The Maplesville Red Devils will have an opportunity to win back-to-back state titles in Class 1A. However, something just as memorable are the stadiums that they would have played in while attempting that feat.

“We’ve come together since the beginning of the season and we know what we’ve got to do now in order to get the job done,” Maplesville senior left tackle Devan Wallace said.

Thursday at 3 p.m. the Red Devils will kickoff at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which is home to the University of Alabama. A year prior Maplesville won the title at Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn University.

“We’re a little more laid-back this time around,” Maplesville senior defensive end/tight end Latravious Mixon said. “It is going to be another great feeling for us, but also an overwhelming feeling.”

To have won titles at the venues of the two schools that so often divide the state is something that will last a lifetime in the memories of both players and coaches.

For years, the Red Devils have seen such venues of television and have wondered what it would be like to run onto the field to the roar of 90,000 screaming fans.

“All we’ve been talking about since seventh grade is the chance to play in those stadiums,” Maplesville senior wide receiver/strong safety Stevonta Bradley said. “That’s one of the main goals. It will definitely be something special.”

Though the attendance will not reach that number, the stakes will remain high and the circumstances will still exist.

For many of the seniors, this will be the last time that they suit up to play a football game. What a way to go out, having played each of the past two title games at such SEC shrines as Bryant-Denny and Jordan-Hare Stadium.

“It really is a dream come true,” Wallace said. “You never think that you would play on those two fields, but here we are about to do it.”