Less than a week after the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) deemed Oakwood Adventist Academy (Ala.) ineligible for the Class 1A postseason, the association had to reverse course on Tuesday.
According to a statement by AHSAA executive director Heath Harmon, the association will allow Oakwood Adventist Academy to participate in the state’s Class 1A boys basketball tournament to obey a court injunction. Oakwood Adventist had been previously eliminated from the Class 1A state playoffs due to exceeding the 30-game rule for the regular season. The Mustangs had made an appeal to the AHSAA’s Central Board of Control, which was denied.
“The Montgomery County Circuit Court has entered a TRO that Oakwood Adventist Academy be allowed to participate in the Area 16 Basketball Tournament. The AHSAA will abide by the Court’s Order,” Harmon said in the official statement on allowing Oakwood Adventist Academy to participate in the postseason.
Oakwood Adventist Academy, which is has a overall record of 15-16, had broken the 30-game maximum limit a basketball team can play during the regular season. The Mustangs played their 31st game of the season in a 65-43 loss to Whitesburg Christian Academy.
If Oakwood Adventist Academy didn’t play the Feb. 3rd matchup against Whitesburg Christian academy, they would’ve remained an eligible participant for the AHSAA postseason. The Mustangs without the injunction would have been watching from afar as the program is one of the favorites to win a Class 1A state championship this winter.
Last season, the Mustangs finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 25-9 and reached the Class 1A state semifinals.
How to Follow Alabama High School Boys Basketball
For Alabama high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the Yellowhammer State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the high school boys basketball action throughout the season. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school boys basketball excitement across the state of Alabama.
One of three returnees from a year ago, Roman Burke is averaging seven points a game for Lincoln this season. (Ernie Abrea)
In the middle of his 43rd season coaching high school basketball, Carl Jacobs has learned to be patient. Especially with a team that returned just three players from last season.
But with as much success as the Lincoln Mustangs boys have had - at least 22 wins in each of the previous six seasons, a 146-33 record and four straight Academic Athletic Association titles - the 63-year-old has been checking his watch and tapping his toes.
"I think we're getting there," he said Monday. "I'm seeing a little more unselfishness. Guys are learning their roles. Our defense is starting to click."
At 9-2 in AAA play, the Mustangs (15-10 overall) hold a half-game lead over Lowell, a team that stung Lincoln with a 68-45 win over Jan. 15. The teams are scheduled to play at Lowell on Thursday, but all sports are on hold this week while teachers in the San Francisco Unified School District are on strike. For a second straight day, San Francisco schools were closed Tuesday.
"Just when we were clicking," Jacobs said. "Been a strange season to date."
The three returners from last season, guards Fred Davis (9.1 points per game), Roman Burke (7.0) and Dwayne Gaines (8.0) have been consistent, Jacobs said. The two newcomers to the starting lineup are dynamic sophomores, 6-5 leading scorer Maximo Haas (13.5) and rebounder Mathaius Riemedio (6.7 per game), a 6-1 "Draymond Green-type," Jacobs said.
"Both are super kids and have injected a lot of energy and skill to the team," Jacobs said. "Maximo gives us excellent length down low we haven't had in a while. He's very skilled. Mathaius is amazingly tough and gritty. He loves taking on 6-7 and 6-9 players. He can handle the press, he passes well. His game has really developed."
They'll all need to develop and improve from the first game against Lowell, which Jacobs said was one of the low points in recent years. "Give Lowell a ton of credit because they played super well, but I didn't recognize our guys frankly," he said. "We have some real talented guys but we've had some games we simply weren't ready to play. I think we are now. It's the stretch run. There's no time to wait."
Riordan update: Following their most emotional win of the season, a 53-51 buzzer-beating victory Jan. 27 over St. Ignatius at USF, the Chronicle's top-ranked boys team Riordan hasn't had a game due to tuberculosis outbreak on campus. Four boys games were postponed, but two of them - at Bellarmine and a home game with St. Francis - have been forfeited by those squads, according to Riordan coach Joey Curtin.
"We were cleared to play but those teams decided to forfeit," Curtin said Friday.
