Winds from Hurricane Ivan whipped through Shelby County last week, downing trees, cutting power and blowing high school football games back as far as six weeks.

Last Friday’s prep football contests have all been postponed to the final weeks of the season in both AHSAA and AISA action. It will be interesting to see what kind of affect that will have on high-profile matchups like Spain Park-Hoover and Shelby County-Homewood. But thanks to the weather, we’ll have to wait until the end of the season to find out.

Still high off an upset of Spain Park in Week 3, 6A Thompson plays host to defending 5A state champ Briarwood in this week’s game of the week. This game will be won in the trenches, where Thompson’s big offensive line will face the best defensive front in Shelby County. This one promises fireworks. I smell overtime. Thompson 24, Briarwood 21.

Calera will go on the road to play Maplesville who beat Verbena 27-0 in its last contest. Calera 27, Maplesville 7.

Vincent, fresh off its first win of the season, heads to Wildcats Stadium for a battle with Shelby County. This in-county rivalry will be a tough test for the Yellow Jackets. Shelby County 31, Vincent 6.

Chelsea will take on a Chilton County team that lost to Homewood 33-6 in its last contest. Chelsea 21, Chilton County 20.

Montevallo will host Bibb County who defeated Livingston 20-6 in Week 3. Montevallo 28, Bibb County 21.

Oak Mountain will look for its first win at Gardendale, who last beat Hayes 41-18. Gardendale 21, Oak Mountain 14.

Pelham travels to Pinson Valley, a team that last beat Albertville 34-20 in Week 3. Pelham 38, Pinson Valley 21.

Spain Park hits the road to face a tough Sparkman team that defeated Hazel Green 37-20 in its last contest. Spain Park 28, Sparkman 24.

Shelby Academy will host Coosa Valley in a county-rivalry matchup at James Acre Stadium. The Raiders seem to be rolling again after a sluggish start. Shelby Academy 30, Coosa Valley 17.

Kingwood heads out on the road to face Jefferson. After giving Cornerstone a tough game in Week 3 the Lions are hungry for their second win of the season. Kingwood 21, Jefferson 7.

Cornerstone has the week off due to Warrior dropping its football program before the season. The Chargers play next in Week 6 at home against Evangel.

Ashley Vansant is the sports editor at the Shelby County Reporter. He can be reached at mailto:ashley.vansant@shelbycountyreporter.co