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       Classifications for the 2008-2009 Seasons.
        2008 Regional Alignments

 

 In 1974 the AHSAA introduced the first format for Regional and Area play for teams in Alabama. In the past with the complicated playoff structure a team had to go almost unbeaten to qualify for the playoffs. This left many good teams that suffered an early season loss out of the playoff picture.

    The AHSAA divided its schools in all four classifications into regions, with the region winner being determined by wins and losses with other teams in that region. All teams were required to play every team in their region or area. If they did not play every team in their region games were designated to give each team an equal number of games. The coaches of the region would vote on the designated games for each team. The first year many teams played designated games with some teams having as many a four.

    The playoffs were structured with four rounds for each classification to determine a champion. Now a team would qualify for the playoffs on the field not through a complicated points system or poll.  

     All this brought new meaning to high school football in the state. Teams would create new rivalries over the years and be forced to play teams they had avoided in the past.

    With the new regional alignment came a new sudden death overtime system to be used in region games and playoffs.  Previously a penetration method had been used to decide playoff victories that proved to be controversial. The sudden death overtime period has changed little over the years and remains the form of deciding games that are tied at the end of regulation.

    Another change would occur in 1984 with the teams dividing into six classification and sixteen Areas. Over the years the AHSAA has gone between areas and regions and even a combination of both to arrive with the format they have today of six classification with eight regions in each classification.