Recap: 5 Notable West Alabama Football Performances In Week 1

TUSCALOOSA, AL — It was an exciting opening week across west Alabama as the 2021 high school football season kicked off this week, which was full of noteworthy performances.

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Here's a look at 5 biggest performances from this week

1. Christopher Neel (Gordo, DB): The Patch Player of the Week nod goes to this two-way player for the Green Wave, who corralled two interceptions in Gordo's 29-7 win over Oakman Friday.
2. Brax Garrison (TCHS, QB): In the first game of the Adam Winegarden Era at Tuscaloosa County High School, the junior quarterback shredded the Paul W. Bryant defense Friday night, connecting on touchdown passes to Tyzavious Glass, Coleman Cooper and Gavin Gardner. In addition to his three scores through the air, Garrison also managed an 18-yard touchdown run in the 59-34 win that saw the Wildcats put up 468 total yards of offense.
3. Ethan Crawford (Hillcrest, QB): In a heartbreaking last-second loss to Homewood Friday night, the Hillcrest quarterback carried the Patriot offense with 264 yards through the air, three passing touchdowns and two scores on the ground. Hillcrest and first-year coach Jamie Mitchell would lose 37-34 on a field goal by Homewood in the game's final seconds.
4. Sawyer Deerman (American Christian, ATH): The do-it-all senior back logged 145 yards rushing in the Patriots' 28-27 loss to Parker on Friday, carrying the ball 17 times for one touchdown. Deerman also returned a punt 29 yards for a touchdown.
5. Braden Green (Northside, QB): The junior signal-caller battled the elements Thursday night to lead the Rams to 37-6 win over the Berry Wildcats at home. Green tossed for a 120 yards, two scores to Jayden Roberts and Ethan Smith, and an interception. On the ground, he ran for 29 yards and a touchdown in the winning effort.

Click here to view the full slate of scores from opening week in west Alabama.

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