Second Ranked Auburn Tops No. 1 Central-Phenix City

PHENIX CITY, AL – The second ranked Auburn Tigers rolled into Garrett-Harrison Stadium and came away with a 38-33 victory over the top ranked Central-Phenix City Red Devils Friday night in a crucial Class 7A, Region 2 showdown. 

The win improves the Tigers  to 6-0 on the season, 4-0 in region play and snaps a three game losing skid to the Central.  The defending state campion Devils slip to 5-1, 3-1.  

Auburn signal caller Jackson Kilgore shined in the contest, completing 14-of-20 passes, amassing 275 yards and three touchdowns. His standout performance included touchdown passes of 24 and 79 yards to wide receiver Peyton Plott, as well as a 50-yard scoring strike to Omar Mabson. 

Central, initially led the game but saw their advantage evaporate as Auburn regained control. Kilgore’s precise pass to Mabson on a wheel route, followed by Joseph Daniel’s successful extra-point kick, secured a 28-27 lead for Auburn.

Central quarterback Andrew Alford matched Kilgore’s brilliance, completing 17-of-27 passes for 226 yards. Alford connected with Davion Bennett on a 21-yard touchdown pass, contributing to Central’s electrifying offense.

Williams, a standout for Central, rushed for 162 yards on 24 carries and added a pair of scores. The game saw both teams combine for an impressive 842 yards of offense..

Auburn’s victory ended Central-Phenix City’s 18-game winning streak,  The last time the Red Devils came up short on the gridiron was a 2022 Class 7A semifinal loss to Auburn.  

Looking ahead, region play continues next week with Auburn welcoming winless Smiths Station (0-7, 0-4) to Duck Samford Stadium. Central hosts Carver-Montgomery (5-1, 3-1) in what will be a pivotal Region 2 matchup.