With just 50 days left until the first high school football kickoff in Tuscaloosa, The Tuscaloosa News has launched a series titled “50 Questions” that frames the narrative for the 2026 season.
Rivalries and Regional Realities
The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s public‑private postseason split is reshaping the path to a championship, giving programs such as American Christian and Tuscaloosa Academy a clearer route to the title game.
In Class 5A, Region 3, five Tuscaloosa‑area teams compete for a handful of playoff berths, meaning every head‑to‑head matchup carries extra weight in determining who advances.
Some schools face logistical hurdles. Gordo must protect long‑standing non‑region rivalries while navigating a shortage of nearby opponents, while Hillcrest looks to rebound from a 1‑9 season after swapping Spain Park into its region schedule.
Northside set a benchmark in 2025 with its first undefeated campaign in school history, establishing a standard that other programs aim to match.
Key storylines revolve around individual players who will shape the on‑field drama. Isaiah Bennett, who set a school record with 2,030 rushing yards last season, hopes to become Sipsey Valley’s first back‑to‑back 1,000‑yard rusher.
Jacobi Harris, a sophomore who amassed nearly 1,100 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns, aims to build on his breakout performance.
Henry Guthrie will anchor the defense for American Christian, having posted 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks as a junior.
Jordan Shambley, a UAB football commit, will close out his Hillcrest career after throwing for 1,743 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025.
Jeremiah Beverly, another Hillcrest standout, is poised for a final dominant season before joining the Alabama football program.
Blaine Bowen, who set Winfield’s record with 44 total touchdowns, hopes to eclipse his own benchmark in his senior year.
JohnWil Spruiel will carry Sulligent’s offense, having contributed over 2,100 yards and excelled on three phases last season.
Sawyer Summerlin aims to lead the Tuscaloosa area in tackles after recording 137 as a junior, while Tra’Von Hall looks to extend his 1,000‑yard all‑purpose season before heading to Ole Miss.
At Hubbertville, senior two‑way stars Kane Rushing and Cole Brand will see their final campaigns, adding depth to a team that hopes to push past the third round of the Class 2A playoffs.
The excitement is palpable as the community anticipates matchups, rivalries, and the chance for local teams to finally break through to the Super 7 in Birmingham, a stage they narrowly missed in 2025.