From Wetumpka to Alabama Christian, four Montgomery-area high school football teams set for turnarounds in 2024

Montgomery Catholic winning the 4A state championship last year was no surprise to the Montgomery community, especially as the squad looks to repeat in 2024 with some key players returning. Pike Road was one game away from advancing to the 6A state championship and is considered an early favorite for states this year.

Aside from the local powerhouses, who were some of the teams from last year that can replicate or drastically improve from a year ago?

Here are four Montgomery-area teams who could make some noise following a substandard 2023 season.

Percy Julian Phoenix

Last season, Percy Julian finished 5-5 in a grueling Class 7A schedule. Now in Class 6A, the school brought in Kenneth White over the offseason to takeover as head coach. The Phoenix will be in the same region as local schools like Pike Road, Park Crossing, Stanhope Elmore and Wetumpka. With all competition gunning for a postseason berth, this will be a true test for coach White’s first season at the helm of the Percy Julian football program.

Alabama Christian Eagles

The Eagles finished 6-5 in 2023, falling in the first round of the playoffs. Moving from region three to region two in Class 3A, the Eagles will face familiar competition from the Montgomery-area. With coach Micheal Summers entering his fourth season, he will have senior athlete AC Walters to lead the offense.

Park Crossing Thunderbirds

Park Crossing hired Charles Biggers as its coach after a disappointing 3-7 record to conclude the 2023 campaign. With a lot of new players coming from the baseball and basketball teams, this season will be a transition year for the Thunderbirds in a high powered Class 6A. With an open week in late September, the final stretch of the season will be against local rivals with key playoff implications.

Wetumpka Indians

The Indians kicked off their 2024 season by winning the Battle of the County 7-on-7 tournament. They outlasted Holtville, Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County and Tallassee. With lots of talent on both sides, the squad has drummed up a lot of excitement heading into Bear Woods third season as coach. The season-opening game against Beauregard will set the tone for the Indians year.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: From Wetumpka to Alabama Christian, four Montgomery-area high school football teams set for turnarounds in 2024