Alabama’s fingerprints are all over Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship—and not just in the stands. Four officials on the SEC crew calling the game have deep roots in the Heart of Dixie, including two former Crimson Tide players.
At the helm is Steve Marlowe, a Sylacauga native and Alabama graduate, making his debut as head referee in a CFP title game. Known for steady leadership, Marlowe has already handled marquee matchups like the SEC Championship and the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal.
Then there’s Brent Sowell, who once stood tall on Alabama’s offensive line under coaching legends Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ray Perkins. Sowell’s career didn’t stop in Tuscaloosa; he took his talents to the NFL, suiting up for the Dolphins, Bears, and Buccaneers.
Phillip Davenport, a lifelong Jasper resident and Wallace State graduate, brings his Alabama pride to the field as a seasoned field judge. And waiting in the wings is David Smith, a name Tide fans know well. The former starting quarterback from the late ’80s is serving as the alternate official, ready to step in if needed.
With these four Alabamians on the field, the game has an unmistakable Crimson Tide flavor—even beyond the action between the hash marks.
Leave a Reply