The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) soccer state championships in Huntsville are facing a major shake-up, as projected severe weather has forced officials to adjust the schedule. What was set to be an action-packed Wednesday has turned into a logistical shuffle, with key matches being pushed to Thursday and Friday to keep players and fans safe.
The tournament encountered its first hiccup Wednesday morning, as storms rolled through the area, delaying the start of the Class 4A girls semifinals by about 45 minutes. But with the National Weather Service issuing a level two risk of severe storms—including wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail, and even tornadoes—for north Alabama around 4 p.m., the decision was made to move the remaining Wednesday games. The Class 1-3A semifinals, originally scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 6, will now take place on Thursday, May 7, to dodge the worst of the weather. Additionally, the Class 1-3A boys championship has been bumped from Friday morning at 9 a.m. to Friday at 4:30 p.m., giving teams extra time to recover.
The weather threat doesn't stop there. With flooding possible in the Huntsville area, the impacts could linger into Thursday, potentially affecting the final four matchups. It's a reminder of how unpredictable spring sports can be in the South, where soccer titles and storm watches often go hand in hand.
For fans and families planning to attend, here's the updated slate of games. On Wednesday, May 6, the action kicks off early and runs through the afternoon: Field 1 features Orange Beach girls vs. St. Luke's Episcopal at 9:45 a.m., followed by Westminster Oak Mountain boys vs. Saint James at 11:45 a.m., Indian Springs girls vs. St. Michael Catholic at 1:45 p.m., and Indian Springs boys vs. St. Michael Catholic at 3:45 p.m. On Field 2, Mars Hill Bible girls face St. John Paul II at 9:45 a.m., Mars Hill Bible boys take on St. John Paul II at 11:45 a.m., Guntersville girls battle John Carroll Catholic at 1:45 p.m., and Springville boys meet Russellville at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 7, picks up the postponed 1-3A semifinals: Field 1 hosts Northridge girls vs. St. Paul's Episcopal at 9 a.m., Briarwood Christian boys vs. St. Paul's at 11 a.m., Lee-Scott Academy girls vs. Tuscaloosa Academy at 5 p.m., and Altamont boys vs. Lee-Scott Academy at 7 p.m. Field 2 features Bob Jones boys vs. Hewitt-Trussville at 3 p.m., Donoho girls vs. Whitesburg Christian at 5 p.m., and Madison Academy boys at 7 p.m.
Stay tuned for updates as the tournament navigates the weather, and pack your rain gear—this championship week is proving to be as dramatic off the field as on it.