Banks Academy was founded in 2015 and started its football program four years later, competing in 8-man competition.

Located in Birmingham’s East Lake district, the school is situated near its namesake, old Banks High School, which fielded football teams from 1959 until 1988. The Jets won Class 4A state championships — it was the largest AHSAA classification — in 1972 and 1973.

The new Jets moved into AISA AA competition in 2020, posting a 1-9 record before fielding competitive teams that finished 6-5 over the past two seasons.

They’ve proved more than competitive this season, playing for the AISA title on Thursday at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.

“When you think about this being just the fourth year of playing 2A football and just sixth year of having a program,” said Banks coach Jermaine Watson. “For us to be playing in the state championship game, it’s an accomplishment and we’re ecstatic about it.”

Ranked fifth by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, Banks (11-1) plays second-ranked Chambers Academy (11-1) at 4 p.m. AISA championships begin at 1 p.m. with Lowndes Academy (12-0) playing Wilcox Academy (10-3) in Class A action, followed by the AA game. Lee-Scott (10-1) takes on Glenwood (10-1) for the AAA title at 7.

The lone loss for Banks came to finalist opponent Chambers on Sept. 15. The Jets fell 67-18, but were missing several key defensive players in the contest. Banks has won eight straight since and the defense has been spectacular, allowing only 58 points during the streak, including two shutouts.

The Jets shut out Valiant Cross in their final regular season game and Macon East in the first round of playoffs and held Clarke Prep to three points last week.

Watson was the Banks defensive coordinator before being named head coach last season. He was also an assistant coach at Aliceville, Center Point, Woodlawn, Shades Valley, Parker and Huffman.

A good front seven leads the Jets defense, which is allowing 17.8 points a game.

Linebackers Artrell Cox (117 tackles, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles), Zaeylyn Samuel (67 tackles, 12 TFL, 7 sacks) and La’Javion Swanson (37 tackles, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 6 PBU) make stops while Ossie Thomas (58 tackles, 8 TFL, 13 sacks, interception, 2 forced fumbles, fumble recovery) anchors the line. John McGhee (35 tackles, 3 TFL, 9 sacks) and Jabary Gaston (36 tackles, 9 TFL, 6 sacks) are also strong on the front.

The last line of defense features Quenterius Chandler (59 tackles), Issac Smith (54 tackles, eight interceptions, 17 PBU), DJ Watson (28 tackles, four interceptions, 22 PBU) and Camadre Coleman (59 tackles, interception, 14 PBU).

The offense scores 38.7 points a game and the 64-3 win over Clarke Prep marked the most points ever scored in an AISA semifinal game.

Quarterback Gerrell Perry — he transferred from Center Point — has completed 113-of-153 passes for 2,801 yards and 34 touchdowns while running for 247 yards and three more touchdowns.

Receiver Issac Smith has a Tuskegee offer, catching 42 passes for 1,408 yards and 23 touchdowns while Watson has 22 catches for 602 yards and seven scores and Coleman has 25 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns.

The running game is led by Chandler with 53 carries for 684 yards and six touchdowns behind an offensive line that features McGhee, Charles Canady, Gaston and Kendrick Sturdivant.

“The kids have bought in here to what me and the staff have been preaching to them,” Watson said. “We’re happy about the opportunity ready to compete.”