Dale County Teams Ready for Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Playoff Action
By Jeff Devine – Dale County Chronicle
For many around here, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. I’m talking about the Alabama high school football playoffs, of course!
The 2025 postseason marks the 60th anniversary of the AHSAA State Football Playoffs, with 208 teams across seven classifications beginning the march to the Super 7 Championships. Games will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 7, and a large percentage of the schools in the area will go on to represent Dale County in the first round of the playoffs.
Three Dale County football programs — Ariton, G.W. Long, and Dale County High School — are set to represent the area as the 2025 AHSAA State Football Playoffs begin Friday, November 7. The local teams enter postseason play after strong regular seasons, each earning a shot to advance toward the Super 7 Championships in December.
Ariton Purple Cats Host Washington County
The Ariton Purple Cats (8–2) secured the No. 2 seed in Class 2A, Region 2, after another consistent and physical season under head coach Steven Kilcrease. Ariton will host Washington County (6–4) in the first round.
The Purple Cats’ balanced attack has been anchored by standout quarterback play and a disciplined defense that has limited opponents to fewer than 14 points in five of their last six games. In fact, Ariton was undefeated for nearly the entire season before narrowly losing games to . Ariton’s offense has shown versatility all season, with several explosive plays coming from its backfield and receiving corps.
Ariton will look to continue its recent postseason success, as the Purple Cats have reached at least the second round of the playoffs in four of the past five seasons.
G.W. Long Rebels Hit the Road for J.U. Blacksher
The G.W. Long Rebels (6–4) finished third in Region 2 and will travel to J.U. Blacksher (8–2) for their Class 2A first-round matchup.
The Rebels’ offense has been paced by strong play from their running game and quarterback efficiency, while defensively, G.W. Long has excelled at creating turnovers and limiting big plays. Despite a few close losses this season, the Rebels have built momentum late, including key wins that helped secure their playoff berth.
This trip marks G.W. Long’s latest chapter in a storied postseason tradition. The Rebels will aim to pull off a road upset to advance to the second round.
Dale County Warriors Host Mobile Christian
The Dale County Warriors (7–2) claimed the Region 2 championship in Class 4A, earning home-field advantage for their first-round contest against Mobile Christian (6–3).
The Warriors have relied on a dominant running game and a hard-hitting defense that has shut down several high-scoring opponents. Led by a veteran senior class, Dale County has put together one of its best seasons in recent years and looks poised to make a deep playoff run.
Mobile Christian, a perennial contender from the Mobile area, brings playoff experience and speed to the matchup, setting up one of the more intriguing 4A first-round games in the state.
