Although it hasn't been long, the Benjamin Russell and Stanhope Elmore football teams haven't faced each other since 2021.

During that time, the Wildcats are on their third coach — winning the region twice during that span and making it to the semifinals in 2025. The Mustangs, on the other hand, have had two coaches through the same span of time and just broke a five-year streak of missing the playoffs.

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Samuel Higgs / TPI Benjamin Russell wide receiver Dejay Jackson (4) reels in a pass against Park Crossing last Thursday. He and the Wildcats enter their second Class 5A Region 2 game against Stanhope Elmore.
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David D. Goodwin / For TPI Stanhope Elmore's Jordyn Steele (17) rushes down the field against Russell County on Friday night.