Continuing to provide in-depth coverage of high school baseball in the state of AL, we introduce a new series beginning this week ranking the Top-10 Sweet 16 series in the Class 7A-1A Playoffs. Below you will find important information regarding these series, including classification ranking, 2023 record, times and locations, our predictions, and last week's results for all 10 of these series. Our staff will continue to be out covering numerous games this weekend throughout the state, and look forward to seeing how these series play out.

While all series in the Class 7A-1A Playoffs are important in their own regard, we thought it would be fun and interesting to take a stab at ranking these series from No. 1-No. 10 heading into this weekend. If you would like to find out more about every series in the Sweet 16, give a listen to Episode 52 of our podcast for full previews and predictions for this weekend's matchups across all seven classifications.

 

+ No. 1: 5A No. 2 Alexandria @ 5A No. 3 Arab

Fri., Apr. 28, 5 & 7:30 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, 1 p.m.) @ Arab HS (Arab, AL)

+ Alexandria Valley Cubs

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 2
2023 Record: 29-5
1st Round Result: Defeated Jasper (3-0, 15-5)

+ Arab Knights

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 3
2023 Record: 30-6
1st Round Result: Defeated Moody (6-3, 7-3)

+ We're still only in the second round of the playoffs in Class 5A, but this series already has the feel of being a Final Four or State Championship series with a clash of two Top-3 teams in the classification in the early rounds. It's pretty rare you get a matchup of this magnitude so early in the playoffs, but it feels like the winner of this matchup would have really good chance of making it out of the North in Class 5A. Ironically, both of teams were on the cusp of the No. 10 spot in our preseason poll before the season started with Alexandria getting the nod, but both Arab and Alexandria have continued to build very strong resumes over the course of the year and there's no arguing that they both have a real shot at hoisting the Blue Map in a wide-open Class 5A when it's all said and done. Both of these teams have really strong 1/2 punches on the mound with Alexandria roiling out RHP Andrew Allen (2024) and LHP Tripp Patterson (2024), and Arab likely countering RHP/OF Brody McCain (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023) and LHP/1B Blake Moon (Snead State CC, 2023). Alexandria has a really balanced offense attack with players like INF Seth Johnson (Shorter, 2023), OF Aaron Johnson (Shorter, 2023), OF Ian Cartwright (2024), C Aiden Brunner (2024), & 1B Samuel Henegar (2024) leading the way, while Arab can also generate tons of runs and are led by 3B/RHP Dakota NeSmith (Gadsden State CC, 2023), SS Drew Puccio (2025), C Weslee Staton (2023), DH JD Hall (2023), & others in their lineup. It is very close to find a pair of evenly matched teams that in this matchup, and is a big reason why we will be there from start to finish this weekend in what is sure to be an incredible playoff atmosphere. If you are in the area and are a fan of good baseball, Arab HS is certainly the place to be on Friday and Saturday.

Austin's Pick: Alexandria
David's Pick: Arab

 

+ No. 2: 6A No. 5 Mountain Brook @ 6A No. 1 Oxford

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30  & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, 1 p.m.) @ Choccolocco Park (Oxford, AL)

+ Mountain Brook Spartans

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 5
2023 Record: 22-10
1st Round Result: Defeated Buckhorn (3-0, 5-4)

+ Oxford Yellow Jackets

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 1
2023 Record: 31-6
1st Round Result: Defeated Center Point (10-0, 20-0)

+ There was still business to take care of in the first round in Class 6A, but this matchup has been one that we and certainly more people have had circled ever since the playoffs started. With both teams earning sweeps a week ago, the stage is now set for a heavyweight set between a pair of teams that have been ranked inside the Top-5 in Class 6A for the duration of the season. It will be hard to find a matchup this weekend that will roll out as much talent on the field on both sides than this series, with numerous players either signed or committed to Division 1 programs. Looking at Oxford, they've really taken the reigns of the No. 1 spot in Class 6A over the second half of the season and have not looked back. Surpassing the 30-win mark and winning another area championship, the Yellow Jackets have loads of talent across the board and are led by players like 3B/RHP Carter Johnson (Alabama, 2024), SS Sam Robertson (Auburn, 2023), SS/RHP Peyton Watts (Troy, 2023), 1B/LHP Hayes Harrison (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023), OF Nick Richardson (2025), RHP Drew McCormick (Jacksonville State, 2023), & many more up and down this roster. On the other side, Mountain Brook may not have as flashy of a record as Oxford possesses, but they come into this matchup playing their best baseball while riding 10-game winning streak. The Spartans certainly have just as much talent as well, with players like OF/LHP Gabe Young (Jacksonville State, 2023), OF/RHP John Robicheaux (Samford, 2024), 3B/RHP Caleb Barnett (Alabama, 2025), SS James Graphos (2024), OF/RHP Charlie Berryman (Snead State CC, 2023) SS Walker Allen (Snead State CC, 2023), OF Trent Wright (Pearl River CC, 2023), & a host of others leading the charge both at the plate and on the mound. This series should also go a long way in determining who makes it out of the North in Class 6A, but the road won't get any easier with the winner facing the winner of Hartselle/Minor. There's not much more you could ask for with two quality programs littered with talent playing at one of, if not the, best facilities in the state in Choccolocco Park. We can't wait to cover this series from start to finish this weekend.

