The 2026 Kickoff Classic, now in its twentieth year, will take place at Garrett-Harrison Stadium in Phenix City, Alabama, bringing together some of the state’s most celebrated high school football programs. The event is televised statewide via the AHSAA TV Network and Alabama Public Television, with additional coverage on the NFHS Network, marking a major broadcast milestone for high school sports in the region.
Star Power on Display
The boys’ football matchup pits Thompson against the Red Devils of Central-Phenix City, while the flag‑football game features Central-Phenix City against Montgomery Catholic, a program that finished the 2025 season with a 22‑5 record. Both contests promise high‑stakes competition and a showcase of talent that has drawn attention from coaches, players, and fans across Alabama.
Thompson’s quarterback Trent Seaborn holds the state’s all‑time passing yards record with 10,145 yards and has led his team to four straight championship appearances. His performance adds a compelling narrative to the Classic, as spectators anticipate whether he can extend his record in what may be his final high school game.
The Red Devils, coached by Cody Flournoy, have a storied history of success, boasting three state championships in 1993, 2018, and 2023. Their recent dominance has made them a perennial threat, and the upcoming game is expected to be a litmus test for their title defense.
Montgomery Catholic, led by head coach Whitney Toole, has appeared in three state championship games over the past three years, underscoring the program’s consistency and ambition. The team’s strong 2025 campaign sets the stage for another deep run in the upcoming flag‑football contest.
Defensive standouts such as Thompson’s Cam Pritchett, who has recorded 36 career tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks despite often being double‑teamed, and Central-Phenix City’s wide receiver Braylen Averett, a MaxPreps Freshman All‑American with over 1,000 receiving yards last season, are expected to play pivotal roles.
Beyond the on‑field storylines, the Classic marks a symbolic homecoming for Central-Phenix City, as the stadium will host the event for the first time since the team relocated from the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. This return to their current home venue adds an emotional layer to the festivities, reinforcing community pride and the event’s growing significance.