Continuing to provide in-depth coverage of high school baseball in the state of AL, we continue a new series this week ranking the Top-10 Elite 8 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 Elite 8, give a listen to Episode 53 of our podcast for full previews and predictions for this weekend's matchups across all seven classifications.

 

+ No. 1: 6A No. 1 Oxford @ 6A No. 3 Hartselle

Thur., May 4, 5 & 7 p.m. (Fri., May 5, 5 p.m., if needed) @ Hartselle HS (Hartselle, AL)

+ Oxford Yellow Jackets

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 1
2023 Record: 33-6
Playoffs Results: Defeated Center Point (10-0, 20-0) & Mountain Brook (10-0, 9-4)

+ Hartselle Tigers

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 3
2023 Record: 28-7
Playoffs Results: Defeated Pinson Valley (15-1, 10-0) & Minor (10-0, 10-0)

+ It's finally here. The matchup that many have had circled even before the playoff started just a few weeks ago that will feature two of the Top-3 teams in the Class 6A poll with a spot in the Final 4 up for grabs. There are some big time series across the board this week, but this one easily takes the cake as the top series with numerous Division 1 & Power 5 signees/commitments across the board on both sides. These two teams played in the first game of the spring in our PBR AL Kickoff Classic, where Hartselle won an intense 4-2 ballgame to open their season. Both of these teams have continued to evolve over the course of the regular season, and both carry winning streaks of over 10 games into this matchup. Hartselle, the defending Class 6A State Champions, bolster one of the state's top offensive lineups led by top-ranked senior in OF Coleman Mizell (Alabama, 2023), who is hitting over .500 once again this season 16 doubles and 15 home runs. Behind him, players like 3B Peyton Steele (Alabama, 2024), INF Josey Williamson (Alabama, 2024), INF Eli Tidwell (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023), 1B/RHP Greyson Howard (2023), INF Cade Miles (Jacksonville State, 2024), C Cam Palahach (2024), and others have all drove in runs at a premium so far this spring. It is one of the most balanced lineups you'll find in the state with players who can leave the yard up and down the order. LHP Jack Smith (Arkansas, 2023) will get into the low-90's with his fastball and is coming off of two outings where he tossed a perfect game and a no-hitter. He is undoubtedly their ace on the staff, but have other arms behind him that are serviceable and can get tons of outs. 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. Both Oxford and Hartselle have disposed of their first two playoff series with relative ease in the Class 6A playoffs, with the Yellow Jackets sweeping Center Point and No. 5 Mountain Brook while the Tigers swept Pinson Valley and Minor. This will easily be both teams biggest tests yet in the playoffs with both teams being so evenly matched. There is tons of hype surrounding this series and will be sure to go a long way in determining who makes it out of the North in Class 6A.

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

 

+ No. 2: 7A No. 1 Thompson @ 7A No. 4 Bob Jones

Fri., May 5, 5 & 7:30 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., May 6, 1 p.m., if needed) @ Bob Jones HS (Madison, AL)

+ Thompson Warriors

Classification Ranking: Class 7A, No. 1
2023 Record: 34-5
Playoffs Results: Defeated Huntsville (6-3, 9-1)

+ Bob Jones Patriots

Classification Ranking: Class 7A, No. 4
2023 Record: 35-10
Playoffs Results: Defeated Chelsea (5-2, 3-5, 10-2)

