Football teams return to region play this week with play-off positioning on the line. Phil Campbell, Red Bay and Russellville have the playoffs in sight, with the Golden Tigers in the best shape of the three. This week two schools will celebrate homecoming: Russellville and Tharptown. Phil Campbell will host a critical region game.

Phil Campbell (4-1; 1-1) hosts Lauderdale County (4-2; 3-0)

Phil Campbell begins a tough stretch of region games this week hosting Lauderdale County. The Bobcats lost a tough one to the Tigers this past year, 13-6.

Phil Campbell is coming off a relatively easy win over Carbon Hill this past week, while Lauderdale County lost a close one to Class 2A Lexington, 14-13.

The Tigers are undefeated in region play with easy wins over Clements, Elkmont and Colbert County. They shut out Colbert County 29-0 – a team the Bobcats lost to in the fourth quarter 25-23.

Phil Campbell is 1-11-1 against Lauderdale County historically. The Bobcats need to win this game to have a shot at hosting the first round of the playoffs.

Russellville (3-3; 3-0) hosts Brewer (3-2; 2-1)

Russellville is coming off a tough loss to a very good Mars Hill football team. The Golden Tigers will want to get back on the right track – and poor Brewer will be in the way. And it’s homecoming.

Brewer lost this past week to Sardis 12-7. Brewer has region wins against East Limestone and Lawrence County but lost to Ardmore 37-20.

Russellville has faced Brewer eight times and won all eight easily. The Golden Tigers won in a romp 52-0 in 2021. Look for more of the same this year.

Tharptown (2-4; 0-3) hosts Red Bay (4-1; 1-1)

Homecoming for Tharptown was supposed to be next week against upstart football program Lindsay Lane. Lindsay Lane, however, had to cancel their season just a few days before the start, citing not enough players. Now, the Wildcats have to face Red Bay.

The Tigers and Wildcats have been region opponents for eight straight years, and Red Bay has never lost.  This past year Red Bay won easily, 54-7.

Tharptown is coming off an easy win over Cherokee. Red Bay is coming off a shutout win over Belmont.

Vina (0-4; 0-2) at Phillips

Vina will travel to Phillips this week in an old rivalry game that dates back over six decades. The two teams have played 62 times. Phillips holds a 45-17 record against Vina, and the Bears won this past year 47-6.

Vina is still looking for a first win on the season.

Phillips beat Brilliant this past week 53-0 and has easy wins over Shoals Christian and Cherokee and a 40-6 loss to Meek.