re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

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ESPN2 cameras will be in Alabaster on Friday to see future Alabama quarterbacks Paul Tyson of Hewitt-Trussville’s and Thompson’s Taulia Tagovailoa play against each other for the first time.

But what do the two teens think about the matchup and the hoopla surrounding the game? They're not getting caught up in the hype.

"I think it's going to be fun. Nothing is really different," Taulia said. "It's another great team in our region, and we're trying to get after it.

"I just try to focus on what I have to do for my team," he continued, "and how I can be better for my teammates. Paul is great quarterback, and I let the comparisons be for (fans)."

Tyson, likewise, said he's concentrating more on his team than the head-to-head matchup with Tagovailoa.

"It's definitely a big game for us, we know the scenario," Tyson said. "Honestly, we're trying to keep everything out of our heads about it. Taulia is a heck of a player, and it's going to be a big game for us as a team. We're going to have to come out ready to play."

Alabama starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy frontrunner Tua Tagovailoa -- Taulia's brother -- is expected to attend Friday's game, with Alabama off this week. It's possible other Alabama players and coaches will be in attendance at the game, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. -- 30 minutes earlier than most Alabama high school games -- at Thompson's new on-campus stadium.

The game also features four other Alabama commitments, Thompson senior offensive lineman Amari Kight, Hewitt-Trussville junior receiver Dazalin Worsham, Hewitt-Trussville senior lineman Pierce Quick and Hewitt-Trussville junior defensive back Malachi Moore. Hewitt senior receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson has committed to Auburn.

Hewitt-Trussville (6-2 overall, 5-1 in Class 6A, Region 3) and Thompson (7-1, 5-1) remain alive in the region championship race.

Hewitt wins the region by beating Thompson and Hoover beating Moutain Brook giving the Huskies the title on the head-to-head tiebreaker by beating Hoover 56-28 earlier this season. Thompson wins the region by beating Hewitt-Trussville and Mountain Brook beating Hoover, thanks to the Warriors' 31-7 victory over Mountain Brook last week.

All four teams -- Hewitt-Trussville, Thompson, Mountain Brook and Hoover -- enter this week with 5-1 region records.

The teams understand the region championship and playoff positioning are on the line this week, while acknowledging the quarterback battle will take center stage.

Taulia and Tyson have played against each other during summer 7-on-7 games and both competed at the Elite11 quarterback competition in California, but Friday will be their first meeting in a regular-season game.

Thompson coach Mark Freeman and Hewitt-Trussville coach Josh Floyd said they have not given their quarterbacks any specific advice about how to deal with the hoopla surrounding their head-to-head matchup.

"I know Paul. I know Paul's family. I think the world of Paul and his family," Freeman said. "I'm excited to see Paul do well, but this week, you know, we want to beat 'em. He and Taulia know each other from off the field. I don’t think there's any animosity between them. I think they're both focused on helping their teams win."

Both offenses, of course, revolve around the quarterbacks. Taulia has completed 207-of-321 passes for 2,836 yards, with 27 TD passes and four interceptions, this season. Tyson is 170-for-241 passing for 2,427 yards, with 24 touchdowns and four interceptions, this season.

"We know what's on the line," Tyson said. "We've got to just go hard and play our game."

Added Taulia, “I’m ready. Hewitt is a great team. Paul is a great quarterback. They’ve got a lot of great athletes. I feel like it’s going to be a great competition for us.”

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This smells like a bullshite excuse to me.

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I agree, but their mods were pretty adamant about it being true last night. They said "several" sources were confirming it.

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We just got a CB for 2020 5-star DE Chris Braswell.

The guy who put it in, Brian Dohn, says it is based off speaking to Braswell in person.

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