Austin's Pick: Oxford
David's Pick: Oxford

 

+ No. 3: 4A No. 1 Bayside Academy @ 4A No. 3 Bibb County

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30  & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, noon) @ Bibb County HS (Centreville, AL)

+ Bayside Academy Admirals

Classification Ranking: Class 4A, No. 1
2023 Record: 20-8
1st Round Result: Defeated Handley (15-0, 9-3)

+ Bibb County Choctaws

Classification Ranking: Class 4A, No. 3
2023 Record: 24-9
1st Round Result: Defeated Slocomb (1-3, 10-0, 21-1)

+ From a pure rankings standpoint, this matchup also made a case to be even higher on the list, but ultimately comes in at No. 3. Bayside Academy and Bibb County are simply two programs that produce and win at any classification they are put in, and this year has been no different. Both teams obviously have real chances of hoisting the Blue Map in Class 4A in just a few short weeks in Oxford/Jacksonville, but one of these teams will unfortunately see their season come to a close at the end of this weekend. This series has the makings of being a thrilling matchup with both teams finishing inside the Top-3 in Class 4A and have continued to get better over the course of the regular season. There's tons of talent on both sides and numerous players that have signed or committed to play collegiate baseball and will definitely be a matchup to keep close tabs on this Friday and Saturday with weather pending. Bayside Academy debuted as the No. 2-ranked team in Class 4A at the beginning of the season and quickly rose to the top spot after just a few short weeks. Their pitching staff is really what seems to set them apart from their competition with multiple arms that have fastballs that can get into the upper-80's. RHP/INF Josh Gunther (Wake Forest, 2023) serves as their ace on the staff and can get into the low-90's with his fastball, while RHP/3B Carson Joyner (Louisiana-Monroe, 2024) and RHP Teague Broadhead (2024) are two more hard-throwing right-handers that have tossed meaningful innings this spring. SS/RHP Gatlin Pitts (Samford, 2024) is a catalyst and major run-producer for this lineup, and 1B/RHP Jake DeValk (South Alabama, 2023), C Cade Morris (2023), C Noah Cain (2026), & OF Tait Moore (2024) have all enjoyed solid seasons offensively. Bibb County has also continued to slide up the rankings in Class 4A after starting off at No. 6, and are coming off of a big series win over Slocomb where they were pushed to three games. RHP/OF Chris Billingsley (East Central CC, 2023) is as electric as they come on the mound using a fastball that has touched 94 mph this spring, and can also swing it in the middle of their order, as well. SS/RHP Matthew Cash (Jacksonville State, 2024) is another huge piece as a two-way player hitting in the three-hole offensively and throwing in Game 2 on the mound. Others players like C John Downs (2023), OF Ty Burkes (2024), & 1B Josh Partridge (2023) have all provided steady contributions this spring. Expect a really well-played, low-scoring series when this matchup gets kicked off in Centreville, AL this Friday.

