The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Super 7 football championships are set to take place in Birmingham, bringing together top teams for three days of intense competition. Games will run from Wednesday, December 3, through Friday, December 5, at Protective Stadium. This year features several returning champions and a few fresh faces, promising an exciting conclusion to the season.
Key Takeaways
- The AHSAA Super 7 championships will be held December 3-5 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
- Anniston makes its first state championship appearance in over 30 years.
- Defending champions Thompson (7A), Jackson (4A), Mars Hill Bible (3A), and Wadley (1A) are all returning.
- Moody High School has a chance to win both boys' football and girls' flag football titles.
- The Class 6A championship features a highly anticipated rematch between Saraland and Clay-Chalkville.
Anniston Returns After Decades
One of the most notable stories this year is the return of the Anniston Bulldogs to the state championship stage. It has been more than three decades since Anniston last played for a state football title. Their last victory was in 1994, a 16-14 win over Shades Valley in the Class 6A championship. That year, the Bulldogs attempted only nine passes, showcasing a dominant ground game.
Anniston's presence in the Super 7 is a refreshing change amidst many familiar contenders. They enter the Class 4A championship game with an undefeated 14-0 record, facing off against Jackson, who holds a 12-2 record. This matchup is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m.
Did You Know?
Anniston's last state football championship appearance was 30 years ago, in 1994, when they won the Class 6A title.
Defending Champions and Familiar Faces
Many teams competing in this year's Super 7 are no strangers to the championship atmosphere. Defending champions Thompson (Class 7A), Jackson (Class 4A), Mars Hill Bible (Class 3A), and Wadley (Class 1A) have all successfully navigated the playoffs to return to Birmingham. Three other teams that were runners-up in 2024 are also back, highlighting consistent program strength.
The Class 1A title game is a direct rematch of the 2024 championship, with Maplesville (14-0) once again facing Wadley (13-0). This demonstrates the enduring rivalries and competitive balance at the top tiers of Alabama high school football.
"Playoff pedigree matters," one observer noted, emphasizing the consistent success of these programs.
Tournament Overview
The AHSAA Super 7 is the culmination of the high school football season, bringing together champions from various classifications to compete for state titles. The event is a major highlight on the state's sports calendar, drawing thousands of fans.
Road Teams Dominate Semifinals
The semifinal round saw a surprising trend: a majority of road teams emerged victorious. Seven out of 12 road teams won their respective games last Friday. This included five of the six teams in Classes 4A, 5A, and 6A.
Notable road winners included Clay-Chalkville in Class 6A, Vigor and Moody in Class 5A, Jackson and Anniston in Class 4A, Coosa Christian in Class 2A, and Wadley in Class 1A. This pattern suggests a high level of parity and resilience among this year's championship contenders.
The ability to win on the road under pressure is a strong indicator of a team's mental toughness and preparation. These victories set the stage for compelling championship matchups.
Moody's Double Championship Bid
Moody High School has a unique opportunity this year, competing for two state titles. The Blue Devils are in the Class 5A football championship, where they will face Vigor. Last year, Moody finished as the Class 5A runner-up, losing a close 17-14 game to Montgomery Catholic.
Beyond boys' football, Moody's girls' flag football team is also in the Class 1A-5A flag final, facing Montgomery Catholic. This gives Moody the chance to win both boys' and girls' football titles in the same season, a feat accomplished by Central-Phenix City in 2023.
Moody's Opportunity
Moody High School is vying for both the Class 5A football championship and the Class 1A-5A girls' flag football championship, a rare double opportunity.
Flag Football Showdown and Marquee Matchups
The flag football championships kick off the Super 7 events. In the Class 6A-7A flag final, Central-Phenix City will put its impressive 57-game winning streak on the line against Vestavia Hills, which has won 28 consecutive games. One of these remarkable streaks will continue, while the other will come to an end.
Among the traditional football games, the Class 6A championship between Saraland (13-0) and Clay-Chalkville (14-0) is highly anticipated. These two teams have a history of playing classic championship games:
- In 2014, Clay-Chalkville won 36-31 with a late 47-yard touchdown run.
- In 2023, Clay-Chalkville held on for a 31-28 victory, stopping Saraland at the 2-yard line on the final play.
Many expected this rematch last year, but Parker spoiled the party by winning the 6A title after Muscle Shoals eliminated Clay-Chalkville in the second round. This year, the stage is set for another memorable contest between these two powerhouse programs.
Super 7 Schedule at Protective Stadium
Here is the full schedule for the championship games:
Wednesday, December 3
- 11 a.m.: Class 1A/5A Flag Championship: Moody (21-3) vs. Montgomery Catholic (21-4)
- 3 p.m.: Class 6A/7A Flag Championship: Vestavia Hills (28-1) vs. Central-Phenix City (19-0)
- 7 p.m.: Class 7A Championship: Thompson (10-3) vs. Opelika (10-3)
Thursday, December 4
- 11 a.m.: Class 3A Championship: Mars Hill Bible (14-0) vs. Bayside Academy (13-1)
- 3 p.m.: Class 1A Championship: Maplesville (14-0) vs. Wadley (13-0)
- 7 p.m.: Class 5A Championship: Vigor (12-2) vs. Moody (12-2)
Friday, December 5
- 11 a.m.: Class 4A Championship: Jackson (12-2) vs. Anniston (14-0)
- 3 p.m.: Class 2A Championship: Lanett (12-2) vs. Coosa Christian (12-2)
- 7 p.m.: Class 6A Championship: Saraland (13-0) vs. Clay-Chalkville (14-0)
The countdown to the Super 7 has begun, promising a weekend full of high-stakes football and memorable moments for Alabama high school sports fans.