The Childersburg (AL) varsity football team is set to host Fayetteville (Sylacauga, AL) in a home non-conference matchup today at 7 p.m. Both teams will be eager to make a strong impression, with Childersburg looking to defend its home turf and Fayetteville aiming to secure a statement road victory.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alabama High School Football
- Who: Childersburg vs Fayetteville
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Fayetteville vs. Childersburg: Local Rivals Clash in Season Opener
Childersburg, AL – The wait is over. High school football officially returns to Talladega County this Friday night as the Childersburg Tigers welcome the Fayetteville Wolves for a non-conference showdown under the lights. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on August 22, 2025, and anticipation is high as both teams begin their 2025–26 seasons.
This matchup not only marks the season opener for both squads but also features a pair of neighboring programs looking to establish momentum and identity early in the year. With clean records and fresh energy, Fayetteville and Childersburg each have an opportunity to set the tone for the fall ahead.
Team Overviews
Fayetteville Wolves
The Fayetteville Wolves, based in Sylacauga, enter the new campaign ranked 12,915 nationally, 372nd in Alabama, and 38th in their class. The Wolves are coming off seasons where they have battled through growing pains but also flashes of promise.
For Fayetteville, tonight’s opener offers a chance to prove that they can compete with larger programs and sharpen themselves before region play begins. While rankings suggest they face an uphill battle, early-season games often reward preparation, discipline, and execution more than raw numbers.
Childersburg Tigers
The Childersburg Tigers head into the season with higher rankings at 11,666 nationally, 329th in Alabama, and 47th in their class. While not miles ahead of Fayetteville statistically, the Tigers enter with confidence in their ability to protect home turf.
Childersburg has shown steady competitiveness in recent years, and with a home opener crowd backing them, they’ll be aiming to use this non-conference matchup as a springboard for tougher contests later this fall.
Rankings Snapshot
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Fayetteville Wolves
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National: 12,915
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Alabama: 372
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Class: 38
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Childersburg Tigers
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National: 11,666
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Alabama: 329
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Class: 47
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Childersburg holds a slight edge in rankings, but these numbers are only starting points. Season-opening contests often feature surprises, as both teams are still ironing out depth charts, chemistry, and game-day routines.
Record Breakdown
Both squads enter the opener with identical clean slates:
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Overall: 0-0
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League: 0-0
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Non-League: 0-0
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Head-to-Head: 0-0
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Playoff: 0-0
Neither team has the advantage of recent wins or momentum, making tonight’s game a true test of preparation and execution.
Common Opponents
While Fayetteville and Childersburg don’t share head-to-head results coming into this game, both teams will face Winterboro later in the season:
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Fayetteville: Sept. 12, 2025, vs. Winterboro
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Childersburg: Oct. 31, 2025, vs. Winterboro
These shared opponents may help highlight each program’s growth as the season unfolds, but for now, the focus is squarely on Friday’s opener.
Key Storylines
1. Battle of Local Programs
With both schools situated in Talladega County, the matchup carries local pride. Fayetteville may be a smaller program, but rivalry energy often brings out the best performances from both sides.
2. First Impressions Count
Season openers always set the tone. A win tonight could provide a confidence boost, while a loss may spark early adjustments. Both teams know the importance of momentum as they prepare for region play.
3. Young Players Stepping Up
For both Fayetteville and Childersburg, new starters will be asked to make immediate contributions. Early-season games often highlight which underclassmen are ready to step into bigger roles.
What Each Team Needs to Do
Fayetteville Wolves
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Play With Pace: Quick offensive execution could keep Childersburg on its heels.
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Win Turnover Battle: As the underdog, Fayetteville needs extra possessions to maximize opportunities.
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Special Teams Impact: A big return or key field position play could tilt momentum in their favor.
Childersburg Tigers
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Control the Trenches: Establishing dominance on the offensive and defensive lines will make things easier across the board.
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Use Home-Field Advantage: A lively crowd can fuel energy, but Childersburg must channel it into disciplined execution.
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Limit Mistakes: Avoiding penalties and turnovers will be key to preventing Fayetteville from hanging around late.
Atmosphere and Community
Friday nights in Alabama are more than football—they’re community events. Expect a strong turnout from both schools, with Childersburg fans packing their home stands and Fayetteville supporters making the short trip to cheer on their Wolves. For players, these atmospheres create lifelong memories and extra motivation to perform under the lights.
Outlook
Though rankings lean slightly toward Childersburg, Fayetteville enters hungry and with nothing to lose. The Tigers will aim to prove themselves as the more polished squad, while the Wolves look to shock their county rivals with an early-season statement.
The contest could be decided by fundamentals: turnovers, special teams, and conditioning. Whichever team executes better in those areas is likely to walk away with the win.
Prediction
Childersburg’s home advantage, ranking edge, and recent history of steady competitiveness suggest they are the safer pick. Fayetteville, however, has the tools to keep things close if they play disciplined football and capitalize on mistakes. Expect a scrappy first half before the Tigers pull away in the later stages.