Austin's Pick: Bibb County
David's Pick: Bayside Academy

 

+ No. 4: 7A No. 5 Vestavia Hills @ 7A No. 7 Sparkman

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30  & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, 1 p.m.) @ Sparkman HS (Harvest, AL)

+ Vestavia Hills Rebels

Classification Ranking: Class 7A, No. 5
2023 Record: 26-8
Area Result: Area 5 Runner-up

+ Sparkman Senators

Classification Ranking: Class 7A, No. 7
2023 Record: 25-13
Area Result: Area 7 Winner

+ With the playoffs starting in Class 7A this week, we've tabbed this matchup as the top series in the classification and are split in both of our picks. This will be another series taking place this weekend that will feature tons of talent on both sides and has a chance to be a thrilling matchup in Harvest, AL this weekend. Vestavia Hills has been as consistent as anyone in Class 7A staying right in the middle of the Top-10 poll and finishing the runner-up in the gauntlet of what Area 5 was this spring. The Rebels absolutely have a strong chance of once again making another deep playoff run throughout Class 7A after they saw their season end in the Final Four last spring. They returned a strong amount of experience and production from last year's team, and have also had some newer faces step into larger roles this spring and have produced at a high level. Offensively for Vestavia Hills, there are no easy outs 1-9 in their lineup and can beat you in a variety of ways with hitters who can leave the yard at any given moment and other players who use their athleticism to their advantage. C Hudson Walburn (Jacksonville State, 2023) and 1B/LHP Jackson Harris (Samford, 2023) are a pair of multi-year starters who hold down the middle of the order with other players like OF Christopher Johnston (Auburn, 2023), 3B John Paul Head (Alabama-Birmingham, 2024), INF Mason Perrigo (Duke, 2024), & SS Will Cox (2023) who have also enjoyed strong seasons this spring. On the mound, RHP Aiden Black (2023), RHP Ryan Vermillion (Jacksonville State, 2023), & LHP Barrett Harper (2023) are a trio of seniors who will throw big innings and are just a few of the arms that the Rebels will feature. Sparkman spent the majority of the first half of the season just outside the Top-10 in Class 7A, but have quickly risen to No. 7 in the last update after winning their area with relative ease. The Senators, just like Vestavia Hills, also feature a very balanced and deep offensive lineup with hitters that can bang the ball around the yard in the middle of the order. INF Nick Causey (2023) really sets the tone for their lineup and gets on base at a high rate for hitters like OF Jack Buening (Calhoun CC, 2023), 1B/RHP Carter Wells (Northeast Mississippi CC, 2023), INF/RHP Ryan Strachan (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023), INF Evan Nelson (2023), & others to drive him in. RHP/INF Jacob Haley (South Alabama, 2023) is another hitter that has played a big role in their offensive success, but now that he is back healthy on the bump, his impact there has been invaluable running his fastball up to 93 mph and gives the Senators another viable option in addition to Wells and Strachan. There's so much in this matchup that is intriguing and is a big reason why it's ranked at No. 4 on this list. It will be very entertaining to follow along and keep close tabs on who ends up coming out of this series when it is all said and done. 

Austin's Pick: Sparkman
David's Pick: Vestavia Hills

 

+ No. 5: 3A No. 4 Piedmont @ 3A No. 8 Decatur Heritage

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30  & 6:30 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, noon) @ Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (Decatur, AL)

+ Piedmont Bulldogs

Classification Ranking: Class 3A, No. 4
2023 Record: 23-7
1st Round Result: Defeated Colbert County (4-2, 12-2)

+ Decatur Heritage Eagles

Classification Ranking: Class 3A, No. 8
2023 Record: 17-12
1st Round Result: Defeated Brindlee Mountain (13-1, 18-1)

+ After taking business with relative ease in the first round last week, the matchup between Piedmont and Decatur Heritage has been set and is one of the more highly-anticipated series across the state of AL this weekend. Taking place at Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, this matchup features two teams who finished the regular season inside the Top-10. Starting off this season, both Piedmont and Decatur Heritage were both ranked at No. 1 and No. 4, respectively, in the preseason and stay inside the Top-10 for the majority of the season. While Piedmont, who comes in at No. 4, never fell out of the Top-5, Decatur Heritage struggled a bit in the middle part of the season and fell out of the Top-10 near spring break. They quickly found their groove shortly after and come into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams ranked at No. 8. Starting off with the Decatur Heritage, the Eagles have a deep stable of talented younger players, especially on the mound, that are already making big contributions this spring. RHP/OF Bryant Sparkman (2025), RHP Brady Wilson (2025), & RHP/OF Bo Mitchell (2023) are three sophomores who have led the way on the mound and all possess mid-to-upper-80's fastballs, while players like INF Bo Solley (Harding, 2023), INF/RHP Paxton Tarver (2025), INF/RHP Aiden Waldrep (2023), OF Jasper Miller (2023), & C Ford Sparkman (2026) have swung the bat well this season leading the offense. Moving over to Piedmont, the Bulldogs bring back tons of experience with players who know how to win after finishing as the runner-up to Trinity Presbyterian in Class 3A last spring. They are looking to avenge that loss and seem to be primed for another deep playoff run. C/RHP Jack Hayes (Snead State CC, 2023), OF Max Hanson (Snead State CC, 2023), & SS/RHP McClane Mohon (2024) are three big pieces to what they do offensively, while INF/RHP Sloan Smith (2023), OF/RHP Jake Austin (2023), & C/RHP Kale Austin (2025) have the ability to do damage in their order. LHP Brodie Homesley (2025) & LHP/1B Cole Wilson (2025) are just a couple of other arms the Bulldogs will roll out on the mound, as well. There is talent up and down both of these rosters and is sure to make for an exciting series in Class 3A this weekend.

