SPORTS LEDGER Established 2006 The February 2026 Page 1B Read More Online at www.thesportsledger.com
The Boaz High School Cheerleaders won the Varsity Coed Non-Tumbling Division II 2026 National Championship, which was in held on Orlando, Florida. It was the Pirates 4th National Title and the first since 2002. Boaz won back-to-back cheerleaders championships in 1996 and 1997. Photo Courtesy of Boaz Cheerleaders Boaz Cheerleaders Win National Championship
AHSAA Approves Expanded Football Class 6A Playoffs The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control approved expanding the state's largest football classification playoffs from 16 teams to 24 state qualifiers at its winter meeting on Friday, February 6. The new pairings will begin with the 2026-2027 football season. “We thank our coaches from the AHSAA’s largest classification for diligently working on this new playoff format,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. “These changes will give more schools a chance to host playoff games in the future.” The other five public school classifications will still advance 32 teams to the state playoffs. There were no changes to the independent school playoff divisions announced at December’s meeting. The CBOC also voted to add a sub-region round of competition in the AHSAA State Volleyball playoff, following a similar pattern already established in the basketball post-season playoffs. Winners of the sub- regional round will advance to the Super Regional Tournaments. Four teams in each class will continue to advance from each Super Regional to the AHSAA Elite Eight State Volleyball Championships. The CBOC also approved pursuing a five-day schedule pilot program for the Super 7 State Championships at Mobile in 2026. It is currently scheduled for four days. In other business, the Central Board, at the urging of Executive Director Harmon, approved the forming of an Independent School Advisory Committee made up of representatives from all eight districts. AHSAA’s newest employee CFO Reagan Lowe was introduced to the Central Board at Friday’s meeting. She began her new position on Monday, Feb. 2. In other board action: • The CBOC heard an appeal from Oakwood Adventist Academy and upheld the original ruling administered by the AHSAA executive director and upheld by the District 8 Legislative Council. • The Board also heard a report and approved the budget presented by Knight-Eady’s Daniel Smith concerning the upcoming 2026 State Basketball Championships. • Approved 2025 Region and State Volleyball, Cross Country, and Swimming Financial Reports. • Reviewed a football playoff comparison financial report for 2022-2025 seasons. • Approved several items concerning cheer competition. • Heard a report from Mr. Harmon concerning the NFHS Winter Executive Directors meeting he recently attended. • CBOC was updated about the 2026 Legislative Proposal process currently underway. • Heard an update concerning the AHSAA winter sports. • Discussed the state basketball and state cross country championships. • Set the next CBOC Meeting for March 13, 2026.
The Albertville High School Cheerleaders won the Large Varsity GameDay Division II 2026 UCA National Championship, which was in held on Orlando, Florida. The Aggies also recently won the 2026 Class 7A Alabama State Cheerleading Championship. Facebook Photo Courtesy of Albertville Cheerleaders Albertville Wins National Title
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was voted the winner of the Pete Rozelle Trophy awarded to the Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player. Walker rushed for 135 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, and added 26 receiving yards on two receptions, totaling 161 yards from scrimmage in helping the Seahawks to a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots. Walker’s 30-yard run early in the second quarter was followed by a 29-yarder two plays later, setting up a field goal for a 6-0 Seattle advantage. Then in the third quarter, Walker’s 20-yard catch and run led to another field goal, pushing the Seahawks’ lead to 12-0. The award is chosen by a panel comprised of 16 media members – broadcast partner analysts, media from the San Francisco Bay Area, New England, and Seattle, Pro Football Writers of America-appointed pool reporters that have attended team practices during Super Bowl week, and at-large members of the national media – and fans interactively through the National Football League’s official website, NFL.com. Super Seahawks
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger The 2026 Geraldine Senior Cheerleaders were recognized during a recent basketball game. They include: Lettie Duke, Trinity Foster, and Michelle Howard. Be sure to check out the inside of The Sports Ledger for more coverage of additional 2026 senior student athletes.
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