Andalusia (13-1) will face Cherokee County (12-2) for the football state championship. The finals of the AHSAA Super 7 4A Finals will be played at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium at 11 a.m.
A “Bulldog Walk” will take place prior to the game at 9 :15 a.m. The event will be similar in format to Auburn’s “Tiger Walk” tradition on game day.
They will be meeting in their second ever all-time encounter. In 1973, the Bulldogs defeated the Warriors 21-0 in a semi-final at home. Andalusia is now 1-2-1 in the last round of the playoffs. All four previous games were played during the 1970s. Cherokee County is at 1-3, with three games played in 1984 and three during 2000.
In 1976 and 1977, the Bulldogs won the title. The Warriors took it in 2007.
“Reaching Super 7 is the ultimate goal. It’s impossible to find a August team that doesn’t see that as a goal, or as a dream. It’s what you strive for. I’m excited for the kids and the community, especially since we have been so close for many years. While every team can improve certain aspects of their game’s play, you don’t know how they will react to adversity. These last few weeks required a lot mental toughness to reach this point. It has been amazing to see how these young men responded. We are excited to be here, but we must keep things in perspective. “We will enjoy it, but we won’t get distracted by everything else around it,” said Head Coach Trent Taylor.
After playing in Andalusia’s 1977 title contest, Taylor will be the coach for his first state championship. This game was also played on Friday, December 2.
It’s a rare ability to go home and be at home. It’s unlike anything else. It’s easy to dream about this opportunity, but never get over the hump. For me, the most memorable thing was last Friday’s game. Although I was excited and elated, my favorite moments were when I stood back and watched the kids and coaches. It felt almost like an experience out of body. It wasn’t personal satisfaction as much as it felt like, “Wow, look at all the good things our community and this group young men have done for our community.”
He said that the Catholic match turned out exactly how the Bulldogs had hoped. He said, “Prior to last week’s game in Montgomery, and even at halftime it was nice to have our fans come down to Cramton Bowl to support these young men.”
Andalusia scored 571 points (or 40.8 points per game) this season and broke a school record for most points in one season. The Bulldogs have allowed 221 point (15.8 per match). Cherokee County has allowed 236 points (16.9 per match) and 537 points (38.5 per game) this season. Both teams have been in strong competition throughout the year. AHS is 94–54 against other foes while CCHS has 95–56.
Taylor claims that Cherokee County will look a lot like Andalusia.
“There are only 2 teams left, and there are no bad ones. Before the season began, I don’t believe anyone would have predicted Cherokee County would become the North representative. The coach (Jacob Kelley) has done an amazing job. They are a ground and pound offense, but they can also throw the ball around if the defense requires it. Another one of those games that requires you to be sound. He is probably telling his children the exact same thing. It will be a huge task to manage that environment and the week. They are a great football team. He said that they were exactly like us, and had surprised some people in the community, but his kids weren’t shocked.”
Alabama Public Television (APT) will broadcast the game live. The cost of tickets for the game is $15 plus a processing charge. Tickets must be purchased through GoFan. Auburn University has a clear bag policy and a cashless policy. All transactions at the stadium can only be made with credit or debit cards. Bags must be unopened and checked at the Jordan-Hare Stadium.
“It is truly special to be able to travel to Auburn and see the Super 7 in action. Taylor stated that while we want to take advantage of this once-in a lifetime opportunity, the ultimate goal is at 11 on Friday.
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