High school football is a big deal in Alabama, and the 2017 championship games were eagerly anticipated by fans across the state. The season featured some memorable characters, both on and off the field, who made an impact on the outcome of the games. Let's take a closer look at the players, coaches, and fans who made the 2017 Alabama high school football championship games so exciting.
The Coaches: Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn
The coaches of the two teams that made it to the championship game were Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers. Saban is a legendary coach who has won multiple national championships with Alabama, while Malzahn has a reputation for innovative offensive schemes. The matchup between these two coaching giants was one of the most eagerly anticipated of the season.
The Players: Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts
The quarterbacks of the two teams, Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Jalen Hurts of Auburn, were also major characters in the championship game. Tagovailoa was a freshman who had only played sparingly during the regular season, but he came in off the bench to lead Alabama to a stunning comeback victory. Hurts, on the other hand, had been the starting quarterback for most of the season, but was benched in favor of Tagovailoa during the championship game.
The Fans: The Crimson Tide and The Tigers
The fans of the two teams were also major characters in the championship game. Alabama fans, known as the Crimson Tide faithful, are some of the most passionate in college football, and they showed up in force to support their team. Auburn fans, who are known as the Tigers, were also out in full force, hoping to see their team pull off an upset victory.
The Referees: John McDaid and Jeff Roberson
The referees who officiated the championship game were John McDaid and Jeff Roberson. Referees are always a controversial topic in sports, and this game was no exception. There were several close calls that could have gone either way, and many fans were left feeling frustrated by the officiating.
The Cheerleaders: The Crimsonettes and The Tigerettes
The cheerleaders of the two teams were also major characters in the championship game. The Crimsonettes, who cheer for Alabama, and the Tigerettes, who cheer for Auburn, were both on top of their game, keeping the crowd energized throughout the game.
The Bands: The Million Dollar Band and The Auburn University Marching Band
The marching bands of the two teams were also major characters in the championship game. The Million Dollar Band, which is Alabama's marching band, and the Auburn University Marching Band both put on impressive performances, adding to the overall excitement of the game.
The Announcers: Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson
The announcers who called the championship game were Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson. These two veteran announcers have called many big games over the years, and their commentary added to the drama and excitement of the game.
The Media: Sports Writers and Reporters
The sports writers and reporters who covered the championship game were also major characters in the story. Their coverage of the game helped to build excitement among fans, and their analysis of the game afterward helped to shape the narrative of the season.
The Legacy: A Championship for the Ages
In the end, the 2017 Alabama high school football championship games will be remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic seasons in recent memory. From the coaches and players to the fans and media, everyone involved played a role in making this a championship for the ages.
