BY DANIEL SCHMIDT
THE OBSERVER
EAST ALABAMA — Several of America’s best high school football teams are located in East Alabama, according to one of the nation’s most prestigious high school football publications.
High School Football America included Central High School, Auburn High School and Opelika High School in its 2026 Preseason HSFA 300 national high school football rankings list, with all included in the top-170.
Phenix City Central High School
The Red Devils are ranked No. 49, the highest ranking among the trio of 6A Region 2 teams. CHS returns numerous highly-touted players, including University of Miami offensive line commit Jatori Williams and Georgia State University quarterback commit Bobby Coleman Jr.
After going 11-1 before the Class 7A semifinals last season, the Red Devils lost a 35-34 heartbreaker to eventual state champions Thompson High School at home in the pivotal matchup before the title game.
With Cody Jackson now at the helm after former head coach Patrick Nix resigned this past offseason, CHS must quickly adapt to his coaching style and system to live up to its lofty ranking.
Auburn High School
The Tigers come in at No. 156 overall, spearheaded by the potent offensive duo of University of Arkansas quarterback commit Cason Myers and East Carolina University wide receiver commit Ja’Quez Johnson.
AHS will look to prove itself after losing 31-28 to OHS in the Class 7A semifinals. Despite losing multiple Division I players along both lines of scrimmage, the Tigers have proven talent and production returning at key positions.
Head coach Keith Etheredge and his veteran coaching staff also begin their sixth season at the helm with a consistent, winning culture well established.
Opelika High School
Not far behind their bitter crosstown rivals, the Bulldogs sit at No. 161. The defensive core of Syracuse University cornerback commit Jamel Griffin and Appalachian State University linebacker commit Tre’ Stone leads the way.
OHS enters the 2026 season with plenty of momentum after making a shock appearance in the Class 7A state championship game, where they lost 48-10 to THS.
After former head coach Bryan Moore resigned this past December, Bulldogs alumnus Jonathan Chandler has injected fresh wind into the program’s sails.
In total, nine teams from Alabama were included in the poll. Those other teams include THS at No. 16, Clay-Chalkville High School at No. 45, Saraland High School at No. 140, Hewitt-Trussville High School at No. 153, Hoover High School at No. 166 and Vestavia Hills High School at No. 170.
OHS will take on CHS at Bulldog Stadium on Sept. 11, while CHS will host AHS at Garrett-Harrison Stadium on Sept. 18. AHS and OHS will then meet in the rivalry’s 102nd edition at Duck Samford Stadium on Oct. 2.
