The Benjamin Russell varsity football team will host Central of Clay County in a home non-conference game today at 7 p.m. in Alexander City, Alabama. Fans can look forward to an action-packed evening as the Wildcats take the field, determined to showcase their skill, teamwork, and competitive spirit on their home turf.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alabama High School Football
- Who: Benjamin Russell vs Central of Clay County
- When: Today, August 28, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Benjamin Russell vs Central of Clay County: Alabama High School Football Showdown
The Alabama high school football season is heating up, and one of the most anticipated matchups this week is Benjamin Russell vs Central of Clay County. Scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7 p.m., the game brings together two well-established programs with proud traditions. Benjamin Russell, based in Alexander City, will host Central of Clay County from Lineville in a non-conference contest that already has fans buzzing across the state.
Both teams enter this matchup with contrasting starts to their seasons. Central of Clay County opened strong, dominating their first game with a convincing victory, while Benjamin Russell is looking to bounce back after suffering a tough road loss. The stakes are high, not just for pride, but for momentum as both teams prepare to grind through the long Alabama season.
A Quick Look at the Matchup
The Benjamin Russell Wildcats come into the game with an 0-1 record after dropping their season opener. They scored 20 points in that contest but surrendered 25, showing promise offensively but leaving room for improvement on defense. Ranked 1,011 nationally and 29th in Alabama, the Wildcats are aiming to climb back into rhythm with a statement win at home.
The Central of Clay County Volunteers, on the other hand, are flying high after a dominant 26-3 win to open their season. That performance not only set the tone for their campaign but also highlighted their defensive strength. With a national ranking of 1,232 and 34th in the state, they are proving early that they will be a force in Class 5 competition. Their 1-0 record reflects not only a victory but also a team clicking on both sides of the ball.
Scoring Averages: A Tale of Two Offenses
Looking at the numbers, the Volunteers are averaging 26 points per game while giving up just three. Their opening win demonstrated defensive toughness and offensive balance, a formula that could serve them well in this clash.
Benjamin Russell averaged 20 points in their opener, broken down into 6 points in the first quarter, 7 in the second, none in the third, and 7 in the fourth. That scoring pattern shows spurts of offensive productivity but also inconsistencies. If they hope to upset Central of Clay County, they’ll need sustained drives and sharper execution in the second half.
Offensive Weapons to Watch
Central of Clay County
While the Volunteers haven’t had their individual stat leaders officially recorded, their team’s efficiency speaks volumes. The balance between their offense and defense was clear in Week 1, as they limited their opponent to only a field goal. Their system, built around discipline and fundamentals, makes them a tough matchup for anyone.
Benjamin Russell
The Wildcats bring star power to the table, starting with quarterback Kingston Preyear. He was sensational in the opener, throwing for 246 passing yards and totaling 297 yards of offense. Preyear also contributed 51 rushing yards, proving he’s a dual-threat weapon capable of breaking down defenses with both his arm and legs.
Wide receiver Cederian Morgan had a breakout performance, hauling in 177 receiving yards. His ability to stretch the field gives Benjamin Russell a dangerous vertical passing game, which could test the Volunteers’ secondary.
On defense, Charles Chappelle led the Wildcats with 14 tackles, showing he can anchor their unit. Meanwhile, Char-zale Davis added a sack, providing pass-rushing strength. Together, this defensive duo will be tasked with slowing down a Central of Clay County offense that looked efficient in its opener.
Defensive Comparison
If Week 1 is any indication, Central of Clay County’s defense is among the best in the state. Allowing only three points proves they can dominate the line of scrimmage, control gaps, and force opponents into mistakes.
Benjamin Russell’s defense gave up 25 points in their opener. That isn’t disastrous, but it does mean they must tighten coverage and limit explosive plays. If they cannot slow down the Volunteers’ offense, their task will be even harder against a defense that doesn’t give up much.
Records and Momentum
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Central of Clay County: 1-0 overall, undefeated in non-league play, perfect at home, and strong in-state. Their early record suggests a team ready to contend for playoff relevance.
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Benjamin Russell: 0-1 overall, with their only loss coming on the road. They’ve yet to prove themselves at home, and this game provides the perfect opportunity to reset their season.
Neither team has faced a common opponent yet, and this will be their first head-to-head matchup of the season.
What’s at Stake
For Central of Clay County, this is about maintaining momentum and continuing to show they belong among the state’s best. Starting 2-0 would put them firmly on the radar for statewide rankings and set a foundation for playoff hopes.
For Benjamin Russell, the challenge is about resilience. An 0-2 start could put them in a tough spot moving forward, while a win against a team like Central of Clay County would reestablish their confidence and send a message across Alabama.
Keys to Victory
Central of Clay County
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Maintain defensive discipline and shut down Benjamin Russell’s passing attack.
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Control time of possession with balanced offense.
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Limit turnovers to prevent giving the Wildcats momentum at home.
Benjamin Russell
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Ride the arm of Kingston Preyear while keeping the offense balanced.
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Find consistency in scoring across all four quarters.
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Tighten defensive coverage, especially on third downs, to give their offense more opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The matchup between Benjamin Russell vs Central of Clay County is shaping up as one of the most intriguing non-conference games in Alabama high school football this week. It pits a team built on defense and efficiency against one with explosive offensive weapons.
For fans in Alexander City and Lineville, this game isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about shaping the course of the season. Central of Clay County wants to continue building momentum after a dominant start, while Benjamin Russell looks to prove they can bounce back quickly.
One thing is certain: when the Wildcats and Volunteers take the field under the lights Thursday night, expect intensity, hard hits, and plenty of drama. The outcome could very well come down to whether Benjamin Russell’s offense can crack Central of Clay County’s stingy defense.
