Time-Out: Stars Shine Bright Across the Chattahoochee

There are certain weeks in Columbus sports when the atmosphere feels charged—when every cheering crowd, every huddle, and every heartbeat on the field feels bigger than the moment itself. This past week delivered that and more. From jaw-dropping playoff routs to historic signing day milestones, the Chattahoochee Valley once again reminded us why this region is one of the South’s premier hotbeds for athletic talent.

Central’s Lady Red Devils continued writing one of the most dominant chapters in local sports history, storming into the third round of the playoffs with a 56-0 demolition of the Opelika Bulldogs. That victory marked their 55th straight win, a streak that now feels less like momentum and more like a full-blown dynasty. Opelika never found their footing, or even the scoreboard, as Central’s defense suffocated every inch of the field. Madison Fuller provided the highlight of the evening, snagging an interception and sprinting it back for a touchdown that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It was the exclamation point on a performance that once again showcased Central’s relentless balance and discipline. With an 18-0 record and the confidence of a team that hasn’t tasted defeat in more than two years, they now set their sights on a dangerous Smiths Station squad awaiting them Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.

Smiths Station rolls into that contest fresh off a thrilling 19-18 victory over Bryant, a game defined by grit, heart, and the steady arm of quarterback Brooke Norred. The Panthers’ leader was unstoppable—throwing for 253 yards, connecting on two touchdown passes, and adding another score on the ground while posting a new career-high in rushing yards. Her partnership with receiver Lynzie Mounce, who racked up 112 receiving yards and a touchdown, sparked an offense that refused to back down. At 13-3, Smiths Station is riding a nine-game win streak and looking to shock the region by attempting to halt the most dominant run-in local girls’ football history.

Not to be outdone, the Central Red Devils boys football team mirrored the energy of their female counterparts with a powerful 34-15 playoff victory over Fairhope. For the second straight postseason game, Central hit the 34-point mark—proof of an offense clicking at the right time. The engine of that offense was running back Jayshaun Woodhouse, who bulldozed his way to 128 yards on the ground, averaging 7.5 yards per carry and breaking loose for a tone-setting 54-yard sprint.

Through the air, Braylen Averett kept Fairhope’s defense on its heels with 135 receiving yards, stretching the field and opening lanes for the ground attack. But the defining edge for Central came on defense and special teams. Fairhope managed only 2.1 yards per carry thanks to the disruptive presence of Marcus Price, who finished with two sacks, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss. And then came the spark: Kam Heard, who brought the stadium to its feet with a momentum-shifting kickoff return touchdown. With six straight wins and an 11-1 record, Central now prepares for a heavyweight clash against Thompson this Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Across town, another undefeated powerhouse continued its streak of dominance. The Carver Tigers once again had their way on Friday, rolling to a 56-0 victory over Redan. It marked their ninth win this season by more than 25 points, pushing their perfect record to 11-0 and reinforcing their status as one of the most explosive teams in Georgia. The defense was anchored by the ever-reliable Jaiden Taylor, who snagged two interceptions returning one for a touchdown and recorded at least six tackles for the eleventh straight game. Carver’s special team's unit lit up the scoreboard as well, highlighted by JaMarcus Davis taking a kickoff to the house. The Tigers are averaging a staggering 42.3 points per win this season, and with the postseason heating up, they look every bit like a team built for November football.

Over in private school action, the Brookstone Cougars proved once again that playoff pressure brings out their best. They blanked First Presbyterian Day 13-0 behind the cool composure of quarterback Broughton Branch, who delivered one of his sharpest performances of the season. Branch threw for 111 yards and two touchdowns, completing 75% of his passes and earning a stellar 133.1 passer rating his highest since August. His top target, Sammie Laboy, turned in a strong showing of his own with a touchdown reception and 43 rushing yards. On the other side of the ball, Brookstone’s defense locked down the Vikings, with interceptions from Colton Jordan and Frankie Bickerstaff sealing the shutout. The Cougars advance to 10-2 and now gear up for a big showdown with Stratford Academy on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

In middle school football, the championship stage is officially set Aaron Cohn vs. Rothschild. Aaron Cohn punched their ticket with a commanding 38-0 win over Fort, while Rothschild secured their place by knocking off Richards 28-14. Two teams, two dominating performances expect fireworks when they collide for the title.

This week also belonged to two remarkable student-athletes who officially took the next step in their futures. Chattahoochee County’s own Curtis “Champ” Simpson made school history by becoming its first-ever Division I basketball signee after committing to Southeast Missouri State. A leader and role model both on and off the court, Simpson’s legacy is already cemented—and now his journey continues at the next level. Meanwhile at Pacelli, senior standout Isabella “Izzy” Ramos celebrated her Signing Day surrounded by family, teammates, and coaches as she officially committed to the University of North Georgia to continue her soccer career. Her journey, defined by grit, consistency, and pure love for the game, now moves onto a new chapter.

Stay locked in because end of the week promises more highlights, more heart, and more unforgettable moments from the teams and players who make the Chattahoochee Valley proud.