Countdown to kickoff: Class 6A features a new playoff format

Sports July 16, 2026 2:00 PM The countdown to the high school football season is on, with July 17 marking 34 days until the season kicks off. Vestavia Hills will play on the first day of AHSAA competition, as the Rebels will take on Parker on Aug. 20. As kickoff approaches over the coming weeks, Vestavia Voice and Under the Lights will be counting down the days until the season begins. The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board of Control approved expanding the playoff field in the state’s largest football classification from 16 teams to 24 qualifiers at its…