Fri Jan 23 15:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: AHSAA Votes to Split Championship Play Between Public and Private Schools, Shaking Up DeKalb County Football Landscape

The Story:

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control has voted 13-2 to split championship play between public and private schools, effective with the 2026-28 reclassification. This decision creates separate championship brackets for public and private schools and is already causing ripples throughout the state. In DeKalb County, the reclassification is significantly altering the football landscape, with teams shifting classes and regions.

The reclassification impacts several teams in DeKalb County. Fort Payne Wildcats have dropped from 6A to 5A, Crossville Lions will resume varsity football in fall 2026 in Class 4A Region 8, and Plainview Bears, Geraldine Bulldogs, and Sylvania Rams return to Class 3A Region 8. Fyffe Red Devils are now in Class 2A, and Valley Head Tigers will remain in Class 1A Region 8. Football coaches across the county are now scrambling to adjust their schedules for the upcoming seasons.

Key Points:

  • The AHSAA Central Board of Control voted 13-2 to split championship play between public and private schools.
  • The split goes into effect with the 2026-28 reclassification.
  • The reclassification will have six public school classes and two private school classes.
  • Fort Payne Wildcats dropped from 6A to 5A.
  • Crossville Lions will resume varsity football in fall 2026 in Class 4A.
  • Plainview Bears, Geraldine Bulldogs, and the Sylvania Rams will compete in 3A Region 8.
  • Fyffe Red Devils are back in Class 2A.
  • Valley Head Tigers will remain in Class 1A Region 8.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AHSAA’s decision to split public and private school championships represents a significant shift in Alabama high school athletics.
  • The reclassification will create new rivalries and competitive dynamics within each class and region.
  • Football coaches will need to quickly adapt their strategies and schedules to the new alignment.
  • The split aims to address concerns of competitive balance between public and private schools.
  • The impact of the split on overall athletic participation and school morale remains to be seen.

Impact Analysis:

The AHSAA’s decision to split championship play between public and private schools has several long-term implications:

  • Competitive Balance: The primary goal is to address perceived imbalances in competition between public and private schools, potentially leading to more equitable championship opportunities.
  • Resource Allocation: The split may influence resource allocation within schools, as athletic programs adjust to compete within their respective divisions. Private schools may have a higher amount of funding because they are not funded through local tax revenue.
  • Recruiting: The new structure may impact recruiting strategies, as coaches focus on attracting talent that fits within their school’s classification.
  • Community Identity: High school sports play a significant role in community identity. The split could shift community allegiances and create new rivalries based on the public/private divide.
  • Future Adjustments: The AHSAA will likely monitor the impact of the split and make adjustments to the classification system as needed, based on performance metrics and feedback from schools and communities.

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