Chronicle top 20 basketball
BOYS
Rk.
School
W-L
Prev.
1.
Riordan
18-1
1
2.
Salesian
23-3
2
3.
St. Ignatius
19-2
3
4.
Moreau Catholic
21-3
5
5.
Clayton Valley Charter
22-3
6
6.
Marin Catholic
21-3
7
7.
De La Salle
21-5
4
8.
Oakland
20-6
11
9.
Liberty
21-3
10
10.
Bishop O'Dowd
17-7
9
11
Bellarmine
15-6
12
12.
Mitty
13-8
8
13.
The King's Academy
18-3
13
14.
University
21-5
14
15.
Milpitas
20-1
15
16.
Granada
18-7
16
17.
Dublin
19-8
19
18.
California
14-12
NR
19.
Amador Valley
16-10
18
20.
Dougherty Valley
18-8
17
GIRLS
Rk.
School
W-L
Prev.
1.
Mitty
19-2
1
2.
San Ramon Valley
22-3
2
3.
Carondelet
22-4
3
4.
Priory
16-5
4
5.
Piedmont
16-3
5
6.
Cardinal Newman
19-7
10
7.
St. Francis
18-4
11
8.
Riordan
12-6
7
9.
Pinewood
18-4
6
10.
St. Ignatius
16-5
8
11.
Bishop O'Dowd
15-8
13
12.
Oakland Tech
14-10
9
13.
Salesian
16-10
12
14.
Clayton Valley Charter
19-8
14
15.
Acalanes
18-6
15
16.
Redwood
20-6
16
17.
Dublin
20-6
17
18.
Pittsburg
17-7
18
19.
Los Gatos
16-5
20
20.
Moreau Catholic
18-6
NR
Curtin said that all Riordan students were back in school Monday and the Crusaders were planning to play Tuesday night as scheduled at No. 12 Mitty. Riordan's girls, who played and lost Friday at St. Francis (56-49), were scheduled to host top-ranked Mitty on Tuesday.
"It's been a very odd two weeks for us," Curtin said. "We've practiced every day but the boys are champing at the bit to play games again."
Girls basketball: Second-ranked San Ramon Valley-Danville closed the regular season last week with three lopsided wins, two in the East Bay Athletic League over Dougherty Valley-San Ramon (85-20) and Monte Vista-Danville (95-22) and surprisingly a 33-point win over then-No. 6 Pinewood-Los Altos (70-37) behind 20 points from reigning Metro Player of the Year Ella Gunderson and 13 points and nine rebounds from San Jose State-bound Alyssa Rudd. … Pinewood, a four-time state champion, was coming off a second loss this season to No. 4 and host Priory-Woodside, 42-40 on Friday behind a combined 30 points from Gabby Wickham and Sasha Johnson. Abigail Yew had 17 points for Pinewood, which lost Jan. 16 at home to Priory, 40-39.
Smith AAA signing: Balboa 6-foot-2, 220-pound running back Mekai Smith gave an inspirational message to AAA athletes after signing his letter of intent last week to Nevada. "Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it," he said during a ceremony on campus Wednesday. "I know the AAA doesn't always get the exposure other leagues get, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. If I can do it, you can do it. Just stay in school, keep your head down and work hard. Your time is coming."
Smith, who rushed for 2,447 yards and accounted for a California-best 53 touchdowns for the state Division 7-A champions, was the first Balboa player - and just third AAA football player - in 20 years to sign straight out of high school to a Division I program. He thanked his coach Fred Velasquez "for believing in me and helping to shape me into the young man that I am."
Briefly: Salesian-Richmond All-Metro basketball player Carlton Perrilliat signed a letter of intent to play football at Sacramento State for first-year coach and former McClymonds-Oakland head coach Alonzo Carter. … Riordan senior and future Oregon standout Tommy Tofi (6-6, 330) was selected the Cal-Hi Sports state Lineman of the Year last week. … Riordan quarterback Mike Mitchell, Pittsburg wide receiver R.J. Mosley, all-purpose player Jaden Jefferson (De La Salle-Concord) and Serrra place kicker Saul Marks were other first-team All-State selections.
