Champions, Playoffs, and the Road to Glory

The local sports scene is alive with electrifying performances, monumental victories, and student-athlete achievements that make our community proud. Central Red Devils football is once again the talk of the town, returning to the 7A State Championship game after a hard-fought 17-7 win over Hoover. Senior quarterback Andrew Alford delivered a stellar performance, completing 18 of 28 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, with Daylyn Upshaw hauling in nine receptions for 97 yards and a score. The defense was unrelenting, holding Hoover to a mere 116 rushing yards and forcing three interceptions. Next up? A highly anticipated rematch against Thompson at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium on December 4th, a game sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The Lady Red Devils Flag Football Team continues their perfect run, improving to 17-0 after a dominant 34-0 semifinal win over Bryant. With their eyes set on a back-to-back championship, they face off against Auburn tonight at Garrett-Harrison Stadium. Their undefeated season has been a showcase of athleticism and teamwork, setting a gold standard in the sport.

Meanwhile, Carver Tigers football roars into the next playoff round with an overwhelming 55-0 victory over Washington. With a 12-1 record, the Tigers prepare for a crucial matchup against Pierce County this Friday at Odis Spencer Stadium. It’s been a season to remember, and the Tigers’ determination and skill have electrified the community.

In other thrilling news, Pacelli’s Lady Vikings made history by securing their third consecutive state championship, cruising past Georgia Christian with a 30-0 victory. Under Coach Zach Corcoran’s leadership, the Lady Vikings finished the season with an impressive 14-3 record, a testament to their hard work and dominance on the field.

Youth sports also shined this past weekend at the 66th Annual Peanut Bowl, where South Columbus Raiders swept the 6U, 8U, and 10U divisions. Clubview Bulldogs captured the 4U flag division, while Eastway Cherokees emerged victorious in the 13U category. The event highlighted the incredible talent, passion, and sportsmanship of our area’s future stars.

Columbus High School recently celebrated a landmark signing day for its student-athletes. Emmie Jones (softball, Columbus State), Mya Bagsby (softball, Georgia State), Michaela Miller (swimming, University of Vermont), and Leah Woods (soccer, Georgia Southwestern) all signed National Letters of Intent, taking the next steps in their academic and athletic journeys. Their achievements reflect years of dedication and the unwavering support of coaches, families, and teammates.

These stories remind us of the power of sports to inspire, unite, and elevate our community. Whether it’s on the football field, the wrestling mat, or in the classroom, our athletes embody excellence and resilience. As the season continues, we look forward to more milestones, unforgettable moments, and reasons to cheer. Stay tuned—there’s no shortage of excitement ahead!