AHSAA Finalizes Football Championship Schedule in Mobile

New 5-day format to accommodate 12 state title games in December

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a high school football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team's official colors.The AHSAA's new five-day football championship format in Mobile promises an immersive, geometric celebration of the state's top high school gridiron talent.Mobile Today

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has approved a new format for the state football championships, which will now be held over five days in December at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The schedule includes 12 total championship games, with four flag football games on Tuesday, two private school games on Wednesday, and two public school games each day from Thursday through Saturday.

Why it matters

The changes were necessitated by the separation of championship pathways for private and public schools, allowing more teams to compete for state titles. The new format and location in Mobile are expected to provide a more robust championship experience for players, coaches, and fans.

The details

Under the new format, Tuesday, Dec. 1 will feature all four flag football games, with start times at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Wednesday will have the private school Single A game at 11 a.m. and the private school Double A game at 7 p.m. Public school championships will begin on Thursday with Class 1A at 11 a.m. and Class 4A at 7 p.m. Friday will see Class 2A at 11 a.m. and Class 5A at 7 p.m. The final day on Saturday, Dec. 5 will have the Class 3A championship at 11 a.m. and the 6A title game at 7 p.m.

  • The AHSAA Central Board approved the changes on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The football championships will take place from Tuesday, December 1 through Saturday, December 5, 2026.

The players

Heath Harmon

Executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Danny Corte

Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority, which was instrumental in attracting the event to the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it's going to be a great week. The way we've got the games scheduled I think it's going to be something people are going to enjoy.”

— Heath Harmon, Executive Director, Alabama High School Athletic Association

“The schedule sets up very nicely for the expanded championship playoffs. The 11 and 7 kickoffs really work well logistically for getting fans in and out.”

— Danny Corte, Executive Director, Mobile Sports Authority

What’s next

The AHSAA will work with the Mobile Sports Authority to finalize all logistics and preparations for the 2026 football championships in December.

The takeaway

The AHSAA's new format and location for the state football championships in Mobile will provide an enhanced championship experience, accommodate more teams, and showcase the state's top high school talent in a premier venue.