Austin's Pick: Piedmont
David's Pick: Decatur Heritage

 

+ No. 6: 2A No. 1 Bayshore Christian @ 2A No. 8 Pike Liberal Arts

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30  & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, 1 p.m.) @ Butch Austin Field (Troy, AL)

+ Bayshore Christian Eagles

Classification Ranking: Class 2A, No. 1
2023 Record: 21-4
1st Round Result: Defeated Ranburne (10-0, 14-0)

+ Pike Liberal Arts Patriots

Classification Ranking: Class 2A, No. 8
2023 Record: 20-10
1st Round Result: Defeated Cottonwood (0-1, 15-5, 9-2)

+ This matchup in Class 2A features a pair of teams with different backgrounds, but certainly have one thing in common, and that is that both programs know how to win on a consistent basis. It's very rare in the playoffs that you find a series, especially in the early rounds, where both teams are defending state champions, but that is what we will have this weekend in Troy, AL. Bayshore Christian is coming off of back-to-back Class 1A State Championships at the AHSAA level, while Pike Liberal Arts has been a powerhouse program in the AISA level winning four-consecutive Class AAA State Titles. With both teams experiencing their first year at the Class 2A level this spring, both have had tons of success and beaten some top-level competition in the process. Bayshore Christian will feature many players that have multi-year experience under their belt, including OF/LHP Cole Dean (2025), RHP/3B John Malone (Samford, 2023), INF Streed Crooms (Lurleen B. Wallace CC, 2023), INF/RHP Mikael Bryant (Huntingdon, 2023), & a bunch of others on the mound and at the plate. Pike Liberal Arts is coming off of a series where they were pushed to three games due to a rule violation in Game 1, but essentially won all three contests. The Patriots feature of steady combination of seniors, juniors, & sophomores that all contribute both at the plate and on the mound. SS/RHP KC Bradford (2023), RHP/INF Davis Kilcrease (2023), RHP/OF Levi DeBoer (2023), C John Lott (2024), LHP Will Rice (2024), & INF/RHP Payne Jefcoat (2024) are all upperclassmen that have enjoyed strong seasons this spring, while RHP/INF Kade Brookins (2025) & RHP/INF Luke Barron (2025) are a pair of sophomores that have made a sizable impact as two-way players at the varsity level. The winner of this matchup will go a long way in determining who makes it out of the South in Class 2A, and is certainly a series to keep close tabs on this weekend.

Austin's Pick: Bayshore Christian
David's Pick: Bayshore Christian

 

+ No. 7: 2A No. 2 GW Long @ 2A No. 7 Tuscaloosa Academy

Fri., Apr. 27, 4  & 6 p.m. (Game 3, Sat, Apr. 28, 1 p.m.) @ Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa, AL)

+ GW Long Rebels

Classification Ranking: Class 2A, No. 2
2023 Record: 23-8
1st Round Result: Defeated Thorsby (15-5, 16-0)

+ Tuscaloosa Academy Knights

Classification Ranking: Class 2A, No. 7
2023 Record: 25-4-1
1st Round Result: Defeated JU Blacksher (4-3, 13-2)

