The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Alabama.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the Jacksonville/Oxford/Montgomery area at the AISA or AHSAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason top-10 rankings in each AHSAA classification.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week, updating the top-10 ranks in each AHSAA classification, as well updating our Power 25 overall rankings. One thing, especially, you don’t want to miss are our scheduled podcasts with guests from across the state, as well as the recaps and previews of the big games we’re covering.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

High School: Central-Coosa County Cougars
Head Coach: Clay Shearer
Classification & Area Number: Class 2A, Area 8
2025 Record (Finish): 7-21 (No Postseason)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• RHP/UTL Bryant Wickersham (2026)
• RHP/UTL CJ Franklin (2029)
• RHP/UTL Ethan Cosby (2027)
• OF/RHP Jacob Stevens (2027)
• 1B/RHP Eli Self (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• UTL Haven Williams (2030)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Central-Coosa County enters the 2026 season looking to turn the page after a 7-21 finish in 2025 that did not result in a postseason appearance. Competing in Class 2A Area 8, the Cougars are a very young roster, with just one senior and a heavy underclass presence, but there is optimism surrounding the direction of the program as the group continues to develop and gain experience.

The Cougars return several versatile contributors who will be leaned on throughout the spring. RHP/UTL Bryant Wickersham (2026) returns as a key defender and experienced senior presence. RHP/UTL Ethan Cosby (2027) and OF/RHP Jacob Stevens (2027) provide additional two-way options, while 1B/RHP Eli Self (2027) adds depth both in the lineup and on the mound. One of the younger pieces expected to play a major role is RHP/UTL CJ Franklin (2029), who returns as a strong defender and one of the top offensive pieces in the lineup, while continuing to develop as a long-term prospect within the program. Additional underclass depth comes from UTL Haven Williams (2030), who adds athleticism and flexibility as Central-Coosa County continues to evaluate roles throughout the season.

Athleticism and energy define the Cougars’ identity heading into 2026, with an emphasis on growth, competitiveness, and culture. As head coach Clay Shearer noted, “There is a lot of excitement going into 2026. The players know we have our work cut out for us, but have already begun to shift the culture in a positive direction. Our entire program has been very coachable and has bought in to bringing good energy every day. We only have one senior and are full of underclassmen, so we will continue making some huge strides throughout the season.” With a youthful roster and a renewed focus on development, Central-Coosa County enters the 2026 season aiming to take meaningful steps forward in Class 2A.

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Find more information on the 2026 Central High School Coosa County program below:

+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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