Alabama High School Football Games of the Week: Aug. 21-23

The time for talking in the Yellowhammer State is over. Scrimmages are in the books and the 2025 Alabama high school football season is set to get underway this week.

Fans aren’t having to wait long for some big-time matchups, either. Headlined by some massive interstate bouts and a ranked duel between top-25 teams — per the Alabama Massey Ratings — there are set to be fireworks in the coming days. Below are five games we’ll have our eyes on involving some of the best in Alabama.

No. 16 Carver vs. No. 1 Thompson

When: Thursday, Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Warrior Stadium, Alabaster, Ala.

Perhaps the biggest in-state showdown of the week will go down on Thursday evening when Montgomery Carver makes the trip to Alabaster to battle defending 7A state champs Thompson.

It’ll be a tough ask for the visiting Wolverines to hang around, but the likes of senior wide receiver Zion Crumpton (Mississippi State commit) and linebacker Kendarius Reynolds (Troy) will try to lead them to what would be a big upset.

Thompson has a slew of talent to replace on the field this fall, but it still boasts one of the best rosters in the state. Junior four-star quarterback Trent Seaborn is back in the saddle after throwing for over 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns as a sophomore. He’ll be flanked by new senior defensive lineman Viliami Moala (North Carolina) and junior four-star DL Cam Pritchett (Oregon), among others.

Massey Prediction: Thompson 41, Carver 7

IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. No. 4 Hoover

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Hoover, Ala.

After putting together a 10-win season last fall, Hoover is ready to compete for a state title once again in 2025. First, it has a chance to make a major splash against one of the most notable prep programs in the nation.

After drubbing The First Academy in its Week 0 matchup last week, IMG Academy (Fla.) makes the trip from Bradenton to Hoover to get the season rolling. The Ascenders carry an unbelievably loaded roster, with nearly 40 ranked prospects in the mix across the 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes. Top seniors include edge rusher Jake Kreul (Oklahoma), offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe (USC) and safety Zech Fort. Junior five-star edge rusher Zyron Forstall is the highest-ranked prospect on the roster, regardless of class. There’s talent everywhere you look on both sides of the ball.

Hoover brings some talent to the table, too, headlined by junior four-star running back CJ Crowley and senior receiver Jonah Winston, the younger brother of NFL QB Jameis Winston. The deck may look stacked against the Buccaneers, but the home team is ready to start its season with a bang on Friday.

Massey Prediction: IMG Academy 39, Hoover 12

No. 6 Saraland vs. No. 13 Jackson

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Legion Field, Jackson, Ala.

Jackson will once again posses one of the most dominant offenses in the Southeast this fall. The defending 4A state champs will be led by a trio of four-stars in quarterback Landon Duckworth (South Carolina), running back Ezavier Crowell (Alabama) and wide receiver Keeyun Chapman (North Carolina). The opener against Saraland is one of just two ranked matchups currently on the schedule for the Aggies.

Saraland is coming off a 13-1 season last fall where it fell in the 6A state title game. The Spartans bring plenty of young talent to the table and will be led by senior receiver DeShawn Spencer (Duke) on offense.

Friday night will serve as a measuring stick for both sides coming out the gate.

Massey Prediction: Saraland 38, Jackson 20

Booker (Fla.) vs. No. 3 Auburn

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Duck Samford Stadium, Auburn, Ala.

A loss to eventual 7A champs Thompson derailed what was an undefeated season for Auburn last fall. The Tigers are back and are once again set to be one of the best teams in the state in 2025.

Booker (Fla.) will make the trip from Sarasota to The Plains this weekend. The Tornadoes begin the year as the No. 31 team in Florida and they tout a roster that features five Power Four commits, highlighted by five-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon (Florida State) and four-star wide receiver Tyren Wortham (Michigan State). Auburn has brought in junior four-star quarterback Cason Myers from Pike Road to man the attack in 2025. Defensive lineman Carnell Jackson (Arkansas) is the name to know on the defensive side of the ball.

A legitimate challenge to open the year awaits the Tigers.

Massey Prediction: Auburn 42, Booker 8

No. 9 Clay-Chalkville vs. Hueytown

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Hueytown HS Stadium, Hueytown, Ala.

Clay-Chalkville remains one of the top programs in Alabama and it has high expectations once again in 2025. The Cougars will have tons of speed and athleticism at receiver and in the secondary; senior four-star wide receiver Corey Barber and three-star safety Xavier Starks will help lead the charge this fall.

They head to Hueytown, where the Golden Gophers await, looking to make a statement to begin the season. Coming off a 9-4 year in 2024, Hueytown has high hopes this season and is just on the outside of the Massey Ratings Alabama top 25, checking in at No. 29. Hueytown four-star defensive lineman Donivan Moore is the No. 1 junior in the state, per the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Massey Prediction: Clay-Chalkville 38, Hueytown 14

How to Follow Alabama High School Football

For Alabama high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement in the Yellowhammer State.