+ Similar to the previous series discussed between Bayshore Christian & Pike Liberal Arts, this matchup also features two programs that have consistently won at any level they have been classified in over the past decade. GW Long comes into this season winning three of the last four state titles in Class 2A including last year, while Tuscaloosa Academy boasts a very strong resume in their first year in AHSAA after competing at the AISA level in previous years. Both of these teams swept past their first mound matchups with relative ease at home, and sets up a very intriguing matchup that has been pushed back to Friday/Saturday due to weather in the forecast in the Tuscaloosa, AL area. Taking a look at GW Long, the Rebels have accumulated many state titles over the past couple decades in Class 2A and Class 1A and have a strong chance this year to repeat once again. GW Long is led at the plate and on the mound by players like C Hayes Horne (2023), INF Brody Walker (Enterprise State CC, 2023), 1B/RHP Cullis Kelly (2023), OF/RHP Tanner Johnston (2023), & others up and down this year's roster. Tuscaloosa Academy also has played really steady baseball all year long, and will look to get a huge series win playing at home. 3B Nicholas Evans (2024), SS/RHP Ellis Hamiter (2025), 1B/RHP Preston Lancaster (2025), 1B/RHP James Stanard (2024), & OF Mills Powell (2024) are players for the Knights that hit in the heart of their order and also pitch some big innings on the mound, as well. There's plenty to like when you look at this matchup, and is certainly another series to follow over the course of the weekend to see who advances to the Elite 8 in Class 2A.

Austin's Pick: GW Long
David's Pick: GW Long

 

+ No. 8: 4A No. 5 Geneva @ 4A No. 4 UMS-Wright

Fri., Apr. 28, 4  & 6:30 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, 1 p.m.) UMS-Wright Prep School (Mobile, AL)

+ Geneva Panthers

Classification Ranking: Class 4A, No. 5
2023 Record: 20-4
1st Round Result: Defeated Hale County (4-3, 2-7, 13-1)

+ UMS-Wright Bulldogs

Classification Ranking: Class 4A, No. 4
2023 Record: 21-11
1st Round Result: Defeated Munford (0-2, 6-2, 11-1)

+ This matchup taking place in Class 4A this week is the fourth and lone series that features both teams ranked inside the Top-5 in the most recent Class 7A-1A Poll. Both teams are coming off of series where they pushed to the limit in three games, but were able to overcome it and win the decisive Game 3 to advance to this round. Starting off with Geneva, the Panthers have been a pleasant surprise all year long in Class 4A after starting off the season ranked just outside the Top-10. Accumulating big wins over the course of the regular season, they quickly made their debut in the rankings and never fell out once they made their way in. Now at No. 5, the Panthers won a tough area in the Dothan area over teams like Slocomb, Andalusia, & Dale County to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Obviously with a 20-4 record, they are very talented and led by players like C Ryan Jackson (2023), OF Talan Johnson (2024), SS/RHP Reed Wilson (2023), INF Michael Moore (2024), & a host of others on their roster for contributions at the plate and on the mound. Switching teams and looking at UMS-Wright, the Bulldogs have been inside the Top-5 in Class 4A for the majority of the regular season and coming in at No. 4 in the final update. Finishing as the runner-up in their area, they traveled on the road in the first round and defeated Hale County in a three-game set to earn their Sweet 16 bid. INF/RHP Olin Ward (Northwest Florida CC, 2023), SS Logan Norris (2023), & OF Cole Blaylock (2023) are big pieces to their offensive success, while LHP Sutton Snypes (2023) and RHP Alex Sherman (2024) are two of the top arms on their pitching staff. Both teams seem to be evenly matched across the board and should set up for another thrilling series in Class 4A this weekend.

Austin's Pick: Geneva
David's Pick: UMS-Wright

 

+ No. 9: 6A No. 8 Hueytown @ 6A No. 2 Stanhope Elmore

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30  & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, 1 p.m.) @ Furlow Field (Millbrook, AL)

+ Hueytown Golden Gophers

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 8
2023 Record: 27-10
1st Round Result: Defeated Faith Academy (6-0, 5-6, 8-1)

+ Stanhope Elmore Mustangs

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 2
2023 Record: 25-5
1st Round Result: Defeated Chilton County (13-0, 13-0)

