AISA powers to kick off 2017 football season
Montgomery, AL – Three AISA powers will kick-off the 2017 Alabama high school football season.
Bessemer Academy, Autauga Academy and Escambia Academy will square off against out-of-state opponents in the second annual Southeastern Commission of Independent Schools Kick Off Classic at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl August 11th and 12th.
All three teams representing Alabama reached AISA championship games in 2016 with Bessemer and Autauga taking home state titles.
Bessemer and Escambia Academies participated an last years inaugural SECIS season opening event. Josh Wright’s BA Rebels defeated the Lamar School Raiders of Meridian, MS 35-13. Escambia took down Charleston, SC’s First Baptist Academy 35-12.
Bessemer Academy is coming off a 13-1 season, including back-to-back AISA state titles in 2015 and 2016.
Escambia capped 2016 falling to Autauga Academy 28-21 in the AISA class AA state title game. The Cougars only in-state losses in 2016 came at the hands of Bessemer Academy and Autauga.
Autauga is entering it’s first season under head coach Bobby Carr. Carr served as the Generals offensive coordinator during the 2016 season. Before coming to Autauga, he lead the Edgewood Academy Wildcats to a record of 162-25 over 15 seasons including seven state championships. When Carr stepped down at Edgewood, the Wildcats were ridding a state record 71 game winning streak.
Autauga Academy defeated Escambia 28-21 to capture the 2016 AISA AA state title.
Formed in January, 2016, the Southeastern Commission of Independent Schools is an academic and athletic collaboration of the Alabama Independent School Association, the Georgia Independent School Association, the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools and the South Carolina Independent School Association.
2017 SECIS Kick-Off Classic Lineup
Friday August 11th
2:30 PM – Frederica Academy (GA) vs. Parklane Academy (MS)
5:00 PM – Terrell Academy (GA) vs. Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate (SC)
7:30 PM – Bessemer Academy (AL) vs. Lamar School (MS)
Saturday August 12th
2:30 PM – Autauga Academy (AL) vs. Valwood School (GA)
5:00 PM – Brookwood School (GA) vs. Pillow Academy (MS)
7:30 PM – Escambia Academy (AL) vs. First Baptist (SC)
