AHSAA football previews: 7A contenders still chasing Thompson as Warriors chase history

This is the seventh in an eight-part series previewing the 2022 high school football season, focusing on teams and players across our coverage area in central Alabama. There will be a preview for each classification which includes teams, players and games to watch before we release the first ABC 33/40 Power Rankings of the year and the staff’s preseason picks for the Super 7.

There have been plenty of changes in Class 7A since 2019. Players have moved on to the next level, two reclassifications have taken place and several coaching changes at some of the biggest schools in the state have kept things interesting at the top.

But in that three-year span, there has been one constant: Thompson being the state champion.

Since the 2018 blowout defeat to Central-Phenix City, Thompson has not lost a playoff game and became the 12th program in AHSAA history to win three consecutive state titles. Now, the Warriors are looking to be just the third to ever win four in a row and first since Hoover did it from 2002 to 2005.

But there is no hiding Thompson lost a lot of talent from last year’s record-breaking team. Mark Freeman’s team is still loaded and expectations are for another championship but the rest of 7A is looking to dethrone the champs for at least one season.

Teams to Watch

Hoover may be under new leadership this season but there are not many reasons to doubt this team can perform up to the Hoover standard of past years. There is plenty of returning talent especially on the defensive side of the ball which will keep the Bucs as the favorite to win most of their games. Getting past the Thompson hurdle may be another story this season but Hoover will be in the mix as always.

After being a two-point conversion away from its first 7A semifinal appearance last season, Hewitt-Trussville enters the new year with the hopes of finally getting out of the Region 3 shadow. The Huskies have finished third or lower in the standings during its six seasons competing in the region and they have seen their season end at the hands of Hoover or Thompson in four of the last five seasons. But the Huskies might be even more talented and seem primed to have the breakout season they have been searching for.

SEE ALSO: Spartans' chase for state title continues in competitive Class 5A

Central-Phenix City is once again the favorite from the south and despite losing quarterback Caleb Nix, the Red Devils are loaded with talent and experience. We are going to know a lot about how much of a threat they pose to the top teams in Region 3 as they have built a grueling schedule of their own with non-region games against Hewitt-Trussville and IMG Academy on the board.

Keep an eye on: Prattville, Opelika, Oak Mountain

Players to Watch

Ahamari Williams is going to be the key to Hoover’s offensive success and his personal success is likely going to play a big role in determining if anyone can take down Thompson this season. He past the 1,000-yard mark last year and scored 20 touchdowns on the ground. Williams will likely take on even more touches this season and should see plenty of green with Hoover’s offensive line leading the way.

Thompson’s defense gained national recognition last season and for good reason. While a lot of that core is gone, there is plenty of talent left on the defense. Tony Mitchell and Peter Woods are both set to play college football at prestigious programs but before leaving, they will be leading Thompson’s defense. And they are out to prove they can be just as good as the unit from a year ago.

SEE ALSO: State's top quarterbacks set to compete for 6A throne

Speaking of defensive stars, Hewitt-Trussville’s Hunter Osborne is a force off the edge. The Alabama commit’s impact will be easy to see and his ability to change the game without needing the ball in his hands is a hard trait to find.

Keep an eye on: Peyton Floyd of Hewitt-Trussville, Zamir Farris of Spain Park, Houston Owen of Vestavia Hills

Games to Watch

Auburn vs. Hoover, Aug. 19

Oak Mountain at Hewitt-Trussville, Sept. 2

IMG Academy at Central-Phenix City, Sept. 23

Hewitt-Trussville at Thompson, Sept. 30

Hoover at Thompson, Oct. 21