+ Our next series features a pair of teams that have already matched up this season in our PBR AL Kickoff Classic back in February, where Stanhope Elmore was able to win that contest by score of 9-4 in the second game of both of these team's season. Much has changed for both teams over the course of the last couple months and is sure to be another thrilling series in Class 6A this weekend. Both of these teams won their area a couple weeks ago and won their best two-of-three series in the first round of the playoffs last week. Beginning with Hueytown, the Golden Gophers are a very solid squad the features a strong amount of upperclassmen who played a big role in their playoff run last spring. After starting the year with a 3-6 record, they've lost just four games since March 3rd and are playing their best baseball of the season. The Golden Gophers are led on the mound by LHP John Michael Pickens (Shelton State CC, 2023), who is a southpaw that has a fastball that reach the upper-80's. Offensively, they are paced with a steady attack up and down their lineup with players like UTL Aaron Wallace (Gadsden State CC, 2023), DH Sylas Amick (2023), INF/RHP Daniel Watkins (2023), & SS Carson Barry (2023) leading the charge in addition to others. Stanhope Elmore began the season ranked at No. 4 in Class 6A and have continued to climb the polls over the course of the season up to No. 2 in the final update. The Mustangs are as balanced of a team that you will find in the state hitting .371 offensively and posting a minuscule 1.77 ERA as a team during the regular season. UTL/RHP Colton Walls (Troy, 2023) comes into this series hitting .506 with 14 2Bs, 4 HRs, & 38 RBIs on the season, while others hitters like OF Chase Williams (Alabama-Birmingham, 2023), INF/RHP Zach Stevens (South Alabama, 2023), OF/RHP Evan Duncan (Gulf Coast CC, 2023), SS Hayden Anderson (2026), 3B Ethan Walls (2025), & OF Tevin Landrum (2023) are all hitting over .330 this season. On the mound, RHP/UTL Colton Walls (Troy, 2023), RHP/OF Evan Duncan (Gulf Coast CC, 2023), LHP/1B Colin Woodham (Jacksonville State, 2023), LHP Tyler Woodham (2025), & RHP Brodie Cockrell (2023) are just a handful of arms who have an ERA under 2.20. Look for this series to be a well-played, low-scoring series in the Montgomery area this weekend.

Austin's Pick: Stanhope Elmore
David's Pick: Stanhope Elmore

 

+ No. 10: 1A No. 8 Florala @ 1A No. 3 Billingsley

Fri., Apr. 28, 4:30 & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., Apr. 29, noon) @ Billingsley HS (Billingsley, AL)

+ Florala Wildcats

Classification Ranking: Class 1A, No. 8
2023 Record: 14-1
1st Round Result: Defeated Notasulga (14-0, 14-0)

+ Billingsley Bears

Classification Ranking: Class 1A, No. 3
2023 Record: 16-3
1st Round Result: Defeated University Charter (5-0, 8-1)

+ Rounding out the list at No. 10, we take a look at arguably the top series in Class 1A coming up this weekend that is set to begin this Friday in Billingsley, AL. Ironically, both of these programs were not ranked inside the Top-10 in our preseason poll in Class 1A to start the season, but both have built very strong resumes and ranked inside the Top-8 in the final update. Winners of both of their areas, Florala and Billingsley boast two of the top records in their classification and swept past their first round matchups last week with relative ease. Looking at Florala, the Wildcats have had steady offensive production throughout their roster, but two players that have had really strong years this spring are C Judd Goolsby (2023) & INF/RHP Dalton Jackson (2025). Both Goolsby and Jackson are two players that can drive the ball out of the yard and hit for higher volumes of power output, and Jackson has also had a strong season on the mound, as well. Billingsley will also roll out a number of talented players, but prospects like RHP/OF Mason Truesdale (2025) & C Landon Jones (2025) are a pair of sophomores that have provided large amounts of production in a variety of ways. Truesdale is one of their top arms in the rotation while throwing Game 1, while Jones is a good hitter in the three-spot of their order that also doubles as a quarterback prospect on the gridiron, as well. Both of these teams have had really strong seasons so far this spring, and the winner of this matchup could go a long way in determining who makes it out of the South in Class 1A this year.

Austin's Pick: Florala
David's Pick: Billingsley

 

Honorable Mention

+ 7A No. 9 Chelsea @ 7A No. 4 Bob Jones

+ 7A No. 10 James Clemens @ 7A No. 3 Spain Park

+ 6A Spanish Fort @ 6A No. 7 Northridge

+ 6A No. 4 Saraland @ 6A Helena

+ 7A Smiths Station @ 7A No. 6 Fairhope

+ 1A No. 4 Lynn @ 1A Hackleburg

+ 1A Brantley @ 1A No. No. 6 Millry

+ 5A Elmore County @ 5A No. 8 Holtville

+ 4A Corner @ 4A No. 6 Etowah

+ 2A No. 5 Vincent @ 2A Collinsville

 

Follow on Twitter: @PBR_Alabama
Follow on Instagram: @PBR_Alabama
Follow on Facebook: PBR Alabama