The Selma Times-Journal

Autaugaville can be a headache for opposing coaches.

Looking at the Eagles’ record (2-4, 2-3 1A Region 3), it wouldn’t seem that a team at the top of the region would worry about a group that is one spot out of the playoffs.

But Brent Hubbert knows better. One spot out of qualifying for the playoffs also means Autaugaville is one win away from getting back into contention.

The Red Devils (6-0, 5-0) don’t want to be that win.

“They’re athletic, and they’ve got skill people all over the place,” Hubbert said. “They can mess around and beat you just off of talent. And it’s just our luck, we’re catching them after they’ve won two in a row.”

There are a couple of names the Red Devils will remember from last year’s game, a 27-25 decision that gave them their first loss of the season.

Running back/receiver Vincent Tice and running back Jerry Motley, who Hubbert said practically beat Maplesville on his own, are the horses for the Eagles.

But at least they know what to look for when Autaugaville has the ball.

When Maplesville’s offense takes the field, it will be a guessing game for at least the first few series.

“I have no idea what they’ll be in,” Hubbert said. “I’ve seen them lined up in five different fronts. We’re just going to work on what we need to do blocking-wise. We’ll adjust from there.”

One thing’s for sure, Maplesville won’t get much running the ball up the middle.

Autaugaville boasts a pair of defensive tackles that carry more than 300 pounds. A team as quick as the Eagles will make plays off the edge difficult to execute, as well.

So maybe the motivation for a win this week will be playing in a comfortable setting during the postseason.

Already locked into the playoffs, the Devils still have their sights on a home game for the first round.

“We preached last week that we’re playing for the playoffs,” Hubbert said. “Now that we’re in, we told them this week we’re playing for a home game. Next week, it will be for the region championship (against Verbena).”