Preview: Brewer, Priceville open season on the road

The 2023 high school football season kicks off Friday for the Brewer Patriots and the Priceville Bulldogs. Brewer travels to Hanceville, while Priceville goes to Plainview.

Brewer at Hanceville

The Patriots, coming off a 5-6 2022 season that ended in the first round of the 5A state playoffs, open the 2023 season with a visit to Hanceville for a matchup with the 4A Bulldogs. Brewer defeated Hanceville 20-13 to open last season.

The Patriots return five starters on offense and six on defense. They will have a new quarterback in Cason Oden, who replaces Caden Childers, and new running backs. The defense looks to be a strength this season, with leading tackler Connor Kirby returning to lead the way. The Patriots look to improve on 18.2 points per game scoring average and 27.6 points allowed average.

The Bulldogs were 4-6 last season, missing out on the playoffs. Three of their losses last season were by seven points or less, including the loss to Brewer. The Bulldogs averaged 22.5 points per game while allowing 25.3 points last season.

Priceville at Plainview

The Bulldogs, who finished 11-1 last season, head to Plainview for a matchup with the 3A Bulldogs. Priceville defeated Plainview 20-8 last season, their lowest-scoring game of the season.

The Bulldogs return four starters on offense and only three on defense. Jake England, a transfer from Hartselle, takes over at quarterback, while Blitz Clemons replaces all-state running back Mason Cartee. The defense will be led by Brody Oliver and Brody Collins, who is taking over for all-state middle linebacker Jake Langlois. Priceville averaged 41.3 points per game while allowing 19.0 points last season.

The Bears finished 4-6 last season, finishing sixth in 3A Region 6. The Bears averaged 21.9 points per game while allowing 31.2 points last season.