The wait for Alabama high school football is almost over.
The 2026 AHSAA football season kicks off Thursday, Aug. 20, as teams across the Tuscaloosa area take the field for Week 0 and begin the long road toward December’s state championships. The regular season will ultimately lead into the first round of the AHSAA playoffs on Nov. 6, with four rounds determining which teams advance to the state championships Dec. 2-5.
The AISA football season kicks off Friday, Aug. 21, with playoffs beginning Nov. 6 and the state championships Nov. 19.
Here is the Week 0 schedule for Tuscaloosa-area football teams. Most games kick off at 7 p.m. CT, but fans should check with schools to confirm.
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AHSAA football Week 0 schedule in Tuscaloosa area
Thursday, Aug. 20
- Northridge at American Christian
Friday, Aug. 21
- Choctaw County at Sumter Central
- Pickens County at Aliceville
- Hale County at Berry
- Bibb County at Trinity
- Center Point at Central
- Fayette County at Gordo
- Hillcrest at Tuscaloosa County
- R.C. Hatch at Holt
- Waterloo at Holy Spirit
- University Charter at Hubbertville
- Lamar County at South Lamar
- Excel at Linden
- Winfield at Northside
- Paul W. Bryant at Albertville
- Vina at Pickens Academy
- Marion County at Sipsey Valley
- Sulligent at Tuscaloosa Academy
Saturday, Aug. 22
- Greensboro at Columbia
AISA football Week 0 schedule in Tuscaloosa area
Friday, Aug. 21
- East Central Homeschool at Tuscaloosa Christian
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at ahurley@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama high school football Week 0 schedule for AHSAA, AISA teams