-7), Lakeside (6-5) and Valiant Cross (0-9), all winnable games on paper. Edgewood has never faced Valiant Cross, but the Wildcats have dominated matchups with Hooper and Lakeside.
Edgewood has 14 consecutive wins over Lakeside dating back to 1985, and 10 straight over Hooper since 1997.
The first two road trips for Edgewood, however, are extremely tough. The Wildcats visit Chambers Academy in Week 4 and Lowndes Academy in Week 6. Both teams won the state championship last year in their divisions and combined to go 25-1.
Edgewood last beat Chambers in 2020 and Lowndes in 2019.
Three of the last four games of the season come on the road, including back-to-back region games. Those matchups are at Banks, Bessemer and Abbeville Christian. All three trips will be over 1 ½ hours.
GAMES TO WATCH
Edgewood Academy vs. Hooper Academy, Aug. 30
This matchup has turned into one of the biggest rivalries on each other’s schedules. There was plenty of smack talk on social media before last year’s matchup where Edgewood completely dominated, 20-2, right from the start. There will likely be plenty more, especially with it being the season opener, and it will be a good test for Edgewood early. The Wildcats have dominated this matchup, however, and only one game in the last 10 have been decided by less than three possessions.
Edgewood Academy vs. Macon East Academy, Oct. 3
This game has seen more highlights in the last five years than most teams see in two decades. Since 2019, this game has been decided by one point twice. In 2019, Edgewood won 70-69 in double overtime. In 2022, Edgewood won 35-34 on a failed two-point conversion try.
Last year’s game wasn’t nearly as close with Edgewood winning 35-6 as Macon East went 1-10, but it’s still a rivalry and both teams will show up to compete. This is Edgewood’s homecoming game and it’s on Thursday night, so the Wildcats are adding a little spice to the matchup.
Edgewood Academy vs. Bessemer Academy, Oct. 25
This matchup has been dominated by Bessemer in the past, with the Rebels winning 10 of the last 11 games. This year, the matchup has the opportunity to determine a team making the playoffs or sitting at home come November. This will be both team’s final region games, and it’s very possible both teams are sitting at either 2-2 or 3-1 in region play. It could very well determine a home seeding or even a winning record in region. Time will tell and anything can happen between now and then, but keep an eye on this matchup late in the year.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tyseon Smith, Bessemer Academy receiver
Smith will likely be one of the most athletic and versatile players Edgewood will face this season. The 6-foot-1 athlete dominated the run and passing game last season. At receiver, he had 44 catches for 796 yards and nine touchdowns. On the ground, he had 41 rushes for 387 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Wildcats will have to keep him in check to have a chance to win.
Luke Tarver, Chambers Academy running back
Tarver made the most of his junior campaign a year ago as he ran circles around nearly every team he faced. En route to his First Team All-State finish, Tarver rushed for 1,755 yards and 26 touchdowns. His backfield duo, Jacob Norgard, rushed for 1,044 yards and 17 touchdowns to complement the star.
Ashton Yelder, Lowndes Academy offensive lineman
Yelder is one of the top offensive lineman in the entire AISA, and certainly one of the largest. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is a force that leads an impressive rushing attack from Lowndes. He was named First Team All-State last season for his championship run, and he is joined by teammate and also First Team selection Pierson Hill as returning starters up front.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 – BYE
Aug. 30 – Hooper Academy at Edgewood
Sept. 6 – Lakeside School at Edgewood*
Sept. 13 – Edgewood at Chambers Academy*
Sept. 20 – Valiant Cross at Edgewood*
Sept. 27 – Edgewood at Lowndes Academy
Oct. 3 (Thurs.) – Macon East Academy at Edgewood
Oct. 11 – Edgewood at Banks Academy*
Oct. 18 – Edgewood at Bessemer Academy*
Oct. 25 – Edgewood at Abbeville Christian Academy
Nov. 1 – Fort Dale Academy at Edgewood
* denotes region competition
