There is an understanding between Prattville defensive backs Ricardo Bates and William Albert.

It extends beyond the playing field. Friends since childhood, the two can usually be found hanging out together. Where one goes, the other is usually near.

On game night, it's a little different. The two seniors are still ready to back each other up, but the "Dirty Boys" try to give each other room to work.

"We're always pointing at each other, like 'Hey Cardo, you handle that side, I got this side,'" Albert said. "If he's on one side of the field, I want to be on the other side. That way, we can help the younger defensive backs.

"I know I can rely on Ricardo. He's my best friend. We're the 'Dirty Boys.'"

The moniker is not an indication of their style of play. Instead, the nickname comes from the initials for defensive back.

"It's just what people started calling us because we're DBs," Albert said.

Bates and Albert will help lead the Lions (14-0) against Hoover (13-1) in the 6A state championship at Birmingham's Legion Field on Saturday.

The two have patrolled the Prattville secondary with the confidence that comes from a three-year starter (Bates) and a two-year starter (Albert).

"With two new starters in the secondary, we knew it was up to us to set the tone this year," Bates said. "We knew they would feed off of our energy. We knew we had to be examples and make plays."

This season, the two have combined for 149 tackles and 10 interceptions. Bates is the team's second-leading tackler with 94 stops. He also has five interceptions and a sack. He showed his versatility in a win over Selma, recording seven tackles, a sack and an interception.

"Ricardo has always been a good cover guy, but now he's become more physical and is a great tackler," Prattville head coach Bill Clark said of Bates, who plays safety but also becomes an extra linebacker in certain situations. "He gets us lined up and knows the checks. He doesn't put himself in bad positions too many times."

Defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Duwan Walker said the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Bates' athletic ability can't be questioned. Walker said what sets Bates apart is "his mind for the game."

"He's one of the leaders on the field, a guy that challenges the others," Walker said. "At the same time, he's such a smart kid. He takes advanced classes and is crazy about his grades.

"That carries over out here. He knows the game, he studies it and he asks questions. So, when it's game-time, he doesn't make many mistakes."

Bates has yet to commit to a college but plans to "play somewhere" next season.

"We've had several colleges in here wanting to see film of him," Walker said. "He's had a few offers, and I believe he will have more offers in the near future. He's got a bright future in front of him."

Before he makes a decision about college, Bates wants to concentrate on one more game. He said the "excitement is building" as Saturday's game with the four-time defending state champions approaches. Hoover defeated Prattville 22-7 in 2004 in the championship game.

"Going back is a good way to finish your high school career," Bates said. "We're not satisfied yet, not by any stretch of the imagination. We've got a tough opponent in Hoover. We know what they're capable of, and we know what we're capable of. This season has been all I wanted it to be, but it won't be complete unless we finish it up on Saturday."