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On Monday, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) announced the reclassification for fall sports for the 2024-2026 seasons and a number of schools in The Messenger’s coverage area are affected.

On the football side, Charles Henderson’s already tough Class 5A, Region 2 got even tougher with the addition of 2022 Class 4A State Champion Andalusia and 2023 Class 4A State Champion Montgomery-Catholic. Those schools join Charles Henderson, Carroll, Eufaula, Greenville and Headland. Rehobeth is no longer a part of the region.

Pike County now moves up to Class 4A for the first time since 1999. The Bulldogs were previously members of Class 4A from 1984 until 1999, winning back-to-back state championships in 1988 and 1989.

New Brockton, Opp, Straughn, Daleville and Ashford will join the Bulldogs in 4A, Region 2, all moving up from 3A. Dale County and Geneva round out the new look region.

Pike Liberal Arts joins a region for the first time since moving to the AHSAA as they will play in the new look 2A, Region 3 alongside Goshen, Highland Home, Barbour County, Luverne, Calhoun and Zion Chapel. Calhoun moves up from 1A and the trio of Horseshoe Bend, LaFayette and Reeltown join Region 4, which will make road trips much more management for the schools in Region 3.

Ariton remains a part of 2A, Region 2, which sees Providence Christian joining down from 3A and Houston County moving up from 1A. Samson, Geneva County, GW Long, Cottonwood and Abbeville round out the region.

On the volleyball side, Charles Henderson will be joined by Andalusia, Greenville and Brebwaker Tech in 5A, Area 3. Pike County moves up to 4A, Area 4 alongside New Brockton, Opp and Straughn with the entire area being made up of teams formerly in 3A.

Pike Lib remains in Class 2A, Area 3 along with Goshen, Luverne and Zion Chapel. Meanwhile, Ariton will be in Area 4 with Abbeville, Barbour County and GW Long.

Winter sports and spring sports reclassifications will be announced following those respective seasons.