The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its all-state football team in late December, featuring players from Hewitt-Trussville and Clay-Chalkville high schools. The Cougars' coach, Drew Gilmer, was named the Class 6A Coach of the Year, leading the team to their second state championship in three seasons. The Cougars defeated Thompson and Saraland, securing their fourth state crown. Hewitt-Trussville's Peyton Floyd and Clay-Chalkville's Jaylen Mbakwe, both quarterbacks, were recognized as athletes on the first team. Floyd contributed to the Huskies' first state semifinal appearance since 1996, while Mbakwe, also expected to play defensive back at Alabama, led the Cougars to the state title. In total, six players from both schools made the first team.

By the Numbers
  • 45 touchdowns and over 3,500 yards: Total stats for Hewitt-Trussville's Peyton Floyd.
  • More than 3,000 total yards: Accumulated by Clay-Chalkville's Jaylen Mbakwe, also leading the Cougars to the state title.
  • More than 1,000 all-purpose yards: Achieved by Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver.
  • Over 130 tackles: Accumulated by Clay-Chalkville linebacker DJ Barber, including the game-sealing tackle on the final play of the state championship.
State of Play
  • Drew Gilmer, the Cougars' coach, received the Class 6A Coach of the Year award.
  • The Cougars secured their second state championship in three seasons.
  • The six selected players from both schools contributed to their respective teams' remarkable performances.