Maplesville Dethrones Defending Champ Wadley to Claim Class 1A State Title

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Maplesville Red Devils secured the 2025 AHSAA Class 1A state championship, capping a perfect season with a decisive 42-22 victory over the defending champions, Wadley. The win, which took place at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, not only earned the Red Devils their first blue map since 2016 but also served as redemption for their 2024 title game loss to the very same opponent. The victory brought Wadley’s impressive 26-game winning streak to an end.

A Mission of Revenge

The game was the culmination of what Maplesville (15-0) players and coaches called their “revenge tour.” After losing to Wadley (13-1) in the 2024 championship, the Red Devils were determined to rewrite the script. The mission was clear from the start: finish what they started and bring the championship trophy back to Maplesville.

This victory was particularly meaningful for Head Coach Brad Abbott, a Maplesville graduate himself. “To be the head coach to bring another state championship to Maplesville, it means the world to me,” Abbott said. The team had been tracking Wadley’s scores all season, hoping for another chance to face them in the final. That determination paid off, allowing them to avenge last year’s 37-7 defeat.

Key Performances and Game-Changing Moments

Maplesville established control early, building a 14-0 lead. Quarterback Pearce Yeargan was a triple threat, scoring on a 4-yard run, catching a 3-yard touchdown pass from Eli Hubbert, and throwing a 59-yard touchdown pass to Ty Bailey. By halftime, the Red Devils held a 21-14 lead.

The second half belonged to sophomore running back Nehemiah McCary. He exploded for 159 of his 182 total rushing yards after halftime, scoring on powerful runs of 21 and 51 yards. His performance was crucial in extending Maplesville’s lead and putting the game out of reach.

Senior Eli Hubbert, who returned to Maplesville for his final season, was named the game’s MVP. Hubbert’s impact was felt across the field; he threw a touchdown pass, rushed for a 7-yard touchdown, and led the defense with seven tackles. “We had one mission,” Hubbert stated simply, reflecting the team’s focused mindset.

Wadley’s Streak Snapped

The game took a significant turn when Wadley’s star senior and Auburn signee, Jaquez Wilkes, suffered an ankle injury in the first half and did not return. Wilkes, who was the MVP of the 2024 championship game, was limited to 43 yards and one touchdown. His absence was a critical blow to the Bulldogs’ offense. Maplesville capitalized on the opportunity, scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the second half to solidify their lead.

Wadley coach Dake Rivers acknowledged the challenges his team faced. “It wasn’t our best night,” he remarked. Turnovers also hurt the Bulldogs, including two lost fumbles that led directly to Maplesville scores. Despite the loss, Cortavion Lynch contributed 87 rushing yards and a touchdown for Wadley.

A Historic Win for Maplesville

This championship marks Maplesville’s fifth state football title in school history, with previous wins in 1996, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The victory fulfills a long-held prediction by the coaching staff, who saw championship potential in this group of players when they were in seventh grade.

The Red Devils dominated throughout their undefeated season, outscoring opponents by a staggering 711-67 margin. Their victory in the Wadley vs. Maplesville rivalry showdown was a fitting conclusion to a perfect run, securing their place in the AHSAA history books