Extra Point Game of the Week Preview: Week Zero – Dale County hosts Headland

MIDLAND CITY, Ala ( WDHN ) — High school football in the Wiregrass returns Friday, bringing with it the return of historic rivalries across Southeast Alabama. One of the most anticipated matchups is the Dale County Warriors hosting the Headland Rams, a rivalry game that’s back on the schedule after a brief hiatus since 2021. This showdown is our Extra Point Game of the Week.

“I mean, it was great to get them back on the schedule,” said Dale County head coach Evan Ballard. “I think it means a lot for our community, for their community as well. So, like I said, it’s a long-standing rivalry that’s been here, and both communities want the game. It’s also a chance for us to really test ourselves.”

Headland head coach Reggie Melton shared his thoughts on the challenge ahead. “Dale County, that’s a tough place to play,” he noted. “I mean, it’s down in a hole. So, it should be really fun. It should be a great high school environment—loud. We’re used to that. We just have to go in and play our style of football, and we’ll be OK.”

One of the key matchups in this game will be the experienced Headland offensive line against a Dale County defensive line boasting both talent and depth.

“Yeah, it should be a good battle,” said Ballard. “We like our depth. We like where we’re at. I think it’s definitely strength on strength, and that’s exciting. It’s a chance to see where we’re at, from their side and our side.”

Dale County senior defensive lineman Sean Green is eager for the challenge. “I’m super excited for us defensively,” he said. “I’m ready for us to come out there and really dominate, especially now with the people we have on our defense. I like our odds.”

Headland senior offensive lineman Brady Bennett recognizes the rivalry’s history but remains focused on the task at hand. “I know it’s been a rivalry for a long time and that it’s been very competitive,” he said. “But I think this year, we’ve got a pretty dominant team. I know it’s a big game, but I think it’s just another game for us on the road. If we can go out and compete, I’m not too worried about that rivalry or anything they’ve got coming.”

For the Warriors, returning experience on the offensive line is crucial, especially for senior quarterback Dallas Hedstrom.

“I trust them a lot,” said Hedstrom. “It’s great to have them, especially with the length and depth we have this year. They’re great, and I’m 100% happy to be behind them.”

Good blocking will be key for the Warriors as they aim to get the ball to their star wide receiver, Junior Smith, on the outside. However, the Rams are well aware of the Warriors’ game plan and are prepared to counter it.

“We’re playing 5A Region 2,” said the coach. “We’re going to see really good players every week. He’s a great player, but we’ve got some things we’re going to do to not let him beat us. We’re going to force somebody else to beat us besides him.”

Headland senior safety Julian Riley is ready for the challenge. “We expect him to be moved around a lot,” Riley said. “But we’re ready. We’ve been practicing all summer. The guys have been going to work every day. We’re ready for them to come. All we see over social media is ‘they lost 21 seniors.’ The thing is, we lost 21, but we’ve got a bunch more guys hungry to come and compete.”

With star players and key matchups all over the field, football is officially back in the Wiregrass, and what better way to kick off the season than with a rivalry game?

“It’s going to be great,” said Hedstorm. “We haven’t played them in a while, but it’s going to be fun. It’s a big rivalry we’ve had for a long time. It’s going to be good for the community. It’s going to be a fun game.”

That game kicks off Friday night at 7 PM at Warrior Stadium. Catch the highlights Friday night on The Extra Point at 10:15 on WDHN.

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