Tuscaloosa Academy’s Preston Lancaster Enters Super 7 Finals as AHSAA’s Career Passing Leader

December 6, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Tuscaloosa Academy quarterback Preston Lancaster is set to take the field in the Super 7 Class 2A state football finals as the AHSAA’s all-time career passing yards leader.

According to the AHSAA Record Book, Lancaster surpassed the previous record held by Jack Hayes of Piedmont (2018–2022). Hayes completed 721 of 1,169 passes for 11,024 yards and 158 touchdowns during his career. Lancaster achieved the milestone with a strong performance in the 20–14 semifinal victory over Sulligent, completing 23 of 30 passes for 286 yards. This brought his season totals to 256 completions in 353 attempts for 4,029 yards and 45 touchdowns. Over his four-year career, Lancaster has accumulated 11,129 passing yards. He now needs 153 more yards in the finals to break the single-season passing yards record for the AHSAA.

Lancaster will lead Tuscaloosa Academy against Reeltown today at 3 p.m. at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. Over his 51-game career, Lancaster has completed 726 of 1,037 passes for 11,129 yards and 122 touchdowns, with only three interceptions in 353 attempts this season.

By setting the career passing yards record, Lancaster has surpassed some of the most celebrated quarterbacks in AHSAA history, including JaMarcus Russell of Williamson, Bo Nix of Pinson Valley, and Chris Smelley of American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa. Russell went on to play at LSU and became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Nix, who was a Heisman finalist, now plays for the Denver Broncos after being selected 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Smelley excelled at South Carolina under Coach Steve Spurrier and is currently the head football coach at Sylacauga High School.

The AHSAA single-season passing yards record currently belongs to Tyler Caldwell of Cullman, who threw for 4,132 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2008 while completing 310 of 530 pass attempts. Smelley ranks second with 4,120 yards and 59 touchdowns in 2005, completing 220 of 374 passes. Lancaster’s 3,941 passing yards last season ranked third all-time until he surpassed that mark with his latest performance against Sulligent.

AHSAA Career Passing Yards Leaders:

11,129 – Preston Lancaster, Tuscaloosa Academy (2021–2024) – 726 of 1,037, 122 TDs
11,024 – Jack Hayes, Piedmont (2018–2022) – 721 of 1,169, 158 TDs
10,774 – JaMarcus Russell, Williamson (1999–2002)
10,386 – Bo Nix, Pinson Valley (2015–2018) – 687 of 1,223, 127 TDs
10,385 – Chris Smelley, American Christian (2002–2005)