The undefeated Clay-Chalkville Cougars face Saraland tonight in the AHSAA Class 6A state championship game, a rematch of their epic 2023 title clash. Both teams arrive at Protective Stadium in Birmingham with perfect records—Clay-Chalkville at 14-0 and Saraland at 13-0—setting the stage for a thrilling December 5 showdown. This one-on-one battle between top-ranked programs will determine Alabama’s elite 6A champion for 2025.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM CST (8:00 PM EST) on December 5, 2025, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham
- Records: Clay-Chalkville leads 14-0, Saraland sits 13-0—only seven undefeated teams remain in Alabama high school football
- Historical Matchup: Clay-Chalkville won the 2023 6A championship 31-28 over defending champion Saraland in thrilling fashion
- Rankings: Clay-Chalkville is nationally ranked #26 by Sporting News and holds the state’s top ranking under coach Stuart Floyd
Undefeated Powerhouses Meet in Championship Rematch
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
Clay-Chalkville comes into tonight’s championship game having not lost a single game all season. The Cougars dominated their semifinal matchup against Muscle Shoals with a 30-13 victory, continuing their dominant run through Alabama’s toughest classification. Saraland overwhelmed Benjamin Russell 38-21 in their semifinal contest, showcasing the offensive firepower that has carried them through an undefeated campaign.
This championship represents far more than a single game—it’s a rematch of the 2023 6A state title where Clay-Chalkville pulled off one of the state’s most memorable victories. That game came down to the final play, with Auburn commit DJ Barber making a crucial defensive stop to secure a 31-28 victory. Now, two years later, these programs face each other again with identical stakes: one team will claim the championship, the other will fall just short.
Strong Coaching and Perfect Records Drive Both Teams
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Head Coach Stuart Floyd has transformed Clay-Chalkville into one of Alabama’s most dominant programs. In just his second season leading the Cougars, Floyd has compiled a 23-3 record and led Clay-Chalkville to the 6A finals for the third time since 2021. The program’s 2023 state championship victory remains fresh in the program’s legacy, and Floyd looks to capture his second title tonight.
Saraland Coach Jeff Kelly brings extensive experience with 158 victories in 15 years at Saraland and 205 wins across his 22-year coaching career. The Spartans have reached four consecutive title games, showing remarkable consistency in Alabama’s highest classification. Kelly’s program has become a fixture in the state championship conversation, adding pressure to tonight’s performance.
| Team Stat | Clay-Chalkville | Saraland |
| Record | 14-0 | 13-0 |
| Last Championship Title | 2023 (31-28 vs Saraland) | 2023 Runner-up |
| Head Coach | Stuart Floyd (23-3, 2nd year) | Jeff Kelly (158 wins at Saraland) |
| Consecutive Championship Games | Third since 2021 | Fourth straight |
What Each Team Must Execute to Win Tonight
Clay-Chalkville must control the line of scrimmage and establish dominance in the trenches. The Cougars’ defense has been suffocating all season, and maintaining that pressure against Saraland’s offensive weapons will be critical. Offensively, Clay-Chalkville looks to impose their will early and force Saraland to play catch-up football.
Saraland enters with powerful offensive weapons and consistent quarterback play that has carried them through their undefeated schedule. The Spartans must strike quickly and avoid allowing Clay-Chalkville to establish their usual defensive rhythm. Saraland’s recent 38-21 semifinal victory proved their offensive capability can produce explosively, but consistency will matter against a top-ranked Cougars team.
National Attention Focuses on Top-Ranked Cougars
Clay-Chalkville brings national recognition to tonight’s championship game. The program is ranked #26 in Sporting News’ national high school football rankings and holds Alabama’s #1 state ranking across multiple publications. This level of national prominence puts additional pressure on Coach Floyd’s squad, but Clay-Chalkville has shown they thrive under championship-level expectations.
Saraland, though not nationally ranked to the same degree, represents a statewide powerhouse with four consecutive title game appearances. The Spartans have proven they belong among Alabama’s elite, and tonight provides another opportunity to claim a state championship. Both teams have earned their place in this championship game through dominant regular seasons and stellar playoff performances.
Will Clay-Chalkville Capture Back-to-Back Titles or Will Saraland Finally Break Through?
The central question heading into tonight remains simple yet compelling. Can Clay-Chalkville claim another state championship and solidify their 2025 legacy as one of the state’s dominant programs? Or will Saraland, having reached four consecutive title games, finally break through and capture their championship with Coach Kelly leading the way?
Protective Stadium in Birmingham will host what promises to be an electric championship atmosphere. With two undefeated teams, national implications, and championship legacy on the line, this 5:00 PM CT kickoff between Saraland and Clay-Chalkville represents everything high school football should be—two perfect teams, uncompromising will, and a stage set for heroics.
Sources
- AL.com – Championship game preview and coverage
- Sporting News – National rankings and live score coverage
- AHSAA – Official Alabama high school athletic association records
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.