The 2026 high school football season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Bibb County, as the Choctaws navigate a freshly minted schedule after the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s public‑private reclassification. For the first time in years the team will step onto the field against a slate of unfamiliar rivals, a shift that has sparked both curiosity and a degree of apprehension among players and staff.
A Realignment That Demands Adaptation
The AHSAA’s decision to separate public and private institutions for postseason competition was framed as a move to preserve competitive balance, but its ripple effects are being felt across the state’s smaller programs. For Coach Matt Geohagen, who also serves on the AHSAA Board of Control and helped vote on the split, the change is both a professional and personal milestone.
Geohagen expressed a mixture of disappointment and resolve, acknowledging that the new region will strip away traditional matchups with local foes such as American Christian and Holt. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” he said, “but the board agreed it was necessary to keep the postseason fair for everyone.”
The Choctaws will now meet new region opponents — Cordova, Corner, Fultondale, and Hale County — each bringing a different style of play that forces the team to broaden its preparation toolkit.
Senior quarterback Brayden Cash, who threw for over 2,000 yards last year, remains focused on the fundamentals. “Our preparation doesn’t change just because the opponents do,” he noted, emphasizing that the squad will lean on the lessons from a 7‑4 campaign that featured several narrow defeats.
Those close losses have become a source of motivation, with the coaching staff urging the players to translate frustration into fuel. “We’re not just looking to win games; we want to build a culture of effort, physicality and discipline,” Geohagen added, outlining the three pillars that will guide the team’s daily workouts.
As the preseason progresses, the Choctaws are already seeing the benefits of a unified approach. The blend of veteran leadership from Cash and the fresh perspective of new rivals promises a season that could redefine Bibb County’s identity on the gridiron.