The public-private playoff split has reshaped 5A Region 1, but one thing hasn’t changed—everyone is still chasing Saraland.

Emily Cochran and Robert Ristaneo break down every team in the region, from the Spartans’ championship expectations to Gulf Shores’ playoff push, Spanish Fort’s bounce-back hopes, Theodore’s new era under Randy Larson, and what to expect from Baldwin County, Blount, Elberta, and Murphy.

Plus, predictions for the region race and the players to watch heading into the 2026 high school football season.

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