Ever since UMS-Wright won three straight state titles from 2017-19, Alabama high school football’s Class 4A has seen two new state champions across each of the last two seasons in Handley and defending champion Vigor. With the Wolves having reclassified to Class 5A, however, we are guaranteed a new 4A state champion again in 2022. Who will that team be? Following is a look at a few that stand out.
The Favorite: Montgomery Catholic
The Knights were one of the most dominant teams in the state regardless of classification a year ago, but were upset in the semifinal round of the playoffs. Having since reclassified from Class 3A, Montgomery Catholic is the preseason favorite in Alabama Class 4A. They’re led by the returning backfield duo of quarterback Caleb McCreary and running back Jeremiah Cobb.
Biggest Threat to Favorite: Montgomery Academy
With multiple teams to choose from here, why not pick the one team that beat Montgomery Catholic last season? The Eagles have also reclassified from Class 3A, where they finished as the state runner-up a year ago, and return a few key names headlined by running back Jashawn Cooper.
Teams to Watch For: Andalusia, Handley, Jackson, Oneonta
Of this group, Oneonta made the deepest run in the playoffs a year ago, with the Redskins finishing as the Alabama Class 4A runner-up. Jackson defeated Handley last season in the 4A quarterfinal round, while Andalusia reclassified to 4A after reaching the 5A semifinals a year ago.
Top Offensive Names Returning
- RB Jeremiah Cobb (Montgomery Catholic)
- OL RyQueze McElderry (Anniston)
- WR Christian Ross (Dale County)
- WR Nic Strong (Randolph)
- RB J’Marion Burnette (Andalusia)
- RB Mason Cartee (Priceville)
- RB Jashawn Cooper (Montgomery Academy)
- OL Brody Stewart (Andalusia)
- WR Chance Henderson (American Christian)
- QB Caleb McCreary (Montgomery Catholic)
Headlining the returning talent in Class 4A on the offensive side of the ball is the state’s top running back in Montgomery Catholic four-star Jeremiah Cobb, as well as three-star Anniston offensive lineman RyQueze McElderry. The skill positions also return a notable amount of talent with names such as Christian Ross, Nic Strong, Mason Cartee, and Chance Henderson, plus Jashawn Cooper and Caleb McCreary moving up from 3A.
Top Defensive Names Returning
- S Sylvester Smith (Munford)
- DL Jaeden Jackson (Andalusia)
- CB Jayden Lewis (Anniston)
- DL Dearion Prothro (Cleburne County)
- DB Chris Pearson (Orange Beach)
- DL Tae Diamond (Cherokee County)
- DL Brendan Parsons (Northside)
- LB Jalen Pickens (Jackson)
- DB Conner Goodson (Randolph)
- DB Jordan West (Handley)
Likely the biggest returning name in Alabama Class 4A on the defensive side of the ball is Munford defensive back Sylvester Smith, while rising Anniston junior cornerback Jayden Lewis is not far behind. Another notable name to watch out for is Orange Beach two-way star Chris Pearson, with the Makos having reclassified from 2A in the offseason.
Notable New Teams: Montgomery Academy, Montgomery Catholic, Orange Beach
Montgomery Academy and Montgomery Catholic both reclassify from Class 3A, with both expected to be two of the top teams in 4A this season. Orange Beach on the other hand reclassify from Class 2A, and will be entering year one under new head coach Jamey DuBose.
2022 Class 4A Final Four Prediction: Andalusia, Montgomery Academy, Montgomery Catholic, Oneonta
Class 4A runner-up Oneonta is arguably the team set to make the deepest run again this season. I’ll say that the Redskins return to the final four in 4A, joined by three new teams to the classification this upcoming season – Andalusia, Montgomery Academy, and Montgomery Catholic
2022 Class 4A State Champion Prediction: Montgomery Catholic
You could’ve said they were the top team in 3A a year ago, and could very easily do the same in 4A this season. I’ll say that the Knights win the Class 4A state title, with the backfield duo of McCreary and Cobb a big reason why.
