By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
Several standout football players from Dale County and the surrounding Wiregrass area were recognized by the Alabama Sports Writers Association with All-State honors following the 2025 season, highlighting another strong year for local high school football.
Ariton Leads Local First-Team Selections
Ariton High School placed two players on the Class 2A first team, continuing the Purple Cats’ tradition of producing elite talent.
Senior defensive lineman Gabe Jones earned first-team honors after a dominant season that included 121 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, and six sacks, anchoring the Ariton defense. Junior Addison Senn was also named first team as a punter, averaging 48.8 yards per punt on the season.
Ariton added another all-state honor on the second team, as senior linebacker Wells Ganey was recognized after recording 84 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
Dale County and G.W. Long Recognized
Dale County High School senior Junior Smith was named Class 4A second-team all-state on the defensive line. Smith had a disruptive season, finishing with 43 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 17 quarterback pressures, while also forcing six fumbles, recovering three, and scoring twice on defense. Smith was also recently named to the Stallworth Christmas Invitational All-Tournament Team.
At G.W. Long, junior athlete Preston Williams earned Class 2A second-team honors after contributing on both sides of the ball. Williams rushed for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns, caught 13 passes for 202 yards and three scores, threw for four touchdowns, and added 36 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
Strong Showings Across the Wiregrass
Other Wiregrass schools also had players recognized, including Abbeville Christian, which enjoyed a breakthrough season capped by a state championship. The Generals placed five players on the AISA first team and had their head coach named AISA Coach of the Year after guiding the program to a 12-1 record.
Nearby schools such as Enterprise, Dothan, Goshen, Eufaula, Pike Liberal Arts, Cottonwood, Providence Christian, Geneva County, and Opp also saw players earn first-team, second-team, or honorable mention honors, underscoring the depth of football talent across the region
Local Talent Continues to Shine
From dominant defensive performances to explosive offensive playmakers, Dale County and Wiregrass athletes once again proved they belong among the state’s best. With several underclassmen earning recognition, area programs appear well-positioned for continued success in the seasons ahead.
