When Justin Jefferson learned he had another season with Alabama football, it was Christmas Day. The former JUCO LB is becoming the player Alabama needs.

A racially perceived Facebook post has led to the cancellation of the 101st edition of a rivalry high school game between Pickens County and Gordo.

Pickens County High School announced it is canceling its varsity game against rival Gordo High School, a matchup that dates back more than a century. Known locally as the “8 Mile War,” the rivalry has been a cornerstone of Pickens County sports since the first edition in 1920.

Alabama football enters a crossroads in Week 5, coming off a bye week and going into the Georgia showdown on Saturday night in Athens.

With the expanded slate, each SEC loss carries more weight in College Football Playoff positioning. Starting in 2025, the CFP selection committee will use a new "record strength" metric that emphasizes performance against tough schedules, giving teams extra credit for beating quality opponents while softening the impact of losses to top programs.

It's Week 5 of Alabama high school football in the Gadsden-area. Follow along for live updates and AHSAA scores from Friday night.

Alabama has one of the most talented true freshmen classes in the country. Here is how each has performed across three games.

Coming out of high school in Des Moines, Iowa, Kadyn Proctor was 247Sports' No. 1 offensive tackle and a top 10 prospect overall. He started all 14 games in which he played as a true freshman for one of the nation's pre-eminent producers of NFL offensive linemen.