Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Autauga Academy Generals moved from the Alabama Independent School Association to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) in 2024. In their first season competing in AHSAA, the Generals went 9-1 in the regular season but lost in the 1st round of the Class 1A playoffs. In their second season competing in AHSAA, Autauga Academy again finished as the #2 seed in Region 4. The Generals hosted a playoff game and defeated Choctaw County 21-12 to advance to the 2nd round of the Class 1A playoffs. It was Autauga Academy’s first playoff win in AHSAA in school history. Further, Autauga Academy was the only football team in Autauga County to win a playoff game in 2025. As a result of the successful season, the Elmore Autauga News has named Autauga Academy Coach Jeremy Carter as the Autauga County Football Coach of the Year.
“It feels great to be named (Autauga County) Coach of the Year,” said Coach Carter. “I am truly honored to receive this recognition. I have a great group of guys who have played extremely hard all season.”
In addition to moving from AISA to AHSAA, the Generals have experienced multiple challenges. Coach Carter expressed satisfaction in the way the team overcame each obstacle.
“I’m fortunate to have a dedicated coaching staff that makes my job easier and keeps everything running smoothly throughout the week. I am very proud of this team in so many ways. Over the past three years, they’ve overcome a lot – players leaving, coaches leaving- and these guys just keep pushing forward. It amazes me how they continue to get better year after year,” said Coach Carter.
Several Autauga Academy players had to play on both offense and defense for the Generals. Coach Carter cited seniors Logan Dunaway, Ke Cleveland-Cook, Barrett McIntyre, and others, as key players who contributed to the successful season.
“They played both ways and were willing to move positions each week when injuries forced us to adjust. We lost Logan, our starting quarterback, during a scrimmage before the first game and were without him for four weeks. But our guys regrouped, stepped up, and embraced the challenge. When we got Logan back around week five, they shifted again without hesitation. Like I’ve said before, these guys are tough and never back down from any opponent,” said Coach Carter.
The Generals finished as the #2 seed in Class 1A Region 4 for the second year in a row, and hosted a Class 1A playoff game. Last year, the Generals were upset in the 1st round of the playoffs. This season, Autauga Academy defeated Choctaw County to claims the school’s first ever AHSAA playoff win.
“Hosting Choctaw County and earning the first AHSAA playoff win in school history was a great moment for our players and our school. It fees incredible for these guys to be the first team to achieve that, and I was extremely proud of them because it is hard to win in the playoffs,” said Coach Carter.
Coach Carter recognizes the history made by the team’s performance on the field this year.
“As we reflect on the season, I couldn’t be more proud. Even though we didn’t end with the result we wanted, our players set a standard that means a great deal to me. I’m excited and humbled by this honor, and I want to thank my wife, Susan, for her support – there are a lot of hours during the season when we’re away from home. I’m excited for our school, our players, our coaching staff, and our community, because this honor is truly a team effort.”
