City Versus County

As football season starts with NFL preseason and College football just around the corner, let's look at some local high school matchups that you may also look forward to this season.

Starting in week 0, what may be the biggest game in the county, the Central High School Falcons (Tuscaloosa, AL), play the Tuscaloosa County High School Wildcats (Northport, AL) at Tuscaloosa County on August 23, 2024.

REDEMPTION

Central High School ended the 2023 season with a 5-5 record, an improvement from 2022, as they finished the season with a 2-8 record.

Central and Tuscaloosa County started the series in 2022, playing each other in the first game of the year, the Wildcats hold a 2-0 record over the Falcons.

Central High School Head Coach Demario Pippen, an all-state running back, 4a state champion, and alumnus of Central High School, once stated in an article by WVTM13, "I'm in it to change these kids' lives".

Pippen also stated, “The biggest thing for us is the man in the mirror. Of course, we have to scout our opponent and schemes and things of that nature but our biggest thing is how can we conquer that man in the mirror weekend and week out. If we focus on that guy and make him be the best that he can be, then we will be in a good position.”

(see link for article)

Tuscaloosa Central High School head coach turning the program around (wvtm13.com)

Coach Pippen and the Falcons have a chance to turn the tables this year as they face the Wildcats who introduce new Head Coach, Miles Holcomb, following the resignation of Adam Winegarden.

KEEPING THE STREAK

The Tuscaloosa County Wildcats put up an impressive 6-4 record in the 2022 season following a 1-9 season in 2021. Tuscaloosa County put up a 5-5 record in 2023 under Adam Winegarden. Coach Holcomb has the chance to continue building this team to glory as they play their first game at home against Central. Holding the winning record of the series, can the Wildcats pull out a 3-0 lead?

A GAME TO SEE

Central came close to beating Tuscaloosa County in the 2023 season, falling short of three points, with the ending score being 24-21: a better game than the previous season, losing 44-0.

Central High School is a part of the City School System, and Tuscaloosa County High is a part of the County School System, this very well could be named the "Battle of Tuscaloosa" as two historic schools in the county face off.