Central-Phenix City Defeats Fairhope 34-15 in Class 7A Quarterfinals

November 15, 2025

Red Devils Win Sets Up Semifinal Showdown with Defending State Champion Thompson

FAIRHOPE, AL – Central-Phenix City overcame an early deficit and multiple penalties to secure a 34-15 victory against Fairhope in the second round of the Class 7A playoffs Friday night at Fairhope Municipal Stadium. The win advances the Red Devils to the state semifinals.

Running back Jayshaun Woodhouse was a key player for Central-Phenix City, rushing for 126 yards on 16 carries. He sealed the win with a 54-yard touchdown run late in the game, bringing the Red Devils’ record to 11-1. Quarterback Bobby Coleman completed 18 of 26 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Pirate defense.

Fairhope started strong, taking an 8-0 lead with a 57-yard touchdown run by Bryon Martin early in the first quarter. However, Central-Phenix City responded immediately when Kam Heard returned an onside kick 49 yards for a touchdown. A 24-yard field goal from Jack Ciancio then gave the Red Devils a 10-8 lead.

The lead changed hands again in the second quarter when Fairhope quarterback Trey Garner connected with Fisher Southhall for a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting the Pirates ahead 15-10. But the Central-Phenix City football team answered with an 11-play, 80-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mychal Bass. Branden Brown added a 26-yard touchdown reception, and another field goal from Ciancio extended the Red Devils’ lead to 27-15 at halftime.

Despite the victory, Central-Phenix City’s head coach Patrick Nix expressed concern over the team’s 11 penalties for 65 yards. The Red Devils’ defense was formidable, sacking Garner nine times and forcing two interceptions.

After a scoreless third quarter, Woodhouse broke through Fairhope’s defense with his 54-yard touchdown run with just 1:42 remaining, finalizing the score at 34-15.

Central-Phenix City will now host Thompson next week in the state semifinals. This matchup is a highly anticipated rematch of the last two state championship games.