Image Source: AL.com
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has made a significant change to its championship structure by establishing two distinct divisions for private schools, set to take effect in 2026. This decision reflects an ongoing effort to create balanced competition among schools of differing enrollment sizes and resources.
Understanding the New Structure
Beginning in the 2026 season, private schools will compete separately from public schools in Alabama high school football, marking a historic shift in the state’s sports landscape. The AHSAA’s Central Board has voted to reorganize private school teams into two divisions: Class AA and Class A, aligning with the ongoing dialogues about the competitive equity in high school sports.
Class AA Division Breakdown
The Class AA division will consist of two regions. This consolidation aims to streamline the competition among private schools, enhancing rivalries and increasing the excitement of the championship matches:
- Region 1:
- Faith Academy
- Glenwood
- Houston Academy
- McGill-Toolen
- Montgomery Catholic
- St. Michael
- St. Paul’s
- UMS-Wright
- Region 2:
- American Christian
- Briarwood
- John Carroll
- Lee-Scott
- Madison Academy
- Randolph
- St. John Paul II
- Westminster Christian
Class A Division Breakdown
In contrast, the Class A division will be divided into four regions, allowing for more teams to engage in competitive play:
- Region 1:
- Bayshore Christian
- Bayside Academy
- Cottage Hills
- Mobile Christian
- Northside Methodist
- Providence Christian
- St. Luke’s
- Region 2:
- Alabama Christian
- Fort Dale
- Pike Liberal Arts
- Prattville Christian
- Saint James
- Montgomery Academy
- Trinity
- Region 3:
- Autauga Academy
- Ellwood Christian
- Holy Spirit
- Pickens Academy
- Donoho
- Tuscaloosa Academy
- Victory Christian
- Region 4:
- Coosa Christian
- Decatur Heritage
- Lindsay Lane
- Mars Hill Bible
- Shoals Christian
- Westbrook Christian
- Whitesburg Christian
Why the Change?
This decision by the AHSAA has been generally received positively, especially among private schools that felt they required a more balanced competitive platform. The introduction of these divisions is intended to foster an environment where schools compete against similarly constituted teams, potentially enhancing the overall quality and excitement of high school football in Alabama.
Moving toward a separate championship format for private schools reflects wider trends in sports governance, where associations aim to promote equitable competition. As reported by AHSAA, more than 30% of private schools will benefit from this restructuring, which may set a precedent for other states and their athletic associations.
What’s Next?
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the AHSAA and its member schools to see how these changes play out in real-time competitions. With reclassification set to affect various classes—1A through 6A—the dynamics of high school sports in Alabama are poised for significant shifts.
Conclusion
The AHSAA’s decision to split private schools into the newly formed Class AA and Class A divisions represents an official recognition of the unique challenges that private institutions face in competitive sports. It also underscores a commitment to fostering fair play and competitive integrity across Alabama high school athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the AHSAA to create separate divisions for private schools?
The AHSAA aimed to ensure a level playing field among schools after acknowledging that private institutions often have different resources and student populations compared to public schools.
When will these changes take effect?
The new divisions will be implemented starting in the 2026 high school football season.
How will this affect the current championship format?
The championship structure will now separate public and private schools, which will compete independently in their respective divisions.
Is this move common in high school sports?
Yes, several states have adopted similar structures to address competitive equity among schools, making adjustments to their classification systems.
What teams will be in the new divisions?
The divisions include various private institutions, which have been categorized into regions that promote competitive play.