+ Both of these teams were challenged out of the gate in the first round last week against quality opponents, but advanced in their three-game series to set the stage for another enormous series taking place in the northern part of the state. This is another matchup, like the series mentioned above, where both of these teams played against each other in a single game during the regular season with Thompson taking that contest by score of 7-2 behind a gutsy pitching performance from their starter. Bob Jones, however, has continued to roll throughout the regular season while accumulating more wins than any other team in AL, regardless of classification, with 35. They have certainly played and won their fair share against some elite competition, including playing in our PBR AL Kickoff Classic and PBR North AL Showdown. The Patriots are led by their dynamic two-way prospects in RHP/1B Sam Mitchell (Alabama, 2023) and RHP/3B Braden Booth (Mississippi State, 2024), who have enjoyed strong seasons both at the plate and on the mound. LHP Benjamin Arn (Southern Union CC, 2023) is another key piece on the mound and has taken on a big role in their starting rotation while  RHP Tanner Hermesch (2025) has been another arm that has tossed big innings this spring as an underclassmen. In addition to Mitchell and Booth at the plate, the Patriots rely heavily on contributions from SS Nate Mayfield (Coastal Alabama-East CC, 2023), OF/RHP Sammy Vander Hill (Virginia Military Institute, 2023), OF CJ Bush (Coastal Alabama-East CC, 2023), OF Aidan Doyle (2023), & C Zack Johnson (2025). Switching over to Thompson, the Warriors have been the unquestioned top team in the state for most of the season while racking up an impressive 34-5 record and winning a gauntlet of an Area 5 Championship. Ranked inside the Top-15 in the PBR Southeast Regional Rankings, Thompson carries the most impressive resume into this round but the road only continues to get more difficult with a highly-anticipated matchup against the Patriots on deck. OF Drake McBride (Troy, 2024) and SS Peryn Bland (Troy, 2024) seem to be the engine to this offense hitting back-to-back in the order, while C Ethan Crook (2024), 1B Tucker Arrington (2024), OF/RHP Ben Pearman (Snead State CC, 2023), C Wyatt Williams (2026), 3B Miles Mitchell (East Mississippi CC, 2023), and OF Bray Smith (2024) are talented hitters that hold down a deep lineup offensively with the ability to generate runs at a premium. They haven't need to score many over the last couple weeks with the way that RHP Landon Alton (Marion Military CC, 2023) and RHP/SS Zachary Wyatt (Montevallo, 2023) have pitched recently. Both seem to be throwing their best in the most pivotal part of the season, and the Warriors also have other quality options in their bullpen that can get tons of outs. Even though the Warriors won the regular season contest, look for this matchup to be an intense series in front of what is sure to be a packed venue in Madison, AL.

Austin's Pick: Thompson
David's Pick: Thompson

 

+ No. 3: 1A No. 2 Sumiton Christian @ 1A No. 1 Appalachian

Thur., May 4, 4 & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Fri., May 5, 4 p.m, if needed) @ Appalachian HS (Appalachian, AL)

+ Sumiton Christian Eagles

Classification Ranking: Class 1A, No. 2
2023 Record: 18-8
Playoffs Results: Defeated Spring Garden (5-4, 10-5), & Covenant Christian (1-3, 19-4, 10-7)

+ Appalachian Eagles

Classification Ranking: Class 1A, No. 1
2023 Record: 25-3
Playoffs Results: Defeated Belgreen (16-0, 13-0) & Athens Bible (5-1, 16-2)

+ In terms of rankings and where these teams sit in the most recent Top-10 poll in Class 1A, this series is as big as any one of these and has as much anticipation from our staff to see who will advance to the Final 4. Sumiton Christian has enjoyed a steady ascension up the Top-10 in Class 1A towards the end of the season and came into the playoffs ranked the highest they've been all spring at No. 2. They were tested right out of the gate in the first round, but disposed of a ranked Spring Garden team in two games. During last week's matchup in the Sweet 16, Coosa Christian pushed the Eagles to three games, but the Sumiton Christian offense seemed to take over in Games 2 and 3. INF Austin Scobey (2025), INF Jake White (2024), and 1B Justin Hicks (2024) hold down the middle of the order in the 2-3-4 spots, while OF Samuel Nix (2023), SS Kaden Parrish (2025), and OF Yancey Young (2024) are coming off of strong series in their Sweet 16 matchup. On the mound, Hicks and RHP Landon Shumate (2024) are just a pair arms on their staff that can get tons of outs. Shifting the focus to Appalachian, the Eagles have been ranked at No. 1 in Class 1A for the majority of the season and boast the best record in their classification sitting 25-3 coming into this matchup. They have yet to really be tested in their first couple of rounds with a pair of sweeps while scoring 13 or more runs in three of their four games. Offensively, the Eagles have some talented hitters scattered up and down their lineup including OF Garrett Helms (2023), C Camdyn Moore (2024), 3B/RHP Caden Jones (2023), and SS Logan Harvey (2025). Their pitching staff has also not allowed many runs this spring behind pitchers like Jones and RHP Preston Martin (2024). When it is No. 1 vs. No. 2 in any classification, that easily makes it a series to follow between two of the top teams in Class 1A this weekend.

