Can American Christian Academy football finally get to Bryant Denny Stadium for state title game?

By: Brett Greenberg

Tuscaloosa News - In his first six years as football coach, Chris Smelley has taken American Christian Academy to the playoffs all but one year while taking them to the third round each of the last three seasons.

"This group is special," Smelly said. "The seniors have lost in the third round every year; we asked ourselves what we were going to do differently, and we did it."

Smelley has an opportunity Friday night against the Handley Tigers to take the Patriots to Bryant-Denny Stadium for a chance to win a Class 4A state championship at next week's Super 7.

Smelley has seen Handley and says the Tigers belong.

"A team you would expect to see in the fourth round," said Smelley. "They are very well-coached and play tough and physical, sound football."

The ACA offense is humming in the playoffs, averaging 43.3 points per game, while the defense continues to play stoutly, giving up only 16.3 per game.

Running back Brandon Waller has totaled seven touchdowns in three games. Smelley says to expect more of the same.

"Seeing us play our best football here at the end of the season is fantastic," said Smelley. "If you're in the fourth round of the playoffs and you're changing up the game plan, you might be in trouble."

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"Ultimately it comes down to guys believing in each other and playing for each other," said Smelley. "Our word of the week is selfless; it is about the team."

Here is a look at the final four playoff schedule for area teams:

West Alabama

AHSAA semifinals

Friday

Class 4A

Handley (10-1) at American Christian Academy (13-0)

Gordo (12-1) at Etowah (9-3)

Class 1A

Brantley (13-0) at Linden (12-0)

Pickens Co. (10-3) at Berry (11-1)

STATE

Class 7A final

Wednesday, Dec. 2

Bryant-Denny Stadium, 7 p.m.

Thompson (13-0) vs. Auburn (11-1)

Semifinals

Class 6A

Saraland (11-2) at Spanish Fort (10-3)

Mountain Brook (11-1) at Pinson Valley (10-2)

Class 5A

Faith-Mobile (11-1) at St. Paul's (13-0)

Pleasant Grove (10-2) at Ramsay (12-0)

Class 3A

Catholic-Montgomery (11-2) at Montgomery Aca. (13-0)

Piedmont (12-1) at Fyffe (13-0)

Class 2A

Abbeville (11-1) at Leroy (11-1)

Spring Garden (12-1) at Mars Hill Bible (11-2)