Hillcrest Cancels Upcoming Football Game Against Daphne
The Patriots will utilize the open date to rest and practice before the start of the state playoffs.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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Hillcrest and Daphne have mutually agreed to cancel their scheduled Week 10 football game. The decision provides the undefeated Patriots with a bye week to rest ahead of the postseason.
Why it matters
The cancellation ensures Hillcrest players have extra time to recover and prepare for high-stakes playoff matchups. Since the game had no bearing on playoff positioning, the teams opted to focus on their respective training schedules.
Hillcrest enters the postseason with an 8-0 record, having previously secured wins such as 42-20 over Hewitt-Trussville and 49-28 against McAdory. Daphne historically leads the series between the two schools with a 2-1 record.
The players
Hillcrest
The high school football program is based in Tuscaloosa and currently holds an undefeated record.
Daphne
The Daphne Trojans football team holds a historical series lead against the Patriots.
The details
The Patriots and the Daphne Trojans reached a formal agreement to call off the contest. This break grants Hillcrest additional practice time before the AHSAA playoffs commence.
Timeline
The schools last met in the AHSAA playoffs in 2014.
Hillcrest plays Bessemer City on October 23, 2026.
The AHSAA playoffs begin November 6, 2026.
State championship games occur December 2-5, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This schedule adjustment allows the Patriots to bypass the final regular-season week without affecting their standing within the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoff qualification criteria. The move positions the team to enter the bracket with full health and additional preparation time for the postseason.
Hillcrest will now head directly into its final regular-season game against Bessemer City on October 23 following this rest period. This change effectively removes one week of competition from the team's schedule before they transition into the postseason bracket.
The takeaway
Securing an extra week of practice can be a strategic advantage for teams looking to make a deep run into the state playoffs. Players and staff will now shift their full focus toward the upcoming postseason challenge.
What happens next
The AHSAA playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 6, 2026, followed by state championship games in Mobile from December 2-5, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local sports, visit the Tuscaloosa Football section.
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