Austin's Pick: Appalachian
David's Pick: Appalachian

 

+ No. 4: 3A No. 2 Gordo @ 3A No. 4 Piedmont

Thur., May 4, 5 & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Fri., May 5, 2 p.m., if needed) @ Piedmont HS (Piedmont, AL)

+ Gordo Greenwave

Classification Ranking: Class 3A, No. 2
2023 Record: 28-4
Playoff Results: Defeated Elkmont (5-0, 7-4) & Hokes Bluff (4-2, 10-3)

+ Piedmont Bulldogs

Classification Ranking: Class 3A, No. 4
2023 Record: 26-8
Playoffs Results: Defeated Colbert County (4-2, 12-2) & Decatur Heritage (7-2, 4-5, 16-8)

+ While Gordo has dropped down a classification from Class 4A to Class 3A this spring, both of these teams have regularly grown accustomed to making deep playoff runs over the past decade, and this year is no different. Both of these teams have surpassed the 25-win mark this spring and have beaten quality opponents so far throughout their first two rounds of the playoffs. Gordo has been ranked inside the Top-4 in Class 3A for seemingly all of the spring, and rose up to No. 2 in the last update to the Class 3A Top-10 at the end of the season. They have swept both of their series against a pair of solid clubs and look once again to be a major threat to making it to the finals if they can advance in this week's series. OF/RHP Landon Fike (2024), C Jase Neel (2025), 1B Baylee Price (2023), DH Aaron Baines (2024), OF Kyson Pate (2023), and SS Caleb Jennings (2023) seem to be the main core hitting in the heart of the lineup for the Greenwave, and have shown the ability to generate plenty of runs. On the mound, RHP Will Whitley (2024) and RHP/OF Austin Baines (2024) are a pair of juniors that have started Games 1 and 2 in their recent series. 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 have also been ranked inside the Top-4 in Class 3A for the duration of the season, and are coming off of a big series win over Decatur Heritage in the Sweet 16. 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. This is another series that is sure to be very entertaining and worth following along throughout the course of the next few days.

Austin's Pick: Gordo
David's Pick: Piedmont

 

+ No. 5: 7A No. 3 Spain Park @ 7A No. 5 Vestavia Hills

Fri., May 5, 4:30 & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., May 6, 1 p.m., if needed) @ Sammy Dunn Field (Vestavia Hills, AL)

+ Spain Park Jaguars

Classification Ranking: Class 7A, No. 3
2023 Record: 28-7
Playoffs Results: Defeated James Clemens (6-5, 1-0)

+ Vestavia Hills Rebels

Classification Ranking: Class 7A, No. 5
2023 Record: 28-9
Playoffs Results: Defeated Sparkman (5-2, 2-8, 7-2)

+ We have another Top-5 matchup this week in the Elite 8 featuring two of the most consistent teams throughout the spring in Class 7A and are coming off of series wins against ranked opponents in their first round matchup. Both of these teams come into this series with 28 wins on the season and led by their balanced offenses that have helped carry the way through the two toughest areas in the state, regardless of classification. Ironically, these teams played twice in the regular season and split with Vestavia Hills winning the first game 5-0 and Spain Park winning the second game 6-4. Taking a look at Spain Park, the Jaguars are coming off of an emotional series sweep that featured two one-run ballgames against James Clemens last week. Spain Park has tons of firepower in their offense led by players like 1B Cole Edwards (Auburn, 2023), INF Evan Smallwood (Jacksonville State, 2023), OF Jacob Tobias (Lipscomb, 2023), C Clay Spencer (2023), OF Matthew Widra (2024), INF James Battersby (2024), OF Ryan Cole (2023), and others up and down their lineup. RHP Lucas Thornton (2023) and RHP CJ Gross (2024) have turned in quality performances on the mound over the past few weeks throwing Games 1 and 2 in their series, while RHP/OF JohnRobert Thompson (2024) has been effective coming out of the bullpen late in games. 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. The Rebels are also coming off of a series win against a very talented Sparkman squad in three games. 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 Jable Ramey (Huntingdon, 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. There are plenty of enticing factors to this series and is the top matchup taking place in the Birmingham metro area this weekend.

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

 

+ No. 6: 5A No. 1 Headland @ 5A No. 8 Holtville

Fri., May 5, 5 & 7 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., May 6, 1 p.m., if needed) @ Holtville HS (Deatsville, AL)

+ Headland Rams

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 1
2023 Record: 25-7
Playoffs Results: Defeated Greenville (1-3, 14-3, 11-1) & Sylacauga (18-4, 5-2)

+ Holtville Bulldogs

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 8
2023 Record: 22-13
Playoffs Results: Defeated Mobile Christian (0-11, 13-3, 12-6) & Elmore County (2-4, 12-4, 7-2)

