Story By Heath Hambrick

The AHSAA Central Board of Control has voted to split championship play between public and private schools. The central board voted 13-2 in favor of the move. 

The 2026-28 reclassification will have six public school classes and two private school classes. 

For DeKalb County, this has shaken up the look for what football will look like the next two years. 

The Fort Payne Wildcats have dropped from 6A to 5A and will be in Region 8. The Wildcats will now have region opponents of Scottsboro, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Columbia, Lee-Huntsville, and Mae Jemison. 

The Crossville Lions will resume varsity football in fall 2026. The Lions will be in Class 4A Region 8. Crossville will have region opponents of Brewer, Cherokee County, Fairview, Good Hope, Guntersville, Hayden, and Sardis. 

The Plainview Bears, Geraldine Bulldogs, and the Sylvania Rams are back together again in their old home in Class 3A. This time, they will compete in 3A Region 8 with opponents Asbury, Geraldine, DAR, Madison County, New Hope, North Jackson, and Sylvania. 

The Fyffe Red Devils are back in Class 2A, along with Collinsville, Ider, NSM, Pisgah, Brindlee Mountain, Sand Rock, and Section. 

The Valley Head Tigers will remain in Class 1A Region 8 with Appalachian, Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Ragland, Spring Garden, and Woodville. 

Football coaches will now rush to create a schedule for the next two years, and we will share it as soon as it's available.