‘IT’S BEEN A FUN GROUP’: No. 6 Addison to battle top-ranked Wadley for spot in Class 1A title recreation

‘IT’S BEEN A FUN GROUP’: No. 6 Addison to battle top-ranked Wadley for spot in Class 1A title recreation

Published 4:41 pm Monday, November 24, 2025

When Mark Hastings took over at Addison again in April, the longtime coach shortly adopted a win-now mindset.

Given this system’s seemingly infinite provide of athletes and its ever-present custom, it’s no huge shock that expectations for the 2025 season have been sky-high.

Fast-forward seven months, and that preliminary optimism has remodeled into alternative because the Class 1A No. 6 Bulldogs host a semifinal matchup Friday night time for an opportunity to advance to the state championship recreation for the primary time since profitable the 1A title in 2005.

As for a way they acquired right here, Hastings began the place most tales do — at first.

“The kids did a great job of learning what we wanted to do,” he mentioned. “They put in the effort to learn it and then to execute it. They were like sponges. That particular stage was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I have to give a lot of credit to the kids and our coaches.”

In Hastings’ inaugural season, Addison (12-1) earned its first area title since 2018 and set a college document for factors scored in a single season with 577 … and counting.

According to the coach, the boldness to supply a marketing campaign like that materialized sooner reasonably than later.

“I think when we beat Winston County to open the season and then beat Hackleburg in Week 4, we knew that we had a chance to win the region,” he mentioned. “That was an eye-opener. The kids realized that if we kept getting better, we had a chance to be pretty good.”

The Bulldogs have dispatched Ragland, Berry and Marion County thus far this postseason.

Addison’s subsequent problem, although, shall be its hardest so far, with defending state champion and No. 1 Wadley rolling into A.G. Hicks Stadium on a 25-game win streak.

The Bulldogs (13-0) are led by Auburn commit and consensus 4-star prospect Jaquez Wilkes, who ran for 371 yards and 6 touchdowns final week in a 62-38 victory over No. 5 Hubbertville, in keeping with The Randolph Leader.

Wadley ranks No. 3 in scoring offense (51.6) and scoring protection (13.0), whereas Addison is available in at No. 4 in scoring offense (48.0) and No. 5 in scoring protection (15.0).

“It’s pretty easy to see why they are 25-0 (in their last 25 games),” Hastings mentioned. “They are really big, have lots of speed and play physical. It’s hard to move the ball on them because they can fly around. Offensively, you can make two or three stops in a row, but eventually, one of their running backs gets loose. Lots of weapons.”

Hastings’ group, nevertheless, isn’t with out playmakers, and it’s proven all through the season.

It begins with junior quarterback Elijah Roberts, who has accounted for 41 touchdowns and greater than 2,100 whole yards. Defensively, Conner Lane has notched 9 interceptions, together with three pick-sixes, for a unit that’s allowed eight or fewer factors in seven video games.

Seth Hammack, Judah Wilkins and Trennon Burns — amongst others — have been regular contributors as nicely.

“The key for us is going to be controlling the ball,” Hastings mentioned. “Defensively, we know we’re going to give up some points, but we’re hoping to limit the big plays, make a play here or there, and maybe capitalize on a turnover or mistake.”

The winner of Friday’s matchup will play No. 2 Maplesville or No. 3 Leroy at UAB’s Protective Stadium.

Regardless of the result, Hastings is grateful to have coached this specific assortment of Bulldogs.

“It’s been a fun group,” he mentioned. “You like everybody, they like everybody. There’s no jealousy — everyone pulls for each other. I think the dynamic of this team itself has been a great experience.”