By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
MOODY – It has been well documented how monumental this Thursday’s AHSAA 5A state championship game is for the Moody Blue Devils due to the fact that they have not been what you would refer to as a football powerhouse in the history of the program. Save for a short run of playoff appearances in the early 2000s, Moody has been mediocre at best until recently.
Credit: Ron Burkett
The Blue Devils have stepped into some unfamiliar territory the past three seasons, under the leadership of head coach Jake Ganus, who has led Moody to double-digit wins in three consecutive seasons (the only three double-digit win seasons in the history of the football program) as well as playoff appearances in all three years. He has now led them to the AHSAA 5A championship game where they will take on the Montgomery Catholic Knights, who are the defending 4A state champions, moving up to 5A and not missing a beat.
The Knights have quite a different past than Moody. They have not missed the playoffs for the past nine years, winning area titles in eight of those years and getting the afore mentioned state championship in 4A last year.
The Knights have not lost a game since the semifinal loss to Andalusia in the 2022 playoffs, winning 28 straight games.
Montgomery Catholic head coach Kirk Johnson.
Credit: Montgomery Catholic Athletics
Below, you will find what we are calling the “Tale of the Tape,” with all of the information you need to know about the two teams competing in the big game Thursday night at Protective Stadium.
Offensive Points Per game: Moody – 39; Montgomery Catholic – 44
Points Per Game Allowed: Moody – 11; Montgomery Catholic – 6
Opponent Record: Moody – 82-57; Montgomery Catholic – 74-61
The Coaches: Jake Ganus (Third year at Moody) 31-7; Kirk Johnson (Fourth year at Montgomery Catholic) 54-2
Key Players: Moody – Charlie Johnston, Josiah Dozier, Le’Kamren Meadows, Bravis Cave Jr, Cameron Mallory, Kaleb Goff, Jagger Ludolf, Ba’Roc Willis, Sidney Walton; Montgomery Catholic – Kingston Preyear, Josh Harriell, BJ Bedgood, Miles Khatri, Charles Chappelle, Garrett Sanford, Jo Pierce
Massey Ranking: Moody – 19; Montgomery Catholic – 9
MaxPreps Ranking: Moody – 11; Montgomery Catholic – 9
Common Opponent: Moody 47 St Clair County 0; Montgomery Catholic 51 St Clair County 14
Massey Predictor: Montgomery Catholic 28 Moody 14
Disclaimer: These predictions and rankings ARE NOT those of the Trussville Tribune. They are those of the publications listed.
The Blue Devils look to make even more history by hoisting the blue map on Thursday, while it would be business as usual for the Knights of Montgomery Catholic if they were to get the win.
The game will be played at Protective Stadium on Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 pm.