+ Moving to the central part of the state, this matchup serves as a rematch from last year's Final 4 in Class 5A where Holtville was able to sweep that series and advance to the State Finals and finish as the runner-up. With many of those players from last year's team back on both sides, this series has the makings of being another highly-anticipated, entertaining series in Montgomery, AL. Headland took over the No. 1 spot in Class 5A during early part of the spring and never gave it up during a strong regular season where they accumulated a 21-5 record and two of those losses coming to 7A No. 2 Central-Phenix City and 6A No. 2 Stanhope Elmore on the same day. The Rams dropped their first contest in the playoffs back in the first round, but have won four in a row since while scoring 11 or more runs in three of those contests. The Rams have a strong mix of juniors and seniors on this roster that lead the way both at the plate and on the mound. OF Mason Steele (Shelton State CC, 2023) is a toolsy prospect hitting in the heart of the order, while upperclassmen like C Trent Weatherly (2023), OF/1B Luke Nelson (2023), OF/LHP Parker Littlefield (2023), MIF Evan Taylor (2024), and OF/RHP Trey Scott (2024) have been consistent performers all year long. RHP/LHP Jake Johnson (2023) can run his fastball into the upper-80's serving as their ace, while RHP/3B Bryce Gover (2025) is a two-way sophomore that plays a large role on both sides. Holtville, like we previously mentioned, came out on the winning end in last year's series and finished as the runner-up in Class 5A. After starting off the year at No. 1 in Class 5A, the Bulldogs have seemed to hit their stride down the stretch with series wins over No. 6 Mobile Christian and Elmore County in the playoffs so far. SS Sam Silas (Jacksonville State, 2023) and SS/RHP Drey Barrett (Southern Miss, 2024) are two of the top infielders in the state that hold down the middle of the infield and heart of the order for the Bulldogs, and are two huge pieces to their success. Other players like 3B Tanner Potts (2023), OF Weston Tubbs (Central Alabama CC, 2023), 1B/LHP Randy Davis (Central Alabama CC, 2023), OF Markus Broderick (2024), and 1B Lane Talley (2024) also help carry the charge offensively throughout their lineup. In addition to this matchup being a rematch from last year's Final 4 series, these are two of the top teams in Class 5A going head-to-head in what is sure to be an exciting series in Montgomery, AL.

Austin's Pick: Holtville
David's Pick: Headland

 

+ No. 7: 2A No. 8 Pike Liberal Arts @ 2A No. 3 Ariton

Wed., May 3, 4 & 6 p.m. (Game 3, Thur., May 4, 4 p.m., if needed) @ Ariton HS (Ariton, AL)

+ Pike Liberal Arts Patriots

Classification Ranking: Class 2A, No. 8
2023 Record: 23-11
Playoffs Results: Defeated Cottonwood (0-1, 15-5, 9-2) & Bayshore Christian (9-6, 9-11, 7-0)

+ Ariton Purple Cats

Classification Ranking: Class 2A, No. 3
2023 Record: 25-10
Playoffs Results: Defeated Reeltown (14-0, 9-4) & Clarke County (12-0, 7-5)

+ In a wide-open field of talented teams in Class 2A this spring, this matchup is very enticing with a pair of teams matching up ranked inside the Top-8 in Ariton, AL this Wednesday/Thursday. Pike Liberal Arts has experienced tons of success in their first year competing at the AHSAA level and are coming off of a massive series win over No. 1 Bayshore Christian in three games that punched their ticket to the quarterfinals. They've accumulated 23 wins so far this spring, and have defeated some of the top teams in the Wiregrass area while playing stout competition all year long to prepare themselves for a deep playoff run. 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. Pike Liberal Arts is a program that knows how to win coming off of four consecutive AISAA Class AAA State Titles, and are looking to seize their first AHSAA title with six more wins over the next few weeks. Ariton also looks to be one of the favorites to hoist the Class 2A Blue Map in just a few weeks, but will face their toughest opponent in the playoffs this round. The Purple Cats are used to making deep playoff runs over the past couple of years reaching the Final 4 in Class 2A during the past two seasons. They are lead by experienced veterans that have multiple years of varsity experience under their belt, including players like SS Caden Collier (2024), INF/RHP Phenix Griffin (2023), 1B Connor Thrash (2023), OF/RHP Landon Tyler (2023), 3B/RHP Lawson Leger (2024), and OF/1B Paxton Steed (2023) who help lead the charge offensively and on the mound. These are two very similar teams set to go head-to-head this week, and is definitely going to be a matchup worth following over the next couple of days.

