Game Preview: Pell City at Calera

Cameron Gossett

September 22, 2021 @ 12:18 PM

This Friday night we have a non-region matchup in Class 6A as Pell City (1-3, 0-2) travels to Calera (2-2, 1-1). This game will be an important confidence builder before both teams jump back into region play next week and look to make a playoff push. All eyes will be on Calera WR Kobe Prentice, an Alabama commit, who is one of the most electrifying players in the state. I am interested to see how the Pell City defense matches up against a Calera offense that has hit its stride. Last Week: Calera is coming off a bye week. Pell City lost a region game at Oxford 35-10. Players to Watch: Kobe Prentice - Calera WR The aforementioned Prentice is one of the state’s best playmakers. Prentice committed to Alabama in July shortly after landing an offer from the Crimson Tide. He has been clocked at 4.38 in the 40 yard dash. Calera moves Prentice around on offense including lining him up in the backfield to quickly get the ball in his hands. He is extremely dangerous in space where he uses his elite-level speed and agility to get into the open field. I believe he will continue to rise in recruiting rankings as he progresses through his senior season. Slowing down Prentice will be the main focus of the Pell City defense going into this game. Braylyn Farrington - Calera WR Farrington is another really good playmaker for the Calera offense. The junior has had a strong start to the season playing alongside Prentice. Farrington is extremely dynamic with the ball in his hands. He excels in the open field with his speed and elusiveness. He had a standout performance against region rival Pelham a few weeks ago with 9 receptions and 154 yards. I really like Farrington’s game and think he will continue to have a productive junior season. Preston Stokes - Calera QB Stokes leads an efficient Calera offense and does a really good job of getting the ball into his playmakers hands. I like his mobility inside and outside of the pocket while always keeping his eyes downfield. He makes good decisions with the football and doesn’t try to make a play that is not there. He plays within the offense and displays good accuracy to let his receivers make a play after the catch. [player_tooltip player_id="131893" first="Carlos" last="Herring"] - Pell City DB Herring is a really good defensive back for the Panthers. I like his combination of speed, physicality, and IQ in the secondary. His closing speed and tackling are apparent on film. Tackling in space will be an important factor in this game against an explosive Calera receiving core. He has the size and athleticism to cover any opposing receiver. Herring is an under-the-radar player to watch in the class of 2023. Drew Sisson - Pell City MLB Sisson is a fast and physical middle linebacker. I really like his instincts to always fly to the football. He has the ability to run sideline to sideline and is a solid tackler. Sisson is another junior to watch in the class of 2023. I can’t wait to watch Calera’s offense go against some of the talented players on Pell City’s defense. This is the key matchup to watch Friday night. [player_tooltip player_id="127520" first="Kentrell" last="Borden"] - Pell City WR Borden is a key piece for the Pell City offense. I like how they move him around the formation to exploit mismatches. The Panthers get the ball in Borden’s hands and let him make plays in space. On film, Borden made some really tough catches and plays physical for his size. I’m excited to watch the rest of his senior season and see a lot of talented receivers in this game.