Lee-Scott and Glenwood join AHSAA: Full AHSAA region classification analysis for River Region

The AHSAA region classifications for the 2024-2026 athletic season were released Monday morning, setting up a new era in the Montgomery-area high school football scene.

These new alignments have created powerhouse matchups for the future, and teams will have to earn their way to the AHSAA Super 7 football championships.

Here is a deep dive into the new region classifications for the Montgomery-area:

More: AHSAA region classifications 2024-2026 Montgomery-area list

Lee-Scott and Glenwood join AHSAA

Reigning AISA AAA state champions and runner-up Lee-Scott Academy and Glenwood have switched over to the AHSAA. They'll be a part of the Class 3A Region 4 with B.B. Comer, Beulah, Childersburg, Dadeville and Randolph County.

Lee-Scott coming off a second straight state championship was excited about the move to the AHSAA. Head coach Buster Daniel spoke on the work ethic his program has built that will allow them to compete in the AHSAA.

“We are going to bring hard work to the AHSAA,” Daniel said. “Ever since I got here four years ago, we taught this team how to work hard and they bought into it. I can’t tell you how successful we’re going to be but we’re going to be competitive and play as hard as we can every week.”

Now in a new home, Lee-Scott and Glenwood can continue their rivalry at the higher level. After both teams met in their final two AISA state championship appearances, these two programs will have to battle it out for the region crown next fall.

Class 3A & Class 4A shake up.

Saint James has elevated from the Class 3A and will be joining Class 4A Region 3 with Bibb County, Booker T. Washington, Bullock County, Handley, Talladega, Tallassee and West Blocton.

The 2022 Class 3A state champion Trojans advancing up is huge as they'll be matching up against some of the state's best on a weekly basis. The Booker T. Washington Golden Eagles were one game away from representing Class 4A in the Super 7. Now in the same region as the Trojans, who also fell short in the semifinals, this will be a fun new rivalry to watch out for in this region.

With Saint James moved on from the Class 3A, can teams such as Trinity and Alabama Christian finally dominate that classification?

Class 3A Region 2 features Alabama Christian, Houston Academy, Northside Methodist, Prattville Christian, Slocomb, Montgomery Academy, Trinity Presbyterian and Wicksburg. This new alignment has this region open for any of these teams to take the area title.

Montgomery Catholic to Class 5A

After going 15-0 in their final season in Class 4A, Montgomery Catholic will be joining Class 5A Region 2. Teams such as Andalusia, Carroll, Charles Henderson, Eufaula, Greenville and Headland are a part of this region.

The 2023 Class 4A state champions will continue their city rivalry with Andalusia. However, the future matchup against Charles Henderson will be an early contender for River Region game of the year.

Five-star Alabama commit Zion Grady headlines the Charles Henderson defense and will be a force to watch for next fall. Catholic will have returning free safety Jotavion Pierce, who will be entering his senior year. He has an offer from Ole Miss and will be leading the charge for a defense who finished with nine shutout victories in 2023.

Welcome to the 7A Carver

Since Sidney Lanier and Carver will be merging together at the start of the 2024 academic year, the Wolverines will be moving up to Class 7A Region 2. This region is headlined by reigning Class 7A champions Central-Phenix City, along with Dothan, Enterprise, JAG, Opelika, Smiths Station and Auburn.

Entering a much more competitive region in comparison to last season in Class 6A, this will be an adjustment for Carver. On the bright side, the Cramton Bowl will host some blockbuster matchups next year with all the highly touted recruits in this region.

Jerry Humphrey III is a sports writer for the Montgomery Advertiser who covers area high school sports, Auburn recruiting and Alabama State athletics. Follow him on Twitter @jerryhump3.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Lee-Scott and Glenwood join AHSAA: Full AHSAA region classification analysis