Austin's Pick: Pike Liberal Arts
David's Pick: Ariton

 

+ No. 8: 6A No. 4 Saraland @ 6A Spanish Fort

Thur., May 4, 5 & 7:30 p.m. (Fri., May 5, 5 p.m., if needed) @ Spanish Fort HS (Spanish Fort, AL)

+ Saraland Spartans

Classification Ranking: Class 6A, No. 4
2023 Record: 26-8
Playoffs Results: Defeated Brookwood (3-1, 2-1) & Helena (4-2, 11-1)

+ Spanish Fort Toros

Classification Ranking: Class 6A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2023 Record: 25-14
Playoffs Results: Defeated McAdory (2-3, 2-1, 7-5) & Northridge (1-0, 10-3)

+ It's going to be hard to find a pair of teams that are playing as hot as both of these are right now heading into this massive Class 6A quarterfinal. Saraland comes in winning 20 of their last 23 games while Spanish Fort has come out victorious in 13 of their 14 games. These are two really solid clubs set to battle head-to-head in the Mobile area and is certainly the top series in the southern part of the state this weekend. Saraland enters this matchup after sweeping both of their first and second round opponents in Brookwood and Helena. Pitching has really come to the forefront for the Spartans, as they've only allows five total runs in the playoffs with stellar pitching performances from LHP Bryson Goff (East Central CC, 2023) and RHP/3B Evan Hilliard (2024). The Spartans possess a dynamic offensive lineup with players who are very athletic up and down their order. SS Brooks Womble (2024) and SS/RHP Cam Warren (2024) are two junior infielders that man the middle of the infield, while other players like OF Santae McWilliams, Jr. (2025), OF Jamison Curtis (2024), OF Mike Smith (2024), C Clint Smith (2023), and INF Fuller Chisholm (2025) are all steady contributors. They will need to continue to swing it well against a Toros pitching staff that hasn't given up many runs in the last few weeks. Shifting focus to Spanish Fort, the Toros come in playing as hot as anyone in Class 6A after earning a huge series sweep over No. 7 Northridge on the road, but the road won't get any easier this week. OF Pierce Dutton (Shelton State CC, 2023) has continued to lead this team making a huge impact both offensively and patrolling center field defensively. Dutton really sets the tone in the leadoff spot and is a catalyst. OF/RHP Newton Gardner (2025) has really assumed a large role this spring as a sophomore both at the plate and on the mound. Other players to watch for will be C DJ Eurgil (Coastal Alabama-East CC, 2023), OF/LHP Lakelon Ray (2025), 1B Brayden Cooper (2024), OF/RHP Ethan Kick (2024), SS Nehemiah Hixon (2025), and 3B Blake Smith (Coastal Alabama-East CC, 2023). On the mound, RHP John Henry Winstead (2024) is coming off of a dominating performance last week tossing a complete-game shutout while giving up just four hits and nine strikeouts. Behind him in Game 2, RHP Chris Sullivan (2023) also delivered a quality start last week working into the sixth inning. These are two really strong programs that come into this series playing their best baseball of the season, but only one can advance to next week's Final 4 in Class 6A.

Austin's Pick: Saraland
David's Pick: Spanish Fort

 

+ No. 9: 5A No. 9 Russellville @ 5A No. 7 Sardis

Fri., May 5, 5 & 7:30 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., May 6, 1 p.m., if needed) @ Sardis HS (Boaz, AL)

+ Russellville Golden Tigers

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 9
2023 Record: 22-13
Playoffs Results: Defeated Southside-Gadsden (12-4, 13-1) & Leeds (9-5, 2-1)

+ Sardis Lions

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 7
2023 Record: 26-6
Playoffs Results: Defeated Hayden (10-3, 7-2) & Ardmore (3-6, 5-3, 7-6)

+ We have another ranked matchup set to get started this weekend in the northern part of the state between two teams that have had tons of success over the past few years. Both of these teams advanced throughout their first couple of matchups to set up their first real tests of the playoffs against each other. Russellville comes into the playoffs looking to repeat as Class 5A State Champions after defeating Holtville last spring in a three-game series. The Golden Tigers struggled a bit out of the gate, but really seemed to hit their stride down the stretch led by players like RHP/OF Banks Langston (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023), C Shayden Romans (Calhoun CC, 2023), SS Brandt Cummings (2024), LHP/OF Logan White (2023), RHP/3B Brayden Spurgeon (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023), 1B Eli Boutwell (2025), and others on their roster. They are a program that knows how to win, especially in the playoffs, but we will be tasked with going on the road this weekend to face a strong Lions squad that has been really consistent all year long. Advancing through this round would go a long way in hopes of repeating as the Class 5A State Champions once again. Sardis is led by a multitude of players that impact the game on both sides of the ball. They are coming off of a tightly-contested series win over Ardmore where they won Game 3 by one run to advance to this weekend's matchup. The Lions have a deep and balanced lineup from top to bottom with different players pitching in contributions on any given day. SS/RHP Russel Wiggs (2024), OF Levi Martin (2026), 1B/RHP Carson Gillian (2024), 3B/RHP Luke Weems (2023), and RHP/SS Blaze Gerhart (2024) are just a few of the players that have led the Lions to this point of the season. They have a strong mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen that have blended nicely and have been knocked off some strong competition this spring. They will look to dethrone the defending Class 5A champion this week in a tough, exciting matchup in Boaz, AL.

