By: Brett Greenberg
Tuscaloosa News - "Here it's football and its living life," said Aliceville coach Deon Washington.
That's the attitude and mantra for Pickens County, home of three teams that will be playing in the quarterfinals of the AHSAA playoffs this week.
Gordo, the No. 3-ranked team in Class 4A by the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll; Pickens County, No. 10 in Class 1A; and Aliceville (7-4) in Class 2A look to advance to the semifinal round.
All three teams from Pickens County embrace that football trumps all but acknowledge the bigger picture.
"Football is big here," Pickens coach Michael Williams said. "They (Aliceville and Gordo) are a rivalry when we play each other, but we rally around each other and help out any way we can. You don’t have to hate them every day of the week, just one day a year."
Pickens County quarterback Javion Belle who passed for 314 yards and six touchdowns in a second-round victory and will lead the Tornadoes (9-3) against Hubbertville (9-2) on Friday in Reform.
The Gordo Green Wave (11-1) and the offense led by four-star quarterback Tanner Bailey have scored an average of 40 points in two playoff games. Bailey totaled four touchdowns and 426 yards last week. Gordo will play West Limestone (11-1) on Thursday in Reform.
Like Williams, Green Wave coach Ryan Lolley takes great pride in his team and the county.
"It's simple, good kids who work hard, said Lolley. "People get caught up in everything else and forget it's all about the kids. Everyone has pride in their schools from the band to the cheerleaders. That is what makes this county so successful."
The Aliceville Yellow Jackets had a midseason coaching change, but Washington said the transition went smoothly. Aliceville will host Mars Hill Bible (10-2), the top-ranked team in 2A.
Washington sees similarities in support the teams in the county receive.
"It's all about the three communities," said Washington. "They get behind the team and support children."
Pickens County Schools Superintendent Jamie Chapman, who played at Gordo, knows as well as anyone the role football plays in the area.
"We are a small county where communities look forward to and rally around Friday nights," said Chapman. "We have a kickoff meeting with every coaching staff, player and medical personnel, and we talk about county goals and individual team goals."
Chapman acknowledged how blessed Pickens County is to have schools willing to help each other.
"All of our teams help each other out when they are not matched up," said Chapman. "Gordo had to play at Pickens all year after their field couldn't be used (due to renovations). Coach Williams, Coach Lolley and the coaching staffs have been great."
Here is a look at the quarterfinal playoff schedule for area teams:
West Alabama AHSAA Quarterfinal Thursday Class 4A West Limestone (11-1) vs. Gordo (11-1), Reform Friday Class 4A American Christian (12-0) at Alabama Christian (10-2) Bibb County (10-2) at Handley (9-1) Northside (10-2) at Etowah (8-3) Class 2A Mars Hill Bible (10-2) at Aliceville (7-4) Class 1A Linden (11-0) at Sweet Water (8-2) Brilliant (7-5) at Berry (10-1) Hubbertville (9-2) at Pickens County (9-3)
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