SYLACAUGA, Ala. - Sylacauga will be moving down to Class 4A beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, following an announcement from the Alabama High School Athletic Association on Friday morning.

The change comes as the AHSAA finalized its decision to separate public and private schools. Public schools will compete in six classifications, 1A through 6A, while private schools will compete in Single-A and Double-A divisions.

As part of the restructuring, the AHSAA has eliminated Class 7A for public schools, a division that was introduced in 2014. Under the new format, the 32 public schools with the highest enrollment will compete in Class 6A. The next 65 schools will be placed in 5A, with the remaining schools evenly distributed through the lower classifications.

Fall sport classifications have been released and are listed below. Classifications for winter and spring sports are expected to be announced at the conclusion of each current season.

Cross Country
Class 4A, Section 2
Beauregard, Booker T. Washington, Brewbaker Tech, Central High School of Clay County, Demopolis, Elmore County, Holtville, Jemison, Marbury, Montevallo, Shelby County, Sylacauga, Valley

Football
Class 4A, Region 6
Alexandria, Anniston, Central High School of Clay County, Jacksonville, Leeds, Lincoln, Moody, Sylacauga

Volleyball
Class 4A, Area 10
Central High School of Clay County, Moody, Shelby County, Sylacauga