If you were anywhere near Huntsville’s John Hunt Park in early May, you felt it. That thick, nervous energy that only bubbles up when a season’s worth of sweat comes down to a single whistle. The Alabama high school soccer playoffs 2025 weren't just another notch in the AHSAA history books; they were a chaotic, beautiful mess of underdog stories and powerhouse dynasties proving why they own the crown.
Honestly, high school soccer in Alabama has reached a point where the "traditional" powers can’t just show up and expect a blue map. You’ve got teams from every corner of the state playing at a level that, frankly, we haven't seen before.
The Giants Who Refused to Blink
Let's talk about Oak Mountain for a second. Coming into the postseason, they weren't just good—they were a juggernaut. We're talking about a team that sat at the very top of the national rankings with a pristine 29-0-0 record. That’s a lot of weight to carry into a playoff bracket where everyone is gunning for you.
In Class 7A, the pressure was immense. The Rebels of Vestavia Hills, however, found their own rhythm on the girls' side. They took down Auburn 3-1 in the final. It wasn't a fluke. It was a tactical masterclass. Auburn is a great team, don't get me wrong, but Vestavia just had that extra gear in the second half.
On the boys' side of 7A, it was a different story. Montgomery Academy made a statement that echoed all the way to Mobile. They faced Oak Mountain in a game that felt more like a professional derby than a high school match. In a nail-biter that basically had everyone in the stands holding their breath, Montgomery Academy pulled off a 2-1 victory to secure the title. Oak Mountain's undefeated run ended at the worst possible time, but that's soccer. It's cruel and brilliant all at once.
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Class 6A: The Spanish Fort vs. Southside Showdown
Class 6A felt like a collision course from the start. Spanish Fort and Southside-Gadsden were the names on everyone’s lips. Southside had Camren Thompson, a kid who basically lived in the opponent's box all season, racking up 47 goals.
But when the championship game rolled around, defense won out. Southside managed to stifle a very aggressive Spanish Fort attack, securing a 2-0 win. It was a "blue-collar" win. No flashy 40-yard screamers, just solid positioning and a keeper who refused to be beaten.
Small Schools, Big Drama: 1A-3A and 4A
Don't let the smaller classifications fool you. The quality of play in 1A-3A was absurdly high. Collinsville became the talk of the tournament. Watching them dismantle Susan Moore 4-1 in the semifinals was a lesson in transition play.
- They won the 1A-3A Boys State Championship.
- They did it by beating Tuscaloosa Academy 5-2 in the final.
- Nate Selig from Houston Academy might have had the most insane individual season with 75 goals, but Collinsville had the better team when it mattered.
In Class 4A, St. John Paul II showed why they are a perennial threat. Their girls' team brought home a blue map, and they did it with a defensive discipline that made them almost impossible to score on during the late rounds. Guntersville matched that energy on the boys' side, taking the 5A title after a grueling path through the bracket.
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The Players Who Defined the Season
You can't talk about the Alabama high school soccer playoffs 2025 without mentioning Aaron Herrera from Collinsville. The guy had 27 assists. In high school soccer, that's a video game number. He wasn't just kicking the ball; he was carving defenses open like a Thanksgiving turkey.
Then there's Anthony Osorto from White Plains. He finished with over 100 points. He's the kind of player who makes you sit up in your seat every time he touches the ball because you know something is about to happen.
- Nate Selig (Houston Academy): 75 goals. Just let that sink in.
- Luke Jovanovich (Oak Mountain): 26 assists and the engine of a national #1 team.
- Mark Flynn (St. Michael): A literal wall in goal.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Playoffs
People think the "Huntsville factor" doesn't matter. It does. Moving the finals to John Hunt Park creates an atmosphere that's different from a home-field advantage. The turf is faster. The lights feel brighter. Some kids thrive on it; others get "Huntsville legs" and tire out by the 60th minute.
Also, there's this weird myth that the North dominates soccer in this state. While the North is strong, look at what the South and Central teams did this year. The gap is closing, and it’s closing fast.
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Looking Ahead: What Now?
If you're a coach, player, or just a fan who spent way too much money on stadium nachos this May, the work for 2026 starts about... three days ago.
The 2025 season proved that star power (like Selig’s 75 goals) is incredible, but depth wins blue maps. If you want to be standing on that podium next year, you need more than one striker. You need a backline that communicates and a midfield that doesn't panic when they're down 1-0 in the 70th minute.
For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the rising sophomores at schools like Montgomery Academy and Southside. The talent pool is getting deeper, and the 2026 season is already shaping up to be even more competitive.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Athletes:
- Follow the AHSAA official brackets: Don't rely on word-of-mouth; the official site is the only way to track real-time changes.
- Review the 2025 film: If you're a player, watch the 7A and 6A finals. Notice the spacing and how the winners handled high-press situations.
- Support local club soccer: Most of these playoff stars are forged in the ECNL and local clubs during the off-season. That's where the real development happens.
The 2025 playoffs are over, but the shift in Alabama soccer power is just beginning.