FOX10 Big Friday Kickoff

Join FOX10 Sports Director Emily Cochran and Digital Producer Robert Ristaneo each week as they break down the biggest matchups in Alabama high school football’s Region 1, dive into the latest from South Alabama, Auburn, and Alabama, and tackle the top storylines around the NFL. Insight, analysis, and plenty of football talk—all in one place.

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Episodes

6A Region 1 Preview

This week on the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast, we kickoff our 2026 season preview coverage by breaking down 6A Region 1.

We're talking Baker, Bryant, Daphne, Davidson, Fairhope, Foley, MGM, and Robertsdale.

Who's improved, who's down, and who are some of the best players in the region.

Leroy Head Coach Chan Lowe

Leroy head football coach Chan Lowe joins the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast to share the journey that led him to one of the most respected small-town football programs in Alabama.

From unexpectedly taking over midway through the 2022 season when Jason Massey was deployed with the National Guard to officially becoming the Bears' head coach in 2025, Lowe reflects on the challenges, lessons, and relationships that shaped his career. He opens up about learning on the fly, why he believes "you're never ready to be a head coach," and the mentorship Massey provided along the way.

Plus, we dive into what makes Leroy different. The family atmosphere, the tight-knit community, and the Friday night tradition that continues to make Bear Stadium one of the most special places to experience high school football.

If you love stories about leadership, small-town football, and the people who make the game matter, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

South Alabama’s 7v7 recap and other offseason news

This week, Emily and Robert talk about the 7v7 tournament hosted by the Univeristy of South Alabama. Who impressed? Who won? Who should we be excited about heading into the season.

Then, Emily talks about some of the practices she's been to for various schools over the last week and what she's learned about each team.

They wrap up by discussing the hire of Jason Phillips at Satsuma and why Robert thinks its a great hire for the Gators.

Faith Academy Head Coach Matt Seymour and pitcher Christian Freeman

Fresh off their state championship, Faith Academy Head baseball Coach Matt Seymour and standout pitcher Christian Freeman join the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast.

The two reflect on the Rams' historic title run, the special meaning behind the No. 7 jersey, overcoming adversity throughout the season, and the memories they'll carry with them long after the final out.

From championship moments to behind-the-scenes stories, this is an inside look at one of the most memorable teams in Faith Academy history.

Vlad Valasiuk with BamaPreps

This week on the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast, Emily and Robert are joined by Vlad Valasiuk, the founder of Bama Preps, a social media platform dedicated to changing the way Alabama high school football is covered.

From recruiting to the biggest storylines across the state, Vlad shares how Bama Preps got started, how it’s grown, and why social media has become such a powerful tool in high school sports.

They also discuss the transfer portal, the changing landscape of Alabama high school football, and what the future may hold for players, coaches, and fans.

Coaching changes and updated recruiting rankings

This week on the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast, Emily and Robert break down the latest coaching news.

McIntosh hires former Vigor coach John McKenzie and Rodney Jordan is out at Satsuma. We break down the latest coaching moves.

Then, we see our local players stand in the latest recruiting rankings.

The AHSAA cracks down across the state with TP Hammock

The Alabama high school football world is on edge… and this week on the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast, we’re breaking it all down. From Mary G. Montgomery and Zach Golson… to Pell City and Jake Ganus… the AHSAA is cracking down hard on recruiting violations across the state — and we’re hearing more schools could still be under investigation.

Are the punishments going too far? Should student-athletes lose playoff opportunities because of decisions made by adults? And what has the AHSAA’s new task force really been doing behind the scenes?

TP Hammock from the Alabama High School Football Historical Society joins Robert and Emily for an in-depth conversation about the future of high school football in Alabama, the growing transfer culture, and whether the state is entering a new era of enforcement.

EMERGENCY PODCAST: Zach Golson suspended by AHSAA, MGM placed on probation

We have instant reactions to the news that Mary G. Montgomery High School has been fined, placed probation and head coach Zach Golson has been suspended.

We break down the news and discuss what this means for the MGM football program going forward.

More on the Zach Golson suspension and previewing spring football

This week on the Big Friday Kickoff Podcast, Robert Ristaneo and Emily Cochran break down the fallout surrounding the suspension of Mary G. Montgomery Head Coach Zach Golson before previewing some of the biggest local spring football games on the schedule.

Plus… why the Daphne vs. Gulfport matchup could be one of the Gulf Coast’s must-watch spring showdowns.

2A, 1A Quarterbacks; Big Friday Kickoff Photographer Hayden Hite

This week, Sports Director Emily Cochran and Robert Ristaneo are breaking down the starting quarterbacks in class 2A and 1A.

Is Jace Sellers the best quarterback in 1A? Will Jayden Collins take another big step for Chickasaw? They break it all down.

Then, Big Friday Kickoff Photographer Hayden Hite joins the show to say goodbye. Hayden is following his dream of becoming a pilot so they talk about some of their favorite memories during his time with FOX10.