By Jeff Devine
The high school football playoff picture is officially set across the Wiregrass — and Dale County schools are taking center stage. A total of 15 area programs from the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), along with one from the AISA, have earned postseason berths. The first round kicks off November 6–7, launching the chase for state championships across Alabama.
Dale County schools have made their mark this fall, with several standout seasons and a trio of championship runs that highlight the region’s strength on the gridiron.
Three local powerhouses claimed region titles:
🏆 Dale County (Class 4A) — back-to-back region champions
🏆 Cottonwood (Class 2A) — third straight region crown
🏆 Abbeville Christian (AISA) — first region title since 2015
Here’s how the Wiregrass playoff field lines up heading into the postseason:
Class 5A, Region 2: Charles Henderson (3rd), Eufaula (4th)
Class 4A, Region 2: Dale County (1st), Opp (2nd), Ashford (3rd), Pike County (4th)
Class 3A, Region 2: Wicksburg (3rd), Houston Academy (4th)
Class 2A, Region 2: Cottonwood (1st), Ariton (2nd), G.W. Long (3rd), Providence Christian (4th)
Class 2A, Region 3: Goshen (2nd), Zion Chapel (4th)
Class 1A, Region 2: Elba (4th)
AISA, Class AA, Region 1: Abbeville Christian (1st)
📅 Thursday Night Lineup – Regular Season Finales:
• Enterprise at Choctawhatchee (FL)
• Headland at Rehobeth
• Pike Road at Charles Henderson
• Early County (GA) at Eufaula
• G.W. Long at Geneva
• Samson at Northside Methodist
• Slocomb at Geneva County
• AISA: Chambers Academy at Abbeville Christian
As the regular season comes to a close, here’s how high school football programs in Dale County — and a few neighboring teams — fared last week as they prepare for the postseason ahead.
Standings after Last Week’s Games
Ariton Purple Cats (7–1)
The Ariton Purple Cats are riding into the playoffs on a hot streak after a 35–24 victory over Geneva County. The offense piled up 394 total yards, led by senior running back Wells Ganey, who rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns. With the win, Ariton improved to 7–1 and will host Brantley in their regular-season finale Friday at 7 p.m. before taking on Washington County in the first round of the 2A playoffs.
Ariton Head Football Coach Steven Kilcrease praised his team’s focus and work ethic, telling the Dale County Chronicle, “We had a great year with a really good team of players. Once we get to the playoffs, we will have a clean slate. Washington has a good team, so we will face a challenge. We just have to continue working hard and improving each week and getting better.”
Long falls to Cottonwood Bears
The Cottonwood Bears continued their run of dominance by clinching their third straight Class 2A, Region 2 championship with a 34–26 win over G.W. Long. The game was sealed by Ty Booker’s clutch first down on a late-game fake punt, lifting Cottonwood to 6–3–1 overall and 6–1 in region play. The Bears are off this week and will host Chickasaw in the first round of the playoffs next Friday.
Dale County Warriors (8–1)
The Dale County Warriors have been the class of Class 4A, Region 2, securing back-to-back region titles with a balanced attack and strong defense. Though they wrapped up their regular season earlier this month, the Warriors enter the postseason as one of the most complete teams in the Wiregrass. Dale County will host its first-round playoff game next week, looking to build on another stellar campaign under Head Coach Don Moore.
G.W. Long Rebels (5–4)
The G.W. Long Rebels fought hard against Cottonwood but fell short, 34–26, in a thrilling contest that secured the region title for the Bears. Despite the loss, Long remains firmly in playoff contention, finishing third in Region 2. The Rebels will travel to Geneva Friday night for their regular-season finale before heading to J.U. Blacksher in the first round of the state playoffs.
Carroll High Eagles (1–9)
The Carroll Eagles ended their season with a 41–8 loss to Headland, despite a bright spot from Jeremiah Hairston, who scored the team’s only touchdown early in the game. The Eagles, who finished 1–9, will regroup and refocus during the offseason with hopes of returning stronger next fall.
Daleville Warhawks (2–8)
The Daleville Warhawks were overpowered by Ashford, 42–6, in last week’s matchup. Daleville found the end zone late to avoid a shutout and sits at 2–8 heading into their final game of the season Friday night on the road at Luverne. Though not playoff-bound, the Warhawks have shown flashes of progress in a rebuilding season.
With multiple Dale County programs advancing — and several others within striking distance — this postseason promises plenty of excitement for local fans. From Ariton’s explosive offense to Dale County’s defensive dominance and Cottonwood’s championship pedigree, the Wiregrass once again proves that small-town football packs plenty of big-time energy.
The road to the state championships officially begins next Friday night, and for teams across Dale County, the message is clear: the slate is clean, the stakes are high, and the dream of hoisting that blue map is still alive. 🏆🔥
