PREP NOTEBOOK: Rematches dominate schedule

Forgive football fans if they feel like they've got a case of déj vu this week.

Several first-round playoff games — including Murphy's visit to No. 4 Fairhope, Daphne's visit to Theodore, Foley's game against Davidson, and Bayside Academy's trip to Daleville — are rematches of first-round games from 2008.

In some cases, though the venue has changed.

Fairhope finished 2008 as the No. 4 seed from Class 6A Region 2 and traveled to Ladd-Peebles Stadium. This time, Fairhope plays at home and carries the swagger of being one of just two undefeated teams in 6A.

Perhaps the most intriguing game of the week involves Daphne's visit to Theodore. The Trojans struggled early in the season and are just 4-6, but they are a dangerous team with plenty of potential.

-- HEISMAN HOPEFULS: Two local athletes are among the 10 male and female finalists for the state's Wendy's High School Heisman Award.

Spencer Kerns, a swimmer at St. Paul's, is a finalist in the boys competition, while Gulf Shores volleyball player Erin Brett is a finalist in the girls competition.

The 20 Alabama finalists were chosen from winners selected at each school. Wendy's Heisman officials are scheduled to announce statewide winners on Saturday, according to a news release.

Last year, Escambia Academy cross country and distance runner Alan Ash earned the statewide boys award.

-- LOCAL AWARDS: Two players from Vigor and two from UMS-Wright have been chosen as the high school football players of the week by the Crichton Optimist Club.

The offensive back of the week is UMS-Wright running back Chris Dukes, and teammate Jay Prosch won the defensive back award. Vigor took both awards for linemen, with Quinterrious Eatmon as the offensive lineman of the week and Josh Lawson as the defensive lineman of the week.

-- COMING SOON: Football isn't the only sport entering postseason play.

The AHSAA state cross country meet is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14 in Oakville, while the AHSAA swimming and diving meet is set for Dec. 4-5 at Auburn's James E. Martin Aquatic Center.