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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

When the day this newspaper is published there will be less than 50 days until the 2023 high school football season begins in Chilton County. 48 days to be exact. All seven Chilton County area teams have released their schedules for the new season, and it is never too early to take a look at week one on Aug. 25.

 

Thorsby High School @ Jemison High School (Aug. 24)

 The annual North Chilton Clash, or Highway 31 Rivalry, whichever you prefer, opens the entire high school football season in Chilton County with a Thursday night matinee once again, this time at Jemison.

Thorsby edged the Panthers 44-33 in last year’s game, but both teams this year will look a bit different with both 2022 starting quarterbacks graduating. Jemison will also be tasked with replacing leading rusher Efrain Villeda. Both teams’ journey to their new identities begin on Aug. 24.

 

Bibb County High School @ Chilton County High School (Aug. 25)

The Tigers get their 2023 season underway against the same opponent it began its 2022 season with in Bibb County High School. The Tigers pulled off a 30-24 win on the road in week one last year to ring in coach Marvin Morton’s tenure at the school. The Tigers will have to replace multiple pieces on offense including 1,000-yard rusher Rashard Childers, but will lean on an experienced defense led by Demarcus Riddick and Hunter Ousley to gain traction early in the season.

 

Meek High School @ Maplesville High School (Aug. 25)

The beginning of the 2022 season for Maplesville was a rocky one. The Red Devils started 0-2 including an opening week 36-12 loss to Meek. The rocky road didn’t last long as the Red Devils rattled off eight straight wins and finishing the season 8-3 with a region championship.

Maplesville will get another chance to get its season started on the right foot against Meek in 2023.

 

Central of Coosa County High School @ Verbena High School (Aug. 25)

The biggest surprise in Chilton County last year, and arguably in the entire state of Alabama, was the emergence of Verbena’s football program. After years of tough records, the Red Devils had one its best seasons in the last 30 years, and it began with a 36-8 win over Central Coosa.

Verbena will have another opportunity to go 1-0 to start the season in 2023 against Central Coosa.

 

Billingsley High School @ Prattville Christian Academy (Aug. 25)

Billingsley is the only Chilton County area team in week one that starts its season with a true road game. It is PCA standing opposite of the Bears again in week one and they will try to right the wrong after a 25-14 loss last season.

Led by junior quarterback Landon Jones, Billingsley has weapons in the backfield and out wide that they hope can expand their playbook and give Jones more ability to make plays. If they do, the Bears could be a factor in the AHSAA Class 1A Region 4 picture in October.

 

Isabella High School @ Maplesville High School (Sept. 1)

The Mustangs decided again in 2023 to forgo week one and take their bye to extend their preseason an extra week. That will set up Isabella’s season opener against Maplesville, a matchup between the two most successful football programs in the county the last 10 years.

The Mustangs caught Maplesville during their rocky start last season and won 30-6. With rising senior quarterback Eli Kendrick still under center, he and the Mustangs hope to replace the production lost from running back Zach Chapman’s graduation.