Bryson Pickle

from Kickoff 2021

by The Clanton Advertiser

Evan Harrison

MUST-SEE GAMES

Every year, some matchups on the football schedule are just more important than others. Fans always circle a certain few games, knowing that there is no way they can miss it. 2021 will be no different. Coming off a 2020 season in which COVID-19 was a disruptive force, fans are eager to get back into the stands to watch their favorite teams play, especially when rivals come to town.

Below are five games that will certainly pique the interest of football fans in Chilton County:

1. ISABELLA VS. MAPLESVILLE (AUG. 27)

This game is always one to mark on the calendar. In the recent past, the tide has turned on this rivalry game, as Isabella has taken the last two matchups from the fourtime state champion Red Devils.

Last year’s game was particularly entertaining, as the Mustangs squeaked out a 21-20 win in overtime.

This season, both teams will have some new faces on the roster. Maplesville lost star QB Jackson Abbott while Isabella saw stud offensive lineman Brett Johnson graduate.

Despite the losses, these are still two teams with a ton of talent and promise going into 2021, making this rivalry game a must-watch.

2. THORSBY VS. JEMISON (AUG. 19)

For the fourth straight year, football fans will get the treat of witnessing the North Chilton Clash. Jemison will host the game on Aug. 19, a Thursday night opener to kick off the season.

This game was not particularly competitive in 2020, as Jemison ran away with a 35-8 win over the Rebels.

However, this year’s Jemison team may still be trying to figure things out when the season kicks off, as new head coach John Therrell will be coaching his first game with the Panthers. This game will also be Hayden Robinson’s first as the starting QB.

Meanwhile, Thorsby will look to take advantage of the possible growing pains that Jemison may see, as Daryl Davis and company will try to beat Jemison for the first time since 2018. Even after losing seniors like Brody Barnett and Sawyer Sellers, Thorsby will look to keep this one close, and possibly pull out an upset win to start the 2021 campaign.

3. CHILTON COUNTY VS. JEMISON (AUG. 27)

An always fun matchup between the two biggest schools in the county, this year’s contest will be a second straight Thursday night game for Jemison to open the season.

This game will also be a second straight rivalry game for Jemison in the first two weeks of the season.

Jemison will look to avenge a 34-16 loss to the Tigers in 2020, while CCHS will look to take the rivalry game for a fourth straight year.

A win over Jemison was the only one CCHS got in 2020. Head coach Tal Morrison will look to right the ship in 2021, and winning this rivalry game may go a long

way towards achieving that goal.

Meanwhile, Jemison is beginning a new era with head coach John Therrell at the helm. He will look to establish himself early as he tries to win his first ever CCHS-Jemison matchup.

4. JEMISON VS. MAPLESVILLE (SEPT. 23)

This old-time rivalry game will take place right in the middle of the season. A week six clash of 5A Jemison and 1A Maplesville is one that will certainly draw plenty of fans out.

Last season’s matchup between the two in-county teams was their first since the 2013 season. Maplesville won the contest by a score of 24-17.

This season, both teams will be rolling out new starting QB’s, and new Jemison head coach John Therrell will look to get a big statement win in his first year with the Panthers. Maplesville coach Brad Abbott may have something to say about that though, as he will look to keep Maplesville rolling in 2021, and possibly compete for another state championship.

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5. BILLINGSLEY VS. MAPLESVILLE (SEPT. 10)

Another old-time rivalry, these regional foes will face off for a third straight season.

Maplesville has dominated the last two contests, winning last season’s game by a score of 51-14, but this season’s Billingsley team looks to be improved with senior QB Levi Arington looking to take a step forward.

Meanwhile, Maplesville will look to remain a title contender despite losing their starting QB of the last few seasons, Jackson Abbott.

Maplesville will host the game, meaning that plenty of rowdy fans will be expected to fill the stands. This September clash promises to be an exciting one for both squads.

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