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2026 Jacksonville Golden Eagles Team Preview

January 26, 2026
Austin Sharp
Alabama Scouting Director

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: Jacksonville Golden Eagles
Head Coach: Taylor Hayes
Classification & Area Number: Class 5A, Area 11
2025 Record (Finish): 19-19 (Sweet 16)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

RHP/INF Nick Johnson (11/9/25)

OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

  • C Parker Moore (2027)
  • OF Javian Fomby (2026)

TEAM OUTLOOK

Jacksonville enters the 2026 season coming off a 19-19 campaign in 2025 that culminated in a Sweet 16 appearance, providing valuable postseason experience for a roster that returns a veteran core. Competing in Class 5A Area 11, the Golden Eagles bring back multiple seniors who have played meaningful innings in playoff environments and will look to build on that experience as they aim to make another postseason push.

The strength of the Golden Eagles lies on the mound, where depth and experience define the staff. RHP/3B John Ducar (2026) returns as a central piece after serving as both a frontline arm and everyday contributor. He is joined by RHP/INF Matt Salmon (2026) and RHP/INF Nick Johnson (2026), giving Jacksonville multiple senior arms capable of handling significant innings. The pitching staff is further bolstered by RHP/UTL Luke Richardson (2027), RHP/OF Jackson Askew (2027), and RHP/1B Layton Owensby (2028), creating a group of six quality arms that can be mixed and matched throughout the season. Defensively, Jacksonville projects to be solid across the field, anchored by experience up the middle. OF SP Wagoner (2026) returns as a senior outfield presence, while OF Cooper Haynes (2027) adds athleticism and coverage in center field. Behind the plate, C Parker Moore (2027) provides stability and continuity, with OF Javian Fomby (2026) adding depth and flexibility in the outfield.

The projected lineup reflects Jacksonville’s balance of pitching and defense, with returning seniors filling key roles throughout the order. While run production will be an area of emphasis, the Golden Eagles believe their ability to defend and pitch will keep them competitive on a nightly basis. As head coach Taylor Hayes noted, “We have six quality arms and should be able to field a team that can play solid defense. We will be led by five seniors that have playoff baseball experience. If we can find a way to manufacture runs, we should have a chance to get out of our area and into the playoffs.” With postseason-tested leadership and pitching depth, Jacksonville enters the 2026 season positioned to remain competitive in Class 5A Area 11 and challenge for another playoff berth.

Find more information on the 2026 Jacksonville High School program below:

+ Follow them on X: @JVilleBSB
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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