Florala meets Maplesville to open playoffs

Florala (7-3) will open the Class 1A AHSAA state playoffs with a first-round road matchup at Maplesville (8-2) on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.

This will be the third matchup between the two teams. The Red Devils lead the all-time series 2-0 over the Wildcats with a first-round win in 2006 and a second-round victory in 2007.

Head Coach Kyle Davis said he and his team are excited to make the playoffs.

“I feel like this team has grown more than any other team that I have coached in my 24 years. We were able to finally come together as a team after not really having an identity early on. The guys really rallied around each other and became a team. I am very proud of this team,” Davis said.

Region 2 fourth seed Florala enters the playoffs for the 25th time in school history with an overall record of 12-24 and is 9-15 in the first round. Region 4 champion Maplesville makes its 40th appearance with a 91-35 mark and is 34-5 against opening-round opponents.

The Wildcats closed the regular season with an open week and set their sights on the Red Devils.

“Maplesville is going to be a tough matchup. They are a team built on tradition and don’t expect to lose in the first round. I do not think they are intimidated by us at all. They are the region champs and are well coached. I believe they are not going to change anything they do and are going to try and run the football against us. As a team, we feel really good about the matchup. I expect a great game and am looking forward to the opportunity,” Davis said.

The winner will play Sweet Water or Choctaw County in the second round next week.