High School Team Preview: Auburn

Historically, Auburn High School has always been one of the titans of Alabama high school football. After having an amazing 12-2 season in 2020 that ended with a heartbreaking 29-28 loss to Thompson in the 7A State Championship, the Tigers hope to make another deep playoff run. Newly hired head coach, Keith Etheredge has had postseason success in the past and definitely has a very talented, hungry team that we can't wait to watch this fall. <strong>David Hixon- OT</strong> Hixon was a key part of last year’s offensive success as the anchor of the line, protecting his QB and opening up running lanes with ease. Hixon is now at Navy, looking to make an immediate impact on their offensive line. <strong>Cort Bradley- C</strong> Bradley was a great complimentary piece to David Hixon on the offensive line, as he was able to block ferociously in the run game and was always dependable to help his offense put up points. Bradley is now enrolled at his hometown Auburn University. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>OFFENSE</strong></span></em> Auburn hopes to repeat the same offensive dominance as they did last year, which included multiple shutouts and 40+ point games, and overall scored more than they have since 2013. It’s not crazy to believe that Auburn will sustain this production, as they are loaded offensively. With three members of the offensive line: <strong>Drew Bobo</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128276" first="Bradyn" last="Joiner"]</strong>, and <strong>Eston Harris</strong> being offered by SEC and other Power 5 schools, Auburn might have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Rising junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127683" first="Clyde" last="Pittman"]</strong> will be protected greatly and looks to already be making great strides as a passer. In Auburn’s spring game this year against Eufala, Pittman threw for 140 yards and 3 TDs. <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>DEFENSE</em></span></strong> Auburn has historically always been able to put a great defensive product on the field, and that will definitely be seen again this year. With two soon-to-be college linebackers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125491" first="Powell" last="Gordon"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125497" first="Brad" last="Harper"], </strong>it’s going to be near impossible for opposing offenses to do anything in regards to the middle of the field. Gordon and Harper are excellent tacklers and are constantly causing havoc everywhere on the field. In addition to them, <strong>Carson Yancy </strong>and <strong>Nasir Pogue</strong> are returning cornerbacks that excel in man coverage and just have the natural ability to disrupt the passing game. Yancy is a speedster that doesn’t let anyone get by him, and Pogue is an aggressive player off of the line of scrimmage that can tire wide receivers out. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>GAMES TO WATCH</em></strong></span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>8-27 @ Opelika </strong></span> With their first matchup occurring all the way back in 1917, Auburn and Opelika have perhaps one of the most passionate and long-term rivalries in high school sports history. With the all-time series set at 45-47 for Auburn, the Tigers will look towards adding another win in a week two matchup that is always a thrill to watch. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10-1 Central (Phenix City)</strong></span> After beating Central twice last year, once in the regular season and then again in the playoff semifinals. Central will definitely be thinking of those two games last year as they make the trip to Auburn with hopes of redeeming themselves. This will be an exciting, physical game with a possible effect on playoff seedings, as the Tigers look to make it three straight wins against Central. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10/29 IMG Academy</strong></span> IMG Academy is among the best of the best in the high school football world, putting more and more players into Power 5 schools each year. Auburn will be hosting and playing IMG for the first time ever this fall, in their final regular-season game. Talent will be on full display for both teams as Auburn looks to finish their season with a win, this is a can’t miss matchup for all high school football fans across the country. Overall, it’s not far-fetched to say that Auburn has a great chance to be one of the best teams in the state this year. They have some great returning and up-and-coming talent, along with a coaching staff that just knows how to win. We cannot wait to watch these guys compete this fall!