Austin's Pick: Sardis
David's Pick: Russellville

 

+ No. 10: 5A No. 3 Arab @ 5A Boaz

Fri., May 5, 5 & 7:30 p.m. (Game 3, Sat., May 6, 1 p.m., if needed) @ Boaz HS (Boaz, AL)

+ Arab Knights

Classification Ranking: Class 5A, No. 3
2023 Record: 32-7
Playoffs Results: Defeated Moody (6-3, 7-3) & Alexandria (1-0, 0-1, 6-5)

+ Boaz Pirates

Classification Ranking: Class 5A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2023 Record: 21-12
Playoffs Results: Defeated Springville (1-2, 2-0, 5-3) & Madison Academy (5-4, 3-4, 10-0)

+ Both Arab and Boaz are coming off of emotional series wins last week with the Knights knocking off No. 2 Alexandria and the Pirates defeating Madison Academy, both of those series in three games. The stage only continues to get bigger as each round passes with both teams one step closer towards reaching the ultimate goal in just a few short weeks. For Arab, last week's series against Alexandria was the peak of what high school sports should look like. Two talented teams, an incredible environment and atmosphere, and three one-run games that decided the series with the Knights coming out on top via a bases-clearing double from 3B/RHP Dakota NeSmith (Gadsden State CC, 2023) with two outs in the bottom of the sixth while trailing 5-3. They will need to be sharp once again this weekend playing against a red-hot Pirates team. In addition to NeSmith, Arab also is led by C Weslee Staton (2023), SS Drew Puccio (2025), DH JD Hall (2023), 3B Owen Garrison (2023) and others offensively. RHP/OF Brody McCain (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023) and LHP/1B Blake Moon (Snead State CC, 2023) have been nails throwing Games 1 and 2 for the Knights while also hitting in the heart of their order, as well. Moving over to Boaz, the Pirates also have received steady production from a number of players both at the plate and on the mound. They too competed in an intense, tightly-contested three-game series against Madison Academy where they were able to win Game 3 by score of 10-0. Offensively, the Pirates rely heavily on the efforts from 3B/RHP Bo Hester (2023), C Tyler Whaley (2023), SS/RHP Tyler Pierce (2025), INF/RHP Cade Whorton (Snead State CC, 2023), UTL Daniel Posey (2024), and OF Noah Long (2023) in the heart of their order. On the bump, Pierce and RHP Cody McCormick (2024) have been throwing Games 1 and 2 and are coming off of a pair of quality starts in last week's series, while RHP Branson Honea (Miles College, 2023) is a quality option, as well. These are two really quality teams in Class 5A, and is sure to be yet another exciting series taking place in the northern part the state this weekend.

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

 

HONORABLE MENTION

+ 2A No. 4 Donoho (23-3) @ 2A No. 10 Lindsay Lane Christian (26-9)

+ 4A No. 4 UMS-Wright (22-11) @ 4A No. 8 Trinity Presbyterian (22-12)

+ 1A No. 3 Billingsley (22-3) @ 1A No. 10 Leroy (18-17)

+ 3A No. 9 Prattville Christian (24-6) @ 3A No. 5 Houston Academy (22-6)

+ 6A No. 2 Stanhope Elmore (27-5) @ 6A Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (21-15)

+ 6A Gardendale (24-11) @ 6A Cullman (21-19)

+ 4A No. 6 Etowah (24-11) @ 4A West Limestone (25-11)

+ 4A St. John Paul II (23-10) @ 4A No. 2 Priceville (28-5)

+ 4A American Christian (22-15) @ 4A No. 1 Bayside Academy (22-9)

+ 2A No. 5 Vincent (26-4) @ 2A Whitesburg Christian (18-11)

 

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