Roberts Runs Wild as No. 2 Saraland Tops Mary G. Montgomery 33-14 in 2026 Opener
SEMMES, AL — Senior quarterback Jamison Roberts rushed for two scores and threw for another Friday night, powering No. 2-ranked Class 5A Saraland to a 33-14 win over Mary G. Montgomery in the season opener for both programs at Grider Field.
The Spartans dominated most of the night despite a rocky stretch of ball security, showing why they entered the year as one of the state’s most respected teams. A 34-minute lightning delay slowed the buildup, but once play resumed, Saraland looked every bit like the club that reached last season’s 6A championship game.
First Half Action
Saraland struck first. Jakari Harris punched in a 2-yard touchdown run with 8:06 left in the opening quarter to put the Spartans ahead early. Roberts followed roughly two minutes later, keeping the ball himself and diving in from the 2. Pierce Weatherford’s extra-point attempt sailed wide, leaving Saraland with a 13-0 cushion.
Mary G. Montgomery answered with its best drive of the half, pushing all the way to the Saraland 1. But the momentum vanished at the goal line, where quarterback Conner Tillman lost the football as he stretched toward the end zone. Saraland recovered for a touchback, wiping out the Vikings’ scoring bid.
Roberts extended the lead before the break, connecting with Eddie Turner on a 14-yard touchdown pass. The two-point try failed, keeping the score at 19-0. The Vikings finally found the end zone on the final play of the half, as Tillman fired a 4-yard scoring strike to Kamron Smith. Adam Ezell added the point-after, sending Mary G. Montgomery into the locker room trailing 19-7 with a bit of life.
Key Turning Points
Whatever hope the Vikings carried into halftime faded quickly. Ayiden Pugh capped a strong Saraland possession with a 4-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, stretching the lead to 26-7 and reclaiming full control.
Roberts then delivered the highlight of the night. With 8:50 remaining, the 6-foot-3 Oklahoma commit broke free on a 28-yard scoring run, making it 33-7 and putting the game out of reach. Tillman closed the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run to set the final margin at 33-14.
Roberts finished 17 of 30 passing for 240 yards and a touchdown, while adding two rushing scores. He also lost two fumbles — the lone blemish on an otherwise commanding performance that showed both his arm and his legs.
Final Outlook
The win reinforces Saraland’s standing as the No. 2-ranked team in Class 5A. The Spartans reached the 6A title game a year ago before falling 38-21 to Clay-Chalkville, and this opener suggests they remain a threat. Their outlook carries added weight this season, as the AHSAA eliminated Class 7A, making 6A the state’s top classification.
Saraland now enjoys an open week before hosting Gulf Shores in a region matchup on Sept. 4.
For MGM, the schedule offers no relief. The Vikings travel to face No. 1 ranked 4A Vigor next Friday night. Their season also comes with a difficult backdrop: the program is serving AHSAA restrictive probation and is ineligible for the playoffs this year. That makes each game a proving ground for a young roster searching for growth rather than postseason positioning.