Freelance writer Mitch Stephens has covered high school sports for the Chronicle since 2001. Email: mitch@scorebooklive.com
When you think of the state of New York in relation to high school sports, you probably think of basketball right off rip. What is a bit underrated in the state, however, is some of the high school football talent that’s begun to come out of the Empire State.
A team that was in the conversation throughout the 2025 high school football season that figures to do so again is the St. Anthony’s Friars (NY), which released their official 2026 schedule via social media on Monday night.
The Friars are a private school that plays against many of New York’ s top catholic football programs and with the slate of games they have on tap for 2026, not much will be changing this upcoming fall.
St. Anthony’s reached the second round of the New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) playoffs, falling to eventual state champion Iona Preparatory School, 42-0. When it comes to high school football teams out of the Empire State, the Friars are as good as they come as St. Anthony’s are slated to return one of the best running backs out of the Northeast in 2027 four-star Xavier Bala along with 2028 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive tackle Justin Joseph.
St. Anthony’s High School is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school located in Melville, NY. Operated by the Franciscan Brothers, the school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others. With a tradition-rich athletic program and a commitment to the arts, St. Anthony’s fosters a well-rounded environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.
How to Follow New York High School Football
For New York high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Empire State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the New York high school football excitement across the state.
Ben Davis (IN) is looking to bounce back from its worst season in nearly a decade and on Monday decided who would be the man to lead the football program back on its feet.
According to a press release by Wayne Township School Board, Brett Cooper has been approved to become the next head football coach at Ben Davis. The Giants are perennially one of the top football programs in the Hoosier State, but fell to a disappointing 3-7 last fall.
“My family and I are excited about the opportunity to become the next head football coach at Ben Davis High School,” Cooper said in the press release. “The tradition that is Ben Davis brings forth a level of expectation that is unmatched throughout the state of Indiana. It is an honor to now be part of a long line of legendary coaches at BD, and I am confident we will continue to build that legacy. We can’t wait to meet the team and get to work.”
Ben Davis football turns the page.
Brett Cooper has been approved as the next head coach of the Giants—bringing a proven history of building winning programs, developing student-athletes, and honoring tradition.
The Giants last season started the season 1-6 before finishing 2-1 in the final three games. Ben Davis is expected to bring back talent in the defensive secondary, including 2027 cornerback prospects Keontay Toomer and Marcus Powe.
Cooper is coming off a 2025 season where he led Bloomington North to a 7-4 record and has also had head coaching stops at Perry Meridian (2020-2025) and Indian Creek (2017-2019), according to the release.
Last season was the first 3-7 season Ben Davis has had since 2018 and the Giants ended up finishing as the state’s No. 24 ranked team, according to the final Indiana 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.
More about Ben Davis High School
Ben Davis High School, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a prominent public school known for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and active extracurricular programs. Offering a variety of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for college and future careers. Ben Davis’s athletic teams are highly successful, often achieving state-level recognition. Emphasizing leadership, community involvement, and personal development, the school ensures students are well-rounded and ready for future challenges.
How to Follow Indiana High School Football
For Indiana high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Hoosier State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Indiana.
Waxahachie (TX) was one of the top Texas high school football programs from the 2025 season and have been on the search for a new head coach.
According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the Indians search for head coach is expected to come to an end. Per Matt Stepp of DCTF, Waxahachie, pending board of directors approval, will promote defensive coordinator Lawrence Williams to the position of head football coach.
Williams replaces former Waxahachie head coach Shane Tolleson, who moved on to the same position at Denton Ryan.
BREAKING pending board approval tonight Waxahachie is expected to promote DC Lawrence Williams to HFC at Waxahachie HS #txhsfb@dctfhttps://t.co/jDVkLGi1ez
Williams takes over a Waxahachie program that finished 12-2 under Tolleson season, including pulling off a stunning 28-27 win over Duncanville during the regular season.
Tolleson was hired by Waxahachie away from Ryan ahead of the 2021 Texas high school football season. Since taking over, Tolleson has led the Indians to a 46-17 overall record.
