In last Friday’s Cherokee County football state semifinal story, I put in the headline “Party like it’s 2009.” Obviously the gist there is it’s the Warriors’ first Class 4A state title game appearance since that year, but it’s also the first time both Cherokee County and rival Piedmont will both be playing for titles in their respective classes again.

Piedmont takes on St. James in Auburn on Thursday at 11 a.m. for the 3A crown, while the Warriors battle Andalusia in the 4A title tilt on Friday, also at 11 a.m.

I have to admit I’ve reminisced a little bit about that 2009 season this week. Both of those teams had spectacular athletes and fantastic seasons, and both teams capped off those seasons with dramatic victories. Piedmont outlasted Cordova in overtime 35-28, then the Warriors rallied for a 31-27 victory over Jackson in the first-ever Super 6 (yes, that’s how long it has been) at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

While those games will forever be etched as two of the greatest high school contests I’ve ever covered – in back-to-back-days no less – the thing I also remember about them was the respect shown between the two communities. There’s no doubt they want to beat each other every year for bragging rights, but they also have each other’s respect. I remember both fan bases being in the stands cheering on the other. To me, that’s the definition of class, and I expect nothing less from both fan bases again the next two days in Auburn.

I also expect two more classic battles for this aging sportswriter to cover, and for more memories to be made.

Will history repeat itself? Read on to find out.

Piedmont (12-2) vs. St. James (12-2)

This is the first-ever meeting between the two schools. The Trojans’ only two losses this season came against Class 4A Handley (48-35) and at Class 5A Charles Henderson (26-14).

Piedmont’s two losses have also come against upper-class competition: at Cherokee County (21-14) and Class 4A Anniston (30-28).

The Trojans defeated Mobile Christian 35-7 in the state semifinals last week. Cosner Harrison carried the ball 32 times for 165 yards and three touchdowns. For the season, Harrison has over 1,500 yards rushing with 20 scores.

But the Trojans can air it out as well. Quarterback KJ Jackson has thrown for 2,484 yards and 37 touchdowns this season. Ethan Beard and Ziggy Holloway are his top receivers, both with 13 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Piedmont senior quarterback Jack Hayes continues to add to his historical career. Last week against Sylvania, he led the Bulldog offense to touchdowns on each of its first eight possessions — accounting for seven of them himself. He threw for four scores and ran for three more. Hayes was 10-of-11 passing for 224 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, and 12-of-16 for 259 in the game. He also ran for 112 yards.

This is St. James’ first state championship game appearance while it’s Piedmont’s seventh. The Bulldogs are the defending state champions from last season after they defeated Montgomery Academy last year in Birmingham in a second-half comeback for the ages, 35-33.

I like for Hayes and the rest of the Bulldog seniors to cement an outstanding high school career with another exclamation point.

The pick: Piedmont 35, St. James 28.

Cherokee County (12-2) vs. Andalusia (13-1)

Andalusia’s only loss this season was against Catholic of Montgomery, 45-23 back on Oct. 21, but the Bulldogs avenged that loss last week with a 29-26 victory. In that game, Dorian Crittenden ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 45 carries.

Crittenden has run for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Jack Lathrop has thrown for 2,192 yards and 29 touchdowns, and wide receiver Kaden Denson has 40 catches for 1,080 yards and 16 scores. Tycamren Jackson is also explosive, with 56 catches for 602 yards and 16 TDs. He also has 310 punt return yards with three scores.

The Bulldogs’ last three playoff games were all on the road, including a 35-28 win at Anniston two weeks ago, so you know this one tough team.

As for the Warriors, I must admit it took me a little bit to warm up to them this season. I knew they were a good team, but they’ve evolved into a great one. Their offensive line is outstanding. It’s plowing the road for playmakers Jacob Cornejo, Jack Amos, Cade Hopper and Malachi Horton.

The defense isn’t too shabby either. Tae Diamond is a sack artist. Tristan Brown, Dalton Chestnut and Alex Loyd are headhunters as well. And Amos? Well, he’s equally impressive in the secondary as he is in the backfield with seven interceptions.

You’ve heard of teams of destiny. I think this one fits that mold, just like the Warriors of 2009.

The pick: Cherokee County 31, Andalusia 27.