Week 2: Saraland vs. Saint Paul’s Episcopal Preview!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head into Week 2 we are taking a sneak peek at who to look out for in the star-studded matchup between Saraland and Saint Paul's Episcopal this Friday! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE BREAKDOWN</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saraland and Saint Paul's Episcopal are set to face off this week, and the two 6A powerhouses both have a lot to play for this Friday. Saraland has been off to a hot start this season, opening up its schedule with wins over Lipscomb Academy, one of the best schools in the nation, and a blowout win over Murphy as well. Saraland has a high-powered offense that is terrific at throwing the ball all around the field and makes teams pay in the ground game as well. Saint Paul's Episcopal has had similar success this year, having won their first two games against UMS Wright and McGill Toolen. Saint Paul's has a stifling defense that has only allowed 13 total points through two games, they're excellent at getting in the backfield and making plays and have a ton of guys that can cover as well. With Saraland's offense and Saint Paul's defense, we are set up for a huge game this week!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SARALAND</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='379573' first='KJ' last='Lacey']-QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='379573' first='KJ' last='Lacey'] is one of the top quarterbacks in the entire 2025 class and he has shown zero signs of slowing up this season. The Texas commit is off to a fantastic start to his junior season, throwing for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns so far on the year. Lacey is a dynamic QB who can make every throw in the book, his arm strength, touch, accuracy, and quick processing make him an absolute threat under center. Lacey leads Saraland's offense at an incredibly high level and is absolutely going to be a player to watch this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228972' first='Ryan' last='Williams']-WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='228972' first='Ryan' last='Williams'] is also one of the top prospects in the entire 2025 class but at wide receiver. Last fall, Williams was the first sophomore to ever win Alabama's Mr.Football, and he 100% deserved it- what he was able to do for his team both as a WR and RB was unbelievable. Williams has some insane speed and change of direction, has terrific hands, and can make plays everywhere on the field- if you give him the ball he's going to either get a huge gain or into the endzone. Be on the lookout for the Alabama commit this Friday- he and [player_tooltip player_id='379573' first='KJ' last='Lacey'] are a phenomenal duo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SAINT PAUL'S</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='676572' first='Anthony' last='Jones']-LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='676572' first='Anthony' last='Jones'] is an unbelievable 2026 prospect and looks like he's going to end up as one of the top players in the national class, his size, speed, strength, and overall talent is unbelievable for a guy his age. As a freshman Jones was one of the best players at Saint Paul's, his ability to shed blocks, pursue after the ball carrier, and make tackles is second to none. It doesn't matter if he's lined up as an inside or outside backer, Jones has a knack for getting into the backfield to cause chaos. Watch out for him this week, if he can get to [player_tooltip player_id='379573' first='KJ' last='Lacey'] it'll take his team a long way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='824739' first='Asher' last='Hale']-OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='824739' first='Asher' last='Hale'] is a talented offensive lineman who has really come into his own over the last few years. Hale is super talented in pass protection- he rarely allows any pressure on the QB and his ability in the run game is just as impressive. In the run game, Hale is super agile and is able to move from the first to second level incredibly easily- he has the power to drive back defenders as well, opening up huge holes for his running back. Hale is going to be instrumental in Saint Paul's production on offense this week</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saraland and Saint Paul's are both set up for a massive game this week. Saraland has a ton of offensive firepower, they can move the ball downfield in whatever way they please, but they haven't faced this Saint Paul defense yet. Saint Paul does a great job getting after the quarterback and can make plays in the secondary as well, they are very well coached and can do a lot of different things really well. With both teams being so dominant on the opposite sides of the ball- this is going to be a must-see matchup!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->