Waxahachie High School, located in Waxahachie, Texas, is known for its strong academic and athletic programs. The school, part of the Waxahachie Independent School District, fosters a spirit of excellence both in the classroom and on the field. The Waxahachie Indians, the school’s athletic teams, are highly competitive in various sports, particularly football and basketball. The school’s vibrant community, spirited by its rich tradition, encourages student involvement and school pride.
How to Follow Texas High School Football
For Texas high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Lone Star State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Texas.
Madison (Texas) football head coach Blaine Pederson resigned on Monday after nine seasons in charge of the Mavericks.
During his tenure, Pederson led Madison to a 52-52 record. The San Antonio program won nine games in back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019. The Mavericks compiled four winning seasons under Pederson, but none came in the last four years.
In 2025, the Mavericks went 3-8, losing all four of their out-of-district matchups. They finished as the No. 366 team in the Lone Star State, according to the Rivals Composite Rankings.
Defense was often an issue last season. They allowed an average of 35 points per game, a number that was surpassed by five teams throughout the year. The Mavericks won their final two games of the regular season, but fell 56-24 to Harlan in the first round of the Class 6A Division II state tournament.
Pederson came to Madison from San Antonio Johnson, one of the top programs in the area. According to DCTF’s Matt Stepp, Pederson “may be taking a job at a private school program.”
Texas HSFB jobs continue to open
The high school football offseason is well underway at this point, yet head coaching gigs continue to open. Madison is the latest.
In December, Legacy School of Sports Sciences announced that it hired Freddie Johnson as the school’s fourth head coach in program history. Johnson will not be on the sidelines for the Titans in 2026, however. As first reported by VYPE Houston, Johnson is now the associate director of scouting at Texas Tech. His X profile reflects just that.
Earlier this month, Southlake Carroll, one of the state’s top programs, promoted defensive coordinator Lee Munn to head coach. Munn has spent the last eight years on the Southlake Carroll coaching staff as the Dragons’ defensive coordinator.
For Texas high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Lone Star State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Texas.
Pinellas Park (Fla.) has been in the search for a new head football coach this off-season and on Monday announced who that will be.
Former Duke standout offensive lineman Takoby Cofieldannounced on social media that he has been named the new head football coach of the Patriots. Cofield played for the Blue Devils from 2011-14 and started three full seasons while at Duke.
“Patriot nation I’m home! Excited to be the new HC,” Cofield said in his statement on social media.
Cofield steps in for Max Smith, who was the program’s head coach from 2022-25 and won 24 games during that time.
When it comes to being a decorated Duke offensive lineman, Cofield saw action right out of the gates as a freshman and started three full seasons in Durham, North Carolina. From 2011-14, Cofield appeared in 51 games and started in 42 consecutive contests, and was named a third team All-ACC selection his senior campaign.
Now Cofield is tasked with taking on a Pinellas Park program that’s looking to get themselves back in the conversation as one of Pinellas County’s top high school football teams. The last time the Patriots posted double-digit victories was back in 2018 under the watch of then-head coach Kenny Crawford.
For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Sunshine State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Florida high school football excitement across the state.
Alabama's AHSAA boys basketball playoffs are under way with the Class 1A through 6A area playoffs in progress.
The area playoffs will wrap up by Tuesday, February 10, except for Class 7A which gets under way on Wednesday, February 11. Then on Saturday, February 14, all of Alabama's classifications will move on to the sub-regionals.
Other top-ranked teams by classification include the Huntsville [AL] Panthers (Class 7A), Guntersville [AL] Wildcats (Class 5A), Ashville [AL] Wildcats (Class 4A), Hale County [Moundville, AL] Wildcats (Class 3A), Providence Christian [Dothan, AL] Eagles, and Hatch [Uniontown, AL] Bobcats.
We've included a list of key dates for Alabama's AHSAA playoffs along with capsules for each of the top-ranked teams by classification.
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![STOCK | Footballs are displayed at Bolles School football practice on July 29, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. [Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]](https://media.zenfs.com/en/on3_recruiting_articles_521/047e2b54c9c3d2693eabe